### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gêv**, represented by `{{H1460}}`, refers to the **back** or, by analogy, the middle or body. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. While its literal meaning is anatomical, its biblical usage is almost always associated with concepts of punishment, suffering, humiliation, or divine action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1460}}` is frequently depicted as the target of physical discipline. Proverbs repeatedly states that a rod or stripes are for the **back** of a fool, directly linking folly with corporal punishment ([[Proverbs 10:13]], [[Proverbs 19:29]], [[Proverbs 26:3]]). The term also carries a sense of profound suffering and submission, as seen in the prophecy where the servant gives his **back** to the smiters [[Isaiah 50:6]]. This imagery is further amplified when Jerusalem is described as laying its **body** down like a street for its conquerors to walk over [[Isaiah 51:23]]. Metaphorically, God casts sins behind His **back**, signifying complete forgiveness and removal [[Isaiah 38:17]], while outcasts are driven from **among** men, showing social exclusion [[Job 30:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in direct connection with `{{H1460}}`, reinforcing its association with judgment and affliction:
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This primitive root means to strike or smite. It describes the action for which the servant offers his back in a gesture of willing suffering [[Isaiah 50:6]].
* `{{H7626}}` **shêbeṭ** (rod): This word for a stick used for punishing appears in contexts where the fool's **back** is the recipient of discipline [[Proverbs 10:13]].
* `{{H4112}}` **mahălummâh** (stripe): Meaning a blow or stripe, this word describes the result of a smiting. Scripture states that stripes are prepared for the **back** of fools [[Proverbs 19:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1460}}` is significant, highlighting key scriptural themes:
* **Consequence of Folly:** The word is consistently used in Proverbs to illustrate the principle that foolishness leads to painful consequences, with the **back** being the literal place where correction is applied ([[Proverbs 10:13]], [[Proverbs 26:3]]).
* **Vicarious Suffering:** In Isaiah, the act of giving one's **back** to the smiters shifts from a sign of deserved punishment to a symbol of voluntary, substitutionary suffering, a cornerstone of messianic prophecy [[Isaiah 50:6]].
* **Divine Forgiveness and Human Humiliation:** The word is used metaphorically to contrast God's actions with human experience. God places sins behind His **back** to forget them [[Isaiah 38:17]], while a conquered people lays its **body** down in utter humiliation [[Isaiah 51:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1460}}` is more than an anatomical term. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol for the consequences of human folly, the depth of willing sacrifice, and the extremes of both divine forgiveness and human degradation. Through its few appearances, **gêv** illustrates how the physical body can represent profound spiritual realities, from the pain of deserved punishment to the grace of redemptive suffering.
TRV