a primitive root; to wall in or around; close up, fence up, hedge, inclose, make up (a wall), mason, repairer.
Transliteration:gâdar
Pronunciation:gaw-dar'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1443 (גָּדַר, *gâdar*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the action of "to wall in or around." This primary sense extends to a range of related activities and states, including "to close up," "to fence up," "to hedge," and "to enclose." The nuance of constructing or maintaining such barriers is evident in its extended definitions, which include "making up (a wall)," implying construction, and "mason" or "repairer," suggesting both initial building and subsequent maintenance or restoration of protective structures. Fundamentally, gâdar signifies the establishment of a boundary, either for protection, separation, or demarcation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H1443 in the Hebrew Bible illustrate both its literal and metaphorical applications:
* **Literal Barriers:** In its most straightforward sense, gâdar refers to physical walls or fences, often in agricultural contexts. For instance, [[Numbers 22:24]] describes the angel of the Lord standing in a narrow path between vineyards, with a "wall" (gâdêr, a noun derived from gâdar) on either side, highlighting a confined space. Similarly, [[Proverbs 24:31]] vividly portrays the consequence of idleness: "And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." Here, the broken wall signifies neglect and vulnerability.
* **Figurative Protection:** A profound metaphorical use of gâdar relates to divine protection. In [[Job 1:10]], Satan complains to God concerning Job: "Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side?" This passage powerfully depicts God's providential care as a protective barrier around His servant. Likewise, [[Job 3:23]] speaks of a man "whose way is hid, and whom God hath hedged in," suggesting a divine encompassing, though the context here might imply a sense of being hemmed in by distress.
* **Figurative Obstruction/Discipline:** Conversely, gâdar can also denote a barrier erected by God as a means of discipline or judgment, preventing a people or individual from pursuing a harmful path. A striking example is found in [[Hosea 2:6]]: "Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall against her, that she shall not find her paths." Here, God's "hedging" is not for protection from external enemies but to obstruct Israel's pursuit of spiritual infidelity, aiming to lead them back to repentance. Similarly, [[Lamentations 3:7]] laments, "He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy," expressing a feeling of being trapped by divine judgment.
* **Vineyard Imagery:** The imagery of a vineyard and its hedge is particularly significant. [[Isaiah 5:2]] uses gâdar metaphorically when describing God's care for Israel: "And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes." The "fencing" here represents God's protective and nurturing provision for His people. The subsequent breaking down of this fence ([[Isaiah 5:5]]) symbolizes the removal of divine protection due to Israel's unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1443 is enriched by its connections to other Hebrew terms and concepts:
* **H1444 (gâdêr) and H1447 (gĕdêrâ):** These are direct noun forms derived from H1443, meaning "a wall," "fence," or "enclosure." They frequently appear in contexts alongside the verbal root, emphasizing the physical structure of the barrier.
* **H2346 (ḥômah):** This word typically refers to a more substantial "city wall" or "fortress wall," often implying greater strength and permanence than the simpler "hedge" or "fence" denoted by gâdar.
* **H7725 (shûv):** "To return," "restore." While not directly synonymous, the "repairer" aspect of gâdar conceptually aligns with the idea of restoration, particularly in contexts like rebuilding broken walls, although other verbs like H6965 (qûm, "to raise up") are more commonly used for rebuilding.
* **H6555 (pārats):** "To break through," "break down." This term represents the antithesis of gâdar, signifying the destruction or breaching of a barrier.
* **Concepts:** The word gâdar is intrinsically linked to concepts of protection, security, boundary, separation, enclosure, and, in a theological sense, divine discipline and providential care.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1443 is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Protection and Sovereignty:** The most prominent theological theme is God's role as the ultimate "hedge" or "wall" around His people. This imagery in [[Job 1:10]] underscores His absolute sovereignty and providential care, indicating that no harm can befall His elect without His express permission. This divine "hedging" signifies comprehensive protection, encompassing their lives, families, and possessions.
* **Divine Discipline and Redemption:** Paradoxically, God also uses the act of "hedging" as a tool for discipline and redemptive correction. As seen in [[Hosea 2:6]], God may erect barriers in the path of His wayward people to prevent them from continuing in sin. This seemingly restrictive act is driven by divine love, designed to bring them to a place of repentance and ultimately restore their relationship with Him. It highlights that God's boundaries are not always for external protection, but sometimes for internal purification.
* **Human Responsibility and Consequences:** The breaking down of walls, as depicted in [[Proverbs 24:31]] and implied in [[Isaiah 5:5]], often symbolizes human neglect, unfaithfulness, or a failure to maintain righteous boundaries. This leads to vulnerability, decay, and exposure to adverse consequences. It serves as a reminder of the human responsibility to guard spiritual, moral, and communal integrity.
* **Covenantal Relationship:** The vineyard imagery (e.g., [[Isaiah 5:2]]) is a powerful allegory for God's covenantal relationship with Israel. The "fencing" of the vineyard represents God's gracious provision and protection for His chosen people. Their failure to bear good fruit, leading to the removal of the hedge, illustrates the conditional nature of the covenant and the consequences of disobedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1443 (גָּדַר, *gâdar*) fundamentally signifies the act of "walling in or around," encompassing the construction, maintenance, and repair of protective barriers. Its semantic range extends to fencing, hedging, enclosing, and making up a wall. Biblically, gâdar is applied literally to physical structures like vineyard walls, emphasizing protection and demarcation. More profoundly, it carries significant theological weight, portraying God as the divine "hedge" or "wall" who both supernaturally protects His people ([[Job 1:10]]) and, in His sovereignty, erects barriers as a form of disciplinary love to guide them back to Himself ([[Hosea 2:6]]). The breaking of such walls often symbolizes spiritual neglect or vulnerability, underscoring the importance of vigilance in maintaining God-given boundaries. Thus, gâdar speaks to themes of divine care, discipline, and the human responsibility to maintain righteous boundaries.
TRV