### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâdaʻ**, represented by `{{H1438}}`, is a primitive root defined as to fell a tree or, more generally, to destroy anything. Appearing **24 times** across **23 unique verses**, its meaning encompasses actions such as to cut down, hew down, cut off, or cut asunder.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1438}}` is used to denote decisive acts of destruction, often at God's command or as an instrument of His judgment. Israel was commanded to **hew down** `{{H1438}}` the graven images and **cut down** `{{H1438}}` the groves of other nations as part of purifying the land ([[Deuteronomy 12:3]], [[2 Chronicles 14:3]]). Prophetically, the word describes the judgment of God against the proud and powerful. The "horn of Moab," a symbol of its strength, is **cut off** `{{H1438}}` [[Jeremiah 48:25]], and Lucifer is **cut down** `{{H1438}}` to the ground [[Isaiah 14:12]]. It is also used symbolically to represent the breaking of covenants and relationships, as when Zechariah **cut asunder** `{{H1438}}` his staff to break the covenant with the people [[Zechariah 11:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of destruction and removal:
* `{{H7665}}` **shâbar** (to burst... break... crush, destroy): This word is frequently paired with gâdaʻ to describe the comprehensive destruction of idolatrous objects and symbols of power. For example, God commands Israel to **break down** `{{H7665}}` images and **cut down** `{{H1438}}` groves [[Deuteronomy 7:5]], and the horn of Moab is both **cut off** `{{H1438}}` and **broken** `{{H7665}}` [[Jeremiah 48:25]].
* `{{H5422}}` **nâthats** (to tear down): Often used for dismantling structures, this word complements gâdaʻ by describing the pulling down of altars, while gâdaʻ refers to the hewing down of associated graven images and groves [[Deuteronomy 12:3]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut (off, down or asunder)... to covenant): This term shares the core idea of "cutting." While it is the primary verb for making a covenant, it is also used for cutting off or destroying. In a striking reversal, Zechariah uses gâdaʻ to describe the "cutting asunder" of a staff to **break** a covenant that was originally **made** `{{H3772}}` [[Zechariah 11:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1438}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of divine justice and holiness.
* **Purification of Worship:** `{{H1438}}` is repeatedly used in commands to Israel to completely eradicate pagan worship. This involves **cutting down** `{{H1438}}` idolatrous groves and images, demonstrating that holiness requires the decisive removal of all rivals to God ([[Deuteronomy 7:5]], [[2 Chronicles 34:7]]).
* **Execution of Divine Judgment:** The word signifies God's sovereign power to humble the proud and judge wickedness. This is symbolically portrayed by the **cutting off** `{{H1438}}` of the "horn," a metaphor for strength, from nations like Moab [[Jeremiah 48:25]] and even from His own people, Israel [[Lamentations 2:3]]. The felling of the mighty, such as Lucifer being **cut down** `{{H1438}}` to the ground [[Isaiah 14:12]], reinforces this theme.
* **Severing of Covenants:** The physical act of cutting asunder is used metaphorically to illustrate the breaking of sacred bonds. In Zechariah, staffs representing the covenant with the people and the brotherhood between Judah and Israel are **cut asunder** `{{H1438}}`, signifying the dire consequences of disobedience ([[Zechariah 11:10]], [[Zechariah 11:14]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1438}}` **gâdaʻ** is a potent verb of destruction and severance. It is not merely about felling trees but about the decisive and often violent removal of power, idolatry, and established bonds. It functions both as a divine command for the purification of worship [[Deuteronomy 12:3]] and as a descriptor of God's ultimate judgment against the proud and unfaithful ([[Isaiah 10:33]], [[Lamentations 2:3]]). From the physical act of hewing down idols and iron bars to the symbolic cutting off of national strength and sacred covenants, **gâdaʻ** illustrates a fundamental biblical principle: that which stands in opposition to God or His covenant will ultimately be cut down.
TRV