or גְּדֻדָה; (feminine) from גָּדַד; a furrow (as cut); furrow.
Transliteration:gᵉdûwd
Pronunciation:ghed-ood'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gᵉdûwd (`{{H1417}}`) derives from the root gādad (`{{H1413}}`), which fundamentally means "to cut" or "to incise." As a noun, gᵉdûwd therefore refers to a "furrow" – a trench or groove made in the earth by a plow, specifically emphasizing the act of being "cut" or "incised" into the ground. It denotes the prepared ground for planting, characterized by the distinct lines or channels created by agricultural implements. The base definition also notes a feminine form, gᵉdûdāh, though gᵉdûwd itself is the more prevalent form in its singular biblical occurrence. The core semantic range is thus narrow, pointing directly to this specific agricultural feature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gᵉdûwd (`{{H1417}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Psalm 65:10]]. The verse reads: "You water its furrows abundantly; You settle its ridges; You soften it with showers; You bless its growth."
In this context, the "furrows" (gᵉdûdîm) are presented as the recipients of divine action, specifically God's generous provision of water. The psalm is a hymn of praise for God's providential care over creation, particularly in bringing forth the harvest. The furrows are the essential channels prepared by human effort (plowing), but it is God who fills them with rain, making the ground fertile and productive. This single occurrence powerfully links the physical act of creating a furrow with the divine act of sustaining life through agricultural blessing. The imagery evokes a sense of meticulous care and abundant provision from the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root gādad (`{{H1413}}`), from which gᵉdûwd is derived. While gᵉdûwd refers to a life-giving furrow, the root gādad itself often carries negative connotations elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible, referring to self-mutilation or cutting oneself in pagan rituals (e.g., the prophets of Baal in [[1 Kings 18:28]] or in mourning rituals in [[Jeremiah 48:37]]). This creates an interesting semantic tension: a root associated with destructive cutting gives rise to a noun denoting a constructive, life-enabling cut in the earth.
Other related agricultural terms include telem (`{{H8525}}`), which also means "furrow" or "ridge," and ma'anah (`{{H4616}}`), referring to a "furrow" or "cultivated land." Both telem and ma'anah are more common terms for furrows than gᵉdûwd, suggesting gᵉdûwd might emphasize the "cut" aspect more strongly.
The concept of divine provision, particularly through rain and agricultural fertility, is central to understanding gᵉdûwd in its biblical context. It connects to broader themes of God's covenant faithfulness and His role as the sustainer of all life.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of gᵉdûwd (`{{H1417}}`) in [[Psalm 65:10]] carries profound theological weight. It portrays God as intimately involved in the natural processes of the earth, not merely as a distant creator but as an active sustainer. The "furrows" symbolize the prepared ground, representing both the human effort in cultivation and the earth's receptivity to divine blessing. God "watering its furrows abundantly" signifies His generous and overflowing provision, ensuring fruitfulness and abundance. This imagery underscores God's meticulous care for His creation, down to the very channels in the soil.
Furthermore, the word's derivation from a root often associated with destructive cutting (`{{H1413}}`) highlights a redemptive theological nuance. In the context of gᵉdûwd, the "cut" is not for harm or ritualistic self-mutilation, but for life and fruitfulness. It is a cut that receives blessing, allowing the earth to yield its increase. This transformation of the root's meaning in this specific noun speaks to God's power to take even that which might be associated with pain or barrenness and make it a conduit for life and blessing.
### Summary
The Hebrew word gᵉdûwd (`{{H1417}}`) refers to a "furrow," specifically emphasizing the "cut" or "incised" nature of the prepared ground. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Psalm 65:10]] powerfully illustrates God's abundant and meticulous provision for the earth. In this verse, the "furrows" are the recipients of divine rain, leading to fertility and growth. The term highlights God's active role as the sustainer of creation, transforming the concept of a "cut" (from its root gādad (`{{H1413}}`)) into a channel for life and blessing. Gᵉdûwd thus serves as a poignant reminder of divine care and the sacred interplay between human labor and God's sustaining grace in the natural world.
TRV