The Hebrew word gᵉdûwd, represented by H1417, is derived from a root meaning to cut. It is defined as a furrow and appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning shifts dramatically based on context, referring to either an agricultural furrow prepared for planting or a physical cutting on the body as a sign of mourning.
The two uses of H1417 illustrate its distinct applications. In a context of agricultural blessing, it refers to the furrows of the earth which God waters abundantly with showers, making the ground soft and blessing its growth Psalms 65:10. In stark contrast, it is used in a prophecy of judgment against Moab, where cuttings upon the hands serve as a visible sign of deep mourning, alongside bald heads, clipped beards, and the wearing of sackcloth Jeremiah 48:37.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which H1417 appears:
- H8525 telem (furrow, ridge): This word is used alongside H1417 in Psalms 65:10, referring to the ridges of a field. Its definition as a "furrow" or "ridge" reinforces the agricultural setting of divine blessing.
- H7144 qorchâh (baldness): In Jeremiah 48:37, this term appears with "cuttings" as a sign of grief and judgment. It describes the practice of making one's head bald in mourning.
- H8242 saq (sackcloth): This coarse cloth, a common symbol of mourning and repentance, is mentioned in the same verse as the "cuttings," completing the image of a people in deep distress Jeremiah 48:37.
The theological significance of H1417 is found in its contrasting symbolism:
- A Symbol of Blessing: As a furrow, the word represents land that is prepared and receptive to God's provision. In Psalms 65:10, God waters the furrows, which leads to a blessed harvest, illustrating his role as the source of life and abundance.
- A Mark of Judgment: As cuttings on the flesh, the word signifies profound sorrow and the consequences of divine judgment. The act is part of a suite of mourning rituals that demonstrate a state of utter desolation Jeremiah 48:37.
- The Duality of Cutting: The underlying concept of "cutting" is central. One use is productive and life-oriented—cutting the earth to plant seed. The other is destructive and grief-oriented—cutting the flesh in response to loss and judgment.
In summary, H1417 carries two powerful and opposite meanings despite its rare usage. It can represent a furrow tilled in the earth, ready to receive God's life-giving rain and blessing, or it can denote a self-inflicted cutting on the body, an outward expression of anguish and divine judgment. The word demonstrates how a single physical action—cutting—can symbolize either the preparation for life or the deep sorrow of death.
TRV