feminine participle passive of גָּדַד; an incision; cutting.
Transliteration:gᵉdûwdâh
Pronunciation:ghed-oo-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûwdâh - `{{H1418}}`) is a feminine singular passive participle derived from the verbal root גָּדַד (gādad - `{{H1413}}`), meaning "to cut, gash, or make incisions." As a passive participle, גְּדוּדָה thus denotes "that which has been cut" or "an incision," emphasizing the result or product of the action of cutting. Its semantic range is quite narrow, specifically referring to a physical mark or wound made by a sharp instrument on the body. The feminine form may highlight a specific instance or a collection of such markings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûwdâh - `{{H1418}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Kings 18:28]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant, as it provides a vivid and critical context for understanding the term. The passage describes the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, desperately attempting to invoke their deity: "So they cried aloud and cut themselves according to their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them." The Septuagint translates גְּדוּדָה here as "ἐντομαῖς" (entomais), meaning "incisions" or "cuttings."
The context is one of intense pagan religious ritual. The self-mutilation practiced by Baal's prophets was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern fertility cults and mourning rites, intended to gain the attention or favor of their gods, or to express extreme grief. This act of cutting, producing the "incisions" (גְּדוּדָה), stands in stark contrast to the worship of Yahweh, which explicitly prohibits such practices (cf. [[Leviticus 19:28]], [[Deuteronomy 14:1]]). The futility of their actions is underscored by Baal's silence, highlighting the impotence of their god and the desperation of their worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûwdâh - `{{H1418}}`) is its root verb, גָּדַד (gādad - `{{H1413}}`), meaning "to cut, gash." Other derivatives from this root include:
* גְּדוּד (gᵉdûwd - `{{H1416}}`): "a troop, band of marauders," possibly related to the idea of "cutting off" or "dividing" in a military context.
* גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûdâ - `{{H1417}}`): "a furrow, a trench," referring to cuts or channels made in the earth, which shares the semantic core of "cutting" or "incising."
Other Hebrew words related to bodily cuttings or disfigurement, often in a ritual context, include:
* שֶׁרֶט (sheret - `{{H8295}}`): "a cutting, incision," often used in the context of forbidden mourning rituals (e.g., [[Leviticus 21:5]]).
* קַרְחָה (qarḥah - `{{H7144}}`): "baldness," often resulting from shaving or cutting hair as a sign of mourning, also prohibited in certain contexts (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 14:1]]).
The concept of self-mutilation connects גְּדוּדָה to broader pagan religious practices and the explicit prohibitions against them in the Mosaic Law, underscoring the distinct nature of Yahwistic worship.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûwdâh - `{{H1418}}`) carries profound theological weight. Primarily, it serves as a stark symbol of the depravity and futility inherent in idolatry. The prophets of Baal, by making these "incisions," engaged in a desperate and self-destructive act, a hallmark of false worship that seeks to manipulate or coerce divine power through human suffering. This stands in absolute contrast to the worship of Yahweh.
The God of Israel explicitly forbids self-mutilation ([[Leviticus 19:28]], [[Deuteronomy 14:1]]), viewing the human body as sacred, created in His image, and not to be defiled by such practices, particularly for religious purposes. This prohibition highlights the life-affirming, holistic nature of true worship, which values the integrity of the individual and offers a relationship based on covenant and grace, not on painful appeasement.
The scene on Mount Carmel, where גְּדוּדָה is mentioned, dramatically illustrates the powerlessness of false gods versus the omnipotence of Yahweh. The self-inflicted wounds of Baal's prophets signify their spiritual blindness and the emptiness of their faith, directly contrasting with Elijah's confident, simple prayer to the God who truly answers with fire. Thus, גְּדוּדָה becomes a poignant theological marker, signifying the darkness, desperation, and ultimate impotence of idolatrous practices when confronted with the living God.
### Summary
גְּדוּדָה (gᵉdûwdâh - `{{H1418}}`) is a rare but highly significant Hebrew term, meaning "an incision" or "cutting." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[1 Kings 18:28]] places it squarely within the context of the pagan worship of Baal, specifically describing the self-mutilation practiced by his prophets. Theologically, גְּדוּדָה serves as a powerful symbol of the desperation and futility of idolatry, standing in stark opposition to the worship of Yahweh, which explicitly prohibits such self-destructive acts. It underscores the holiness and wholeness demanded by true worship, highlighting the profound distinction between the life-affirming nature of the God of Israel and the death-oriented practices of false religions.
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