### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gûwd**, represented by `{{H1464}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to crowd upon, i.e. attack; invade, overcome**. It is a rare term, appearing only **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, but its use is powerful in conveying military assault and confrontation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H1464}}` is used to describe significant acts of conflict. It is found in Jacob's prophecy concerning his son Gad, stating that a troop will **overcome** him, but he will ultimately **overcome** in the end [[Genesis 49:19]]. This dual usage highlights a struggle involving both being attacked and achieving victory. The word is also used in Habakkuk to describe a future military action, where an enemy force will **invade** the people with its troops, an event that causes the prophet to tremble in anticipation [[Habakkuk 3:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the context of attack and the response to it:
* `{{H1416}}` **gᵉdûwd**: This word for a **troop**, **band**, or **company** is derived from a similar root and appears in the prophecy about Gad, clarifying that the attack will come from an organized group [[Genesis 49:19]]. It is also used to describe military bands and groups of robbers elsewhere ([[1 Chronicles 12:18]], [[Hosea 7:1]]).
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz**: Meaning to **quiver** or **tremble**, this word is used in [[Habakkuk 3:16]] to describe the physical reaction of fear to the news of the coming invasion `{{H1464}}`. The prophet states that his belly and he himself **trembled** at the thought of the assault.
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ**: This root word, meaning to **hear intelligently**, is the catalyst for the events in [[Habakkuk 3:16]]. The prophet's fearful trembling begins when he **heard** about the impending invasion, linking perception directly to the emotional and physical response to a threat.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1464}}` is concentrated in its specific contexts of prophecy and judgment.
* **Prophetic Struggle and Victory:** In [[Genesis 49:19]], the word defines the destiny of the tribe of Gad. Their identity is characterized by conflict—being overcome by a troop—but is ultimately defined by their resilience and final victory, demonstrating a theme of perseverance through trial.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** In Habakkuk, the act of invasion is presented as part of a "day of trouble" [[Habakkuk 3:16]]. The terror it inspires in the prophet underscores the gravity of such an event, often portrayed in scripture as a consequence of divine will or judgment.
* **Cause and Effect:** The relationship between hearing of the invasion `{{H8085}}`, the invasion itself `{{H1464}}`, and the resulting terror `{{H7264}}` in [[Habakkuk 3:16]] illustrates a clear chain of events from divine communication to human reaction in the face of overwhelming force.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1464}}` is a specific and impactful term for invasion and attack. Though used infrequently, it plays a crucial role in establishing the prophetic identity of an entire tribe in Genesis and in depicting the visceral terror of impending judgment in Habakkuk. The word encapsulates the dynamic of being assaulted by a force and the corresponding struggle to overcome it.
TRV