### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גֵּה (transliterated as gêh, Strong's H1454) is a unique and highly unusual entry in biblical Hebrew lexicography. Its base definition, "probably a clerical error for זֶה; this; this," indicates that it is not considered an independent word with its own distinct semantic range. Rather, scholarly consensus views gêh as a scribal anomaly, likely an orthographic mistake for זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`).
Therefore, the core meaning and semantic range of gêh are entirely derived from zeh. As a demonstrative pronoun, zeh functions to point to or identify something specific, meaning "this," "that," "here," or "there." It can refer to a person, object, concept, or situation, indicating proximity or immediate reference. Its use is primarily deictic, directing attention to a particular entity within the discourse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
According to the Masoretic Text, the form gêh (`{{H1454}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible: [[Ezekiel 42:12]].
In [[Ezekiel 42:12]], the text reads: "And according to the length of the chambers which were toward the south, there was a passage of a hundred cubits, the way, the way **this** [גֵּה] way." The phrase "the way, the way this way" (הַדֶּרֶךְ הַדֶּרֶךְ גֵּה) is somewhat redundant, and the presence of gêh here is often seen as supporting the "clerical error" hypothesis. Many scholars and translations interpret gêh in this context as zeh (`{{H2088}}`), meaning "this," or simply omit it as a dittography or textual corruption.
For instance, the Septuagint (LXX) often reflects a different Hebrew Vorlage or interpretation, and in this verse, it does not explicitly render a distinct word for gêh, typically streamlining the phrase. Modern English translations often render the phrase as "the one way" or "the only way," or simply "the way," tacitly acknowledging the difficulty or the presumed textual issue. The function of gêh in this verse, if taken as a demonstrative, is to specify the particular direction or path being described in the detailed architectural vision of Ezekiel's temple. It serves to emphasize the precision of the divine instruction regarding the temple's layout.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word to gêh is זֶה (zeh, `{{H2088}}`). As established, gêh is almost certainly a scribal error for zeh. Therefore, understanding zeh is crucial for comprehending the intended meaning of gêh in its sole occurrence.
Zeh (`{{H2088}}`) is a fundamental demonstrative pronoun in Hebrew, serving various grammatical and rhetorical functions:
1. **Direct Reference:** "This" or "that," pointing to a specific person, object, or concept (e.g., [[Genesis 2:23]] "This is now bone of my bones").
2. **Emphasis/Identification:** Used to highlight or identify something (e.g., [[Exodus 12:2]] "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months").
3. **Temporal Reference:** "At this time" or "then" (e.g., [[Genesis 24:14]] "Let it be that the young woman to whom I say...").
4. **Introducing a Clause:** Can introduce a relative clause or a direct object (e.g., [[Genesis 2:24]] "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh").
Other related demonstratives include אֵלֶּה ('elleh, `{{H428}}`), "these," the plural form of zeh, and הַלָּז (hallaz, `{{H1976}}`), "that one," which carries a slightly more distant or emphatic sense. The relationship between gêh and zeh highlights the importance of textual criticism in biblical studies, as minor variations can illuminate the transmission history of the sacred text.
### Theological Significance
Given that gêh is widely considered a textual anomaly for zeh (`{{H2088}}`), its independent theological significance is negligible. However, we can derive theological insights by considering:
1. **Theological Significance of "This" (zeh):** The demonstrative "this" (`{{H2088}}`) often carries profound theological weight in biblical discourse. It can denote:
* **Divine Specificity:** When God gives commands or descriptions, "this" emphasizes the precise nature of His will (e.g., "this is the law," "this is the covenant"). In [[Ezekiel 42:12]], the "this way" underscores the exactitude required in the construction of the visionary temple, reflecting God's meticulous design for His dwelling.
* **Divine Revelation:** "This" can point to a specific act of God or a particular truth revealed by Him (e.g., "this is the day the Lord has made," [[Psalm 118:24]]).
* **Covenantal Identification:** In covenant contexts, "this" often identifies the terms or participants of the covenant (e.g., "this is my covenant," [[Genesis 17:10]]).
2. **Theological Implications of Textual Transmission:** The existence of a presumed scribal error like gêh (`{{H1454}}`) for zeh (`{{H2088}}`) provides a reverent opportunity to reflect on the nature of divine inspiration and human transmission. While the Bible is divinely inspired, its transmission through human hands over millennia naturally involved the possibility of minor scribal variations. The overwhelming consistency and clarity of the Masoretic Text, despite such rare instances, attest to the meticulous care of ancient scribes and the providential preservation of God's Word. Such minor variations do not undermine the core message or theological truths of Scripture but rather underscore the human element in its preservation, inviting careful and humble scholarship.
### Summary
H1454 (גֵּה, gêh) is understood by biblical scholars as a probable clerical error for H2088 (זֶה, zeh), meaning "this." Its sole occurrence is in [[Ezekiel 42:12]], where it functions as a demonstrative pronoun, specifying a particular path in the temple vision. While gêh itself holds no independent semantic or theological weight, its presumed identity with zeh connects it to the broader biblical usage of "this" (`{{H2088}}`), which frequently conveys divine specificity, revelation, and covenantal identification. The presence of gêh also serves as a subtle reminder of the human element in the transmission of the sacred text, affirming the overall integrity and providential preservation of the Scriptures despite rare, minor textual variations.
TRV