The Hebrew word gâdîysh, represented by H1430, refers to a stack of sheaves or, by analogy, a tomb. Derived from an unused root meaning to heap up, its definition encompasses both a "shock (stack) (of corn)" and a "tomb." It is a rare term, appearing only 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible.
The usage of H1430 highlights its dual meaning. In agricultural contexts, it refers to the literal shocks of harvested grain that Samson burned in the fields of the Philistines Judges 15:5. It is also listed as valuable property in the law, where one who causes a fire that consumes stacks of corn must make restitution Exodus 22:6. Figuratively, the word is used to describe the end of life. A righteous man is promised to come to his grave "like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season" Job 5:26, while another passage states that a man will be brought to the grave and remain in the tomb Job 21:32.
Several related words help clarify the meaning of gâdîysh:
- H7054 qâmâh (standing corn): This refers to grain as it rises from the ground, representing the state before it is harvested and gathered into a gâdîysh Exodus 22:6. Its definition is "something that rises, i.e. a stalk of grain."
- H6913 qeber (grave): This word is used in parallel with gâdîysh to refer to a burying place or sepulchre, reinforcing the analogical meaning of gâdîysh as a tomb (Job 5:26, Job 21:32).
- H5927 ʻâlâh (cometh in): This verb, meaning to ascend or bring up, describes the action of gathering the shock of corn from the field, illustrating the completion of the harvest cycle Job 5:26.
The theological weight of H1430 is conveyed through its powerful agricultural imagery.
- Symbol of a Fulfilled Life: The word is used to paint a picture of a life that concludes at the proper time. Coming to the grave like a shock of corn in its season is a metaphor for a blessed, timely death after a full life Job 5:26.
- The Fruit of Labor: As a literal stack of grain, gâdîysh represents provision and the results of labor. Its destruction by fire is treated as a serious offense requiring restitution, underscoring principles of justice and the value of one's work Exodus 22:6.
- The Grave as a Final Gathering: The analogy between a heap of sheaves and a tomb connects the human life cycle to the agricultural process. Just as grain is gathered and stacked, a person is brought to the tomb as a final gathering place at the end of their earthly life Job 21:32.
In summary, H1430 gâdîysh is a specific term that bridges the concepts of agriculture and human mortality. Though used infrequently, it powerfully illustrates the end of a process, whether it is the gathering of a harvest into a stack of sheaves or the bringing of a person to their tomb. The word serves as a poignant biblical metaphor for a life completed and brought to its final rest.
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