from גָּדַד (in the sense of cutting); coriander seed (from its furrows); coriander.
Transliteration:gad
Pronunciation:gad
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גַּד (gad, `{{H1407}}`) refers specifically to "coriander" or "coriander seed." Its etymological root is linked to the verb גָּדַד (gadad, `{{H1413}}`), meaning "to cut, to cut oneself, to make incisions." The connection to coriander is understood from the distinctive furrowed or ridged surface of the coriander seed, which gives the impression of being "cut" or incised. Thus, the word describes the botanical item, *Coriandrum sativum*, particularly its small, round, and aromatic seed. The semantic range is quite narrow, focused solely on this plant and its seed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גַּד (gad, `{{H1407}}`) appears in two key passages within the Pentateuch, both describing the miraculous manna provided by God to the Israelites in the wilderness:
* **[[Exodus 16:31]]**: "Now the house of Israel called its name manna; and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey." Here, גַּד serves as a primary descriptor for the manna's physical appearance, specifically its size and shape. The comparison to coriander seed, a commonly known small, round object, would have immediately conveyed a concrete image to the Israelites. The additional details of its whiteness and sweet taste further elaborate on this divine provision.
* **[[Numbers 11:7]]**: "Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like bdellium." This verse reiterates the comparison to coriander seed, reinforcing the manna's consistent appearance. The addition of "bdellium" (`{{H916}}`), a translucent, resinous gum, likely describes the manna's color or translucent quality, complementing the size/shape comparison provided by גַּד. This description appears in the context of the Israelites' discontent and longing for the foods of Egypt, making the manna's humble, consistent appearance a point of contrast.
In both contexts, גַּד is not merely a botanical reference but a crucial element in depicting the miraculous nature and physical attributes of the manna, God's daily sustenance for His people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root גָּדַד (gadad, `{{H1413}}`), from which גַּד (gad) is derived, emphasizing the "cut" or "furrowed" aspect that gives the coriander seed its name. Conceptually, גַּד is inextricably linked to:
* **Manna**: The miraculous bread from heaven, central to Israel's wilderness experience. The description of manna as "like coriander seed" helps define its physical properties.
* **Divine Provision**: The broader theme of God's faithfulness in sustaining His people in the wilderness, even when they were ungrateful.
* **Bdellium**: Another substance (`{{H916}}`) used in [[Numbers 11:7]] to describe the manna's appearance, often thought to refer to its translucent, pearl-like quality.
* **Food in the Wilderness**: The entire narrative of Israel's journey from Egypt, marked by God's daily provision of food and water.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גַּד (gad, `{{H1407}}`) is primarily derived from its exclusive association with the manna.
1. **Divine Meticulousness and Provision**: The specific and consistent description of the manna, down to its resemblance to a common coriander seed, highlights God's precise and faithful provision. It was not a vague or undefined substance but something tangible and recognizable, albeit miraculous in its origin and daily appearance. This detail underscores the reality and sufficiency of God's care for His people.
2. **Humility of God's Sustenance**: The coriander seed is small and unassuming. Its comparison to the manna might subtly emphasize the humble nature of God's daily provision, teaching Israel dependence not on impressive displays of power, but on consistent, sufficient grace. It was not a feast of lavish foods, but simple sustenance.
3. **Symbol of Dependence**: The Israelites were entirely dependent on this daily provision, described in part by גַּד. This physical dependence served as a spiritual lesson in relying solely on God for their sustenance and life, a theme echoed in the New Testament concerning spiritual bread and Christ himself ([[John 6:31-35]]).
4. **Forecasting Spiritual Truths**: While not directly stated, the manna, and its description, serves as a powerful type or shadow, pointing to the true Bread from Heaven, Jesus Christ, who provides spiritual sustenance for eternal life. The small, seemingly insignificant coriander seed thus participates in a grander theological narrative of God's ultimate provision.
### Summary
גַּד (gad, `{{H1407}}`) is a Hebrew noun meaning "coriander" or "coriander seed," derived from a root suggesting "cutting" or "furrows," likely referring to the seed's distinctive ridged surface. Its two biblical occurrences ([[Exodus 16:31]], [[Numbers 11:7]]) are exclusively found in the descriptions of the miraculous manna provided to the Israelites in the wilderness. In these contexts, גַּד serves to describe the manna's small, round, and white appearance, making it relatable to a known object. Theologically, the word underscores God's meticulous and faithful provision, the humble nature of His sustenance, and Israel's utter dependence upon Him. As a descriptor of the manna, גַּד participates in a narrative that foreshadows the ultimate spiritual sustenance provided by God.
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