a primitive root; to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything; cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down.
Transliteration:gâdaʻ
Pronunciation:gaw-dah'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1438}}` *gâdaʻ* is a primitive verb conveying the fundamental sense of "to cut off," "to cut down," or "to fell." Its primary application, as indicated by its base definition, is the felling of a tree, implying a decisive and often irreversible act of severing from its roots or base. From this literal meaning, its semantic range expands to encompass a broader concept of destruction, removal, or termination. The action denoted by *gâdaʻ* is not merely a trim or a partial reduction, but a forceful, complete dismemberment or eradication. It implies a decisive end to the object of the action, whether it be a physical entity, a source of power, or a lineage. The various English translations such as "cut asunder," "cut in sunder," "cut down," "cut off," and "hew down" all underscore this definitive, destructive aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{H1438}}` *gâdaʻ* appears in various contexts throughout the Hebrew Bible, consistently maintaining its core meaning of decisive cutting or destruction.
1. **Literal Felling of Trees:** In prophetic literature, *gâdaʻ* is used to describe the literal cutting down of trees, often as a metaphor for judgment or devastation upon a nation or its leadership. For instance, [[Isaiah 10:33]] speaks of the Lord "hewing down" the thickets of the forest with an axe, symbolizing divine judgment against Assyria's pride. Similarly, [[Jeremiah 46:22]] depicts invaders "cutting down" Egypt's forest, signifying its defeat.
2. **Cutting Off Power or Strength:** The word frequently describes the removal or destruction of power, strength, or authority, often metaphorically represented by a "horn" or "arm." In [[1 Samuel 2:31]], God declares to Eli that He will "cut off" his arm and the arm of his father's house, signifying the termination of their priestly authority and strength. This usage highlights the decisive nature of divine judgment in stripping away influence or capability.
3. **Destruction of Idolatry:** A significant use of *gâdaʻ* is in the context of eradicating idolatrous objects or practices. Kings like Josiah are commended for their zeal in reforming worship by "cutting down" Asherah poles and other pagan symbols, as seen in [[2 Kings 23:14]]. This demonstrates the word's application to the forceful removal of anything offensive to God's holiness, often involving physical destruction.
4. **Cutting Off Individuals or Groups:** While less frequent than `{{H3772}}` *kārat* for covenant breaking or lineage destruction, *gâdaʻ* can also refer to the cutting off of individuals or groups, implying their decisive removal or demise. For example, [[Judges 7:25]] describes the Israelites "cutting off" the heads of Oreb and Zeeb, Midianite leaders, signifying their complete defeat and execution.
Across these contexts, *gâdaʻ* emphasizes a forceful, often violent, and complete act of severing or destruction, whether by divine decree or human agency.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "cutting" and "destroying" in Hebrew is rich, and `{{H1438}}` *gâdaʻ* interacts with several other significant terms:
* **`{{H3772}}` *kārat***: This is perhaps the most prominent related word, often translated "to cut off." While *gâdaʻ* emphasizes the physical act of felling or severing, *kārat* carries a broader semantic range, including the making of covenants ("cutting a covenant") and, more significantly for comparison, the cutting off of a person or lineage from the community or from life, often as divine judgment (e.g., "cut off from his people"). While both imply decisive removal, *kārat* often carries a stronger connotation of judicial or social excision, whereas *gâdaʻ* more frequently refers to the physical act of demolition or dismemberment.
* **`{{H6990}}` *qāṣaṣ***: Meaning "to cut off" or "to cut down," this verb often refers to the cutting of hair, branches, or edges, suggesting a more general act of cutting, perhaps less severe or comprehensive than *gâdaʻ* in its destructive implications.
* **`{{H5307}}` *nāṭaṣ***: This word means "to pull down," "to tear down," or "to overthrow," commonly used for the demolition of buildings, altars, or cities. While both *gâdaʻ* and *nāṭaṣ* describe destruction, *gâdaʻ* focuses on the act of severing or felling, particularly of things with a standing or rooted nature (like trees or poles), while *nāṭaṣ* implies a broader dismantling or leveling.
* **`{{H7225}}` *rādad***: To "cut down" or "subdue," often in the context of military conquest, emphasizing the reduction of an enemy's power.
The distinction often lies in the specific target and the nature of the "cutting." *Gâdaʻ* typically implies a forceful, often violent, and complete severance, particularly of things that stand tall or represent power, whether literally or metaphorically.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1438}}` *gâdaʻ* primarily lies in its portrayal of divine judgment, sovereignty, and the decisive removal of evil.
1. **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** When God is the subject of *gâdaʻ*, it underscores His absolute authority to bring an end to anything that opposes His will. He "cuts down" the proud, the wicked, and the idolatrous, demonstrating His power to dismantle empires, strip away human strength, and terminate unrighteous lines of authority. This action is not arbitrary but a just response to sin and rebellion, ensuring the purity and order of His creation.
2. **Purification and Removal of Evil:** The frequent use of *gâdaʻ* in the context of destroying idolatry (e.g., Asherah poles, altars) highlights God's demand for exclusive worship and the necessity of removing anything that defiles His people or land. This act of "cutting down" is an essential step in spiritual purification and restoration.
3. **Consequences of Sin:** The word serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable consequences of sin. Just as a tree is felled, so too can an individual, a family, or a nation be "cut off" from their source of life, power, or blessing due to their disobedience. It speaks to the finality of divine judgment when grace is rejected.
4. **Decisive Action:** The forceful nature of *gâdaʻ* reflects the decisive and non-negotiable character of God's actions. When God "cuts off," there is no partial measure or lingering doubt; the action is complete and effective, bringing about a definitive end.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H1438}}` *gâdaʻ* denotes a forceful and decisive act of "cutting off," "cutting down," or "felling." While its primitive meaning relates to the felling of trees, its semantic range expands to encompass the comprehensive destruction or removal of anything, including the metaphorical "cutting off" of power, the literal destruction of idols, and the termination of individuals or groups. In biblical contexts, *gâdaʻ* consistently conveys an irreversible severance or eradication. Theologically, it powerfully illustrates God's sovereign judgment, His role as the purifier who removes evil, and the inevitable consequences of sin. It underscores the definitive nature of divine action, bringing a complete end to that which stands against His holy will.
TRV