### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâdâh**, represented by `{{H1415}}`, refers to the **bank** or border of a river. Derived from an unused root meaning "to cut off," it describes the edge of a waterway as if it were cut into by the stream. It appears only **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, consistently used to depict a river at its most powerful, overflowing its natural boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H1415}}` is almost exclusively associated with the Jordan River at flood stage. It sets the scene for the miraculous Israelite crossing, noting that the Jordan "overfloweth all his **banks**" during the harvest, making the subsequent parting of the waters even more profound [[Joshua 3:15]]. After the crossing, the waters returned and "flowed over all his **banks**" as before, confirming the divine nature of the event [[Joshua 4:18]]. The term is also used to describe the courage of warriors who crossed the overflowing Jordan to join David [[1 Chronicles 12:15]]. Figuratively, it is used in Isaiah's prophecy where the invading Assyrian army is described as a great river that will "go over all his **banks**," symbolizing an overwhelming and unstoppable judgment [[Isaiah 8:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to define the context in which **gâdâh** is used:
* `{{H1428}}` **gidyâh** (a river brink; bank): Described as being the same as **gâdâh**, this word appears alongside it in [[1 Chronicles 12:15]], reinforcing the concept of the river's edge.
* `{{H4390}}` **mâlêʼ** (to fill or (intransitively) be full of... (over-) flow): This verb is paired directly with **gâdâh** to describe the action of a river overflowing its banks [[Joshua 3:15]]. It communicates the state of fullness that pushes the water beyond its normal limits.
* `{{H7097}}` **qâtseh** (an extremity; brim, brink, edge): This word is used to describe the "brim" of the water where the priests' feet first entered the Jordan [[Joshua 3:15]], marking the very edge of the impassable, flooded river.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1415}}` is tied to the concept of boundaries and the power that transcends them.
* **Divine Power over Nature:** The overflowing **banks** of the Jordan serve as a natural barrier that only God's power can overcome, highlighting his authority over creation for the purpose of His people's deliverance ([[Joshua 3:15]], [[Joshua 4:18]]).
* **Metaphor for Judgment:** A river breaching its **banks** is used as a powerful metaphor for unstoppable judgment, as when the Lord brings the Assyrian army upon Israel like a flood [[Isaiah 8:7]].
* **A Test of Faith and Courage:** The challenge of a river that had "overflown all his **banks**" provides the backdrop for demonstrating exceptional human valor and commitment, as seen in the men who crossed the Jordan to support David [[1 Chronicles 12:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1415}}` is a precise term that signifies more than just a river's edge; it describes a boundary under pressure. Though rare, its usage is highly impactful, consistently marking a moment of crisis or a test of power. Whether setting the stage for a divine miracle, illustrating the force of divine judgment, or highlighting human bravery, **gâdâh** transforms a simple geographical feature into a potent symbol of natural limits being dramatically and meaningfully overcome.
TRV