a primitive root; to remove (a bandage from a wound, i.e. heal it); cure.
Transliteration:gâhâh
Pronunciation:gaw-haw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb גָּהָה (gâhâh, `{{H1455}}`) is identified as a primitive root, indicating a foundational and direct meaning. Its core semantic range centers on the act of "removing" or "taking away," specifically in the context of a wound or ailment. The base definition, "to remove (a bandage from a wound, i.e. heal it); cure," illuminates a process of restoration and recovery. This implies more than a mere physical act of unwrapping; it signifies the *consequence* of that act, namely, the achievement of healing or a cure. The removal of a bandage suggests that the healing process is complete or sufficiently advanced to render the covering unnecessary. Thus, גָּהָה encapsulates the transition from a state of injury or illness to one of health, highlighting the active intervention that brings about a cure and a return to soundness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb גָּהָה (gâhâh, `{{H1455}}`) itself does not appear in its verbal form in the Masoretic Text. However, its derived noun form, גֵּהָה (gēhāh), which means "healing" or "cure," is found once in [[Proverbs 17:22]]: "A joyful heart makes good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones."
In this sole occurrence, the phrase in question is יַעֲשֶׂה-טוֹב גֵּהָה (yaʿăśeh-ṭōḇ gēhāh), literally "makes good healing" or "brings about good healing." The proverb draws a stark contrast between the positive effect of a "joyful heart" (לֵב שָׂמֵחַ, lēḇ śāmēaḥ) and the debilitating impact of a "broken spirit" (רוּחַ נְכֵאָה, rûaḥ nĕḵēʾāh). A joyful heart is presented as a catalyst for "good healing" (גֵּהָה), suggesting that one's inner disposition significantly influences their physical and holistic well-being. The context is wisdom literature, which frequently explores the intricate connections between moral/spiritual states and their tangible outcomes in human experience. The implication is that true healing extends beyond mere physical remedies, encompassing the comprehensive well-being of an individual, profoundly influenced by their emotional and spiritual state.
### Related Words & Concepts
While גָּהָה (gâhâh, `{{H1455}}`) is rare, its conceptual domain of healing and restoration is pervasive throughout biblical thought.
* **רָפָא (rāp̄āʾ, `{{H7495}}`):** This is the most common and comprehensive Hebrew verb for "to heal" or "to cure." It is used broadly for physical healing (e.g., [[Exodus 15:26]], [[2 Kings 20:5]]), spiritual restoration (e.g., [[Jeremiah 3:22]]), and even the healing of land (e.g., [[2 Chronicles 7:14]]). While גָּהָה emphasizes the *removal* of an impediment to healing (like a bandage), רָפָא focuses on the *act* of healing itself or the *state* of being healed.
* **יָשַׁע (yāšaʿ, `{{H3467}}`):** Meaning "to save, deliver, rescue." This verb encompasses a broader sense of deliverance from distress, which can include physical healing as a component of salvation or liberation.
* **שָׁלֵם (šālēm, `{{H7999}}`):** "To be complete, sound, whole." This root is the origin of שָׁלוֹם (šālôm, `{{H7965}}`), "peace, wholeness, well-being." Healing, as implied by גָּהָה, contributes to a state of *shalom*, where one is complete and lacking nothing. The removal of a wound (גָּהָה) thus leads to wholeness (שָׁלֵם).
* **מַרְפֵּא (marpēʾ, `{{H4832}}`):** A noun meaning "healing" or "cure," derived from רָפָא (rāp̄āʾ). It functions as a direct synonym for the nominal form גֵּהָה (gēhāh) in the context of "healing" or "remedy."
The unique nuance of גָּהָה, focusing on the removal of a covering, might suggest a specific aspect of healing—perhaps the culmination or the visible manifestation of a successful recovery.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גָּהָה (gâhâh, `{{H1455}}`) and its nominal form גֵּהָה (gēhāh) lies in its contribution to the biblical understanding of divine care and human flourishing. Though appearing only once, its presence in [[Proverbs 17:22]] powerfully underscores the holistic nature of biblical health. God, as the ultimate Healer (Yahweh Rapha, [[Exodus 15:26]]), is the sovereign source of all true healing and restoration. The proverb, by linking a "joyful heart" to "good healing" (גֵּהָה), subtly points to the spiritual and emotional dimensions of well-being as being intrinsically connected to physical restoration. This aligns with a broader biblical anthropology that views humans as integrated beings, where the state of the spirit profoundly impacts the body. The concept of "removing a bandage" implies a process that culminates in visible restoration. Theologically, this can be seen as God's redemptive work in removing the "bandages" of sin, brokenness, and suffering, leading to a state of spiritual and physical wholeness. The proverb's wisdom encourages a disposition that facilitates God's healing work, suggesting that human attitude plays a role in receiving and experiencing divine favor and restoration. It is a profound reminder that God's healing extends beyond mere physical ailments to the deepest parts of the human spirit, bringing forth comprehensive *shalom*.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גָּהָה (gâhâh, `{{H1455}}`) is a primitive root defined as "to remove (a bandage from a wound, i.e. heal it)" or "to cure." While the verbal form is not found in the Masoretic Text, its nominal derivative, גֵּהָה (gēhāh), appears in [[Proverbs 17:22]]. This solitary occurrence teaches a vital lesson: "A joyful heart makes good medicine [גֵּהָה], but a broken spirit dries up the bones." This verse highlights the profound connection between one's inner disposition and their physical and holistic well-being. The word encapsulates the final, restorative act of healing, where the visible signs of affliction are removed, signifying a return to health. Theologically, גָּהָה points to the holistic nature of God's healing, which encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions, and suggests that human attitudes can either facilitate or hinder the experience of divine restoration and wholeness. It is a nuanced term that emphasizes the culmination of the healing process, bringing about a state of soundness and well-being.
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