### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gêb**, represented by `{{H1357}}`, means **locust**. Its definition suggests a connection to the act of cutting. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it is used to create a powerful simile.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{H1357}}` is in [[Isaiah 33:4]]. In this verse, the gathering of an enemy's spoil is compared to the destructive swarming of insects. The text states that the spoil will be gathered like a caterpillar gathers, and the plunderers will move over it "as the running to and fro of **locusts**." This usage vividly portrays a scene of swift, chaotic, and total plundering, using the familiar image of a locust swarm's relentless movement to illustrate the action.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify the imagery associated with `{{H1357}}`:
* `{{H2625}}` **châçîyl** (caterpillar): Defined as "the ravager, i.e. a locust; caterpillar." This word appears in the same verse and is often used alongside terms for locusts to describe devastating plagues and armies sent by God [[Joel 2:25]].
* `{{H4944}}` **mashshâq** (running to and fro): This word, defined as "a traversing, i.e. rapid motion," is used to describe the specific movement of the locusts `{{H1357}}` in [[Isaiah 33:4]], emphasizing their quick and comprehensive coverage.
* `{{H8264}}` **shâqaq** (run): The root verb from which `{{H4944}}` derives, meaning "to course (like a beast of prey); by implication, to seek greedily." This adds a sense of aggressive, predatory hunger to the motion of the locusts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1357}}` is tied entirely to its singular, illustrative use.
* **Imagery of Judgment:** The locust is used metaphorically to depict the agents of divine judgment. The "running to and fro" of locusts in [[Isaiah 33:4]] illustrates the overwhelming and rapid manner in which the spoil `{{H7998}}` of God's enemies will be seized.
* **Natural World as a Metaphor:** The term demonstrates how scripture uses phenomena from the natural world to explain divine actions. The recognizable, swarming behavior of a locust becomes a symbol for an unstoppable and thorough force.
* **Swift Plunder:** The simile in [[Isaiah 33:4]] connects the movement of the **gêb** locust directly to the verb "run" `{{H8264}}`, characterizing the plunder of the enemy as a swift and greedy action, leaving nothing behind.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H1357}}` **gêb** is one of the rarest words in the biblical text, its single use offers a potent and memorable image. It functions as a powerful simile in [[Isaiah 33:4]] to depict the speed and completeness of plunder during an act of judgment. Its meaning is sharpened by surrounding words that describe ravaging insects and rapid, predatory motion, contributing a vivid detail to the prophetic message.
TRV