a primitive root (akin to גָּדַד); to crowd upon, i.e. attack; invade, overcome.
Transliteration:gûwd
Pronunciation:goode
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1464}}` (גּוּד - gûwd) is a primitive verb whose core meaning conveys the forceful action of "crowding upon." This inherent aggression expands its semantic range to include "attacking," "invading," and ultimately "overcoming." The definition explicitly links it to `{{H1416}}` (גָּדַד - gadad), which can mean "to cut," "to gash," or "to gather in troops/bands." This kinship suggests that the "crowding upon" implies the formation of a hostile force or the act of forcefully penetrating or cutting into an enemy's space or position. The action denoted by `{{H1464}}` is always adversarial, confrontational, and often implies a violent engagement leading to subjugation or victory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H1464}}` appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[Genesis 49:19]]**: "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last." (גּוּד יְגוּדֶנּוּ וְהוּא יָגֻד עָקֵב). This verse, part of Jacob's blessing to his sons, presents a powerful wordplay on the name Gad (גָּד). The root `{{H1464}}` is used both passively and actively. First, Gad is prophesied to be "crowded upon" or "attacked" by a troop (יְגוּדֶנּוּ), signifying initial adversity or defeat. Second, a reversal is promised: Gad "shall overcome" or "attack in return" at the last (יָגֻד עָקֵב), indicating ultimate victory. This highlights a dynamic of conflict followed by triumph.
* **[[Psalm 94:21]]**: "They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood." (יָגוּדּוּ עַל נֶפֶשׁ צַדִּיק). Here, the plural form of `{{H1464}}` describes the wicked who "crowd upon" or "attack" the life (נֶפֶשׁ) of the righteous. The context is one of malicious conspiracy and unjust persecution, emphasizing the oppressive and collective aggression of those who oppose God's people.
* **[[Habakkuk 3:16]]**: "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops." (יַעֲלֶה לְעָם יְגוּדֶנּוּ). In this prophetic lament, the prophet Habakkuk describes his terror at the impending divine judgment. The verb `{{H1464}}` is used to depict God, or a divine agent, "invading" or "attacking" a people with overwhelming force. It portrays God's righteous judgment as an irresistible, devastating incursion.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted in its base definition, `{{H1464}}` is akin to `{{H1416}}` (גָּדַד - gadad), which means "to cut," "to gash," or "to gather in troops." The latter meaning, "to gather in troops," clearly aligns with the idea of "crowding upon" in an aggressive manner. The former, "to cut," could represent the destructive outcome of such an attack.
Other related concepts in the Hebrew lexicon, though not necessarily cognates, include:
* **Words for fighting/warfare:** `{{H3898}}` (לָחַם - lacham, to fight), `{{H4421}}` (מִלְחָמָה - milchamah, war).
* **Words for approaching aggressively:** `{{H5062}}` (נָגַשׁ - nagash, to draw near, often with hostile intent).
* **Words for overcoming/subduing:** `{{H3581}}` (כָּבַשׁ - kabash, to subdue, bring into bondage), `{{H2388}}` (חָזַק - chazaq, to be strong, prevail).
* **Words for a band/troop:** `{{H1416}}` (גְּדוּד - gedud, a troop, band of raiders), which is derived from `{{H1416}}` (גָּדַד).
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H1464}}` illuminate several profound theological truths:
* **Divine Sovereignty in Conflict:** In [[Habakkuk 3:16]], God is depicted as the one who "invades" or "attacks" a people, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over nations and His role as the ultimate judge. Even the most formidable "invasion" or "attack" can be an instrument of divine purpose and justice.
* **The Paradox of Suffering and Victory:** The prophecy concerning Gad in [[Genesis 49:19]] offers a powerful theological pattern: initial adversity and being "overcome" can precede and even set the stage for ultimate victory. This resonates with biblical themes of God's people enduring trials but ultimately being delivered and prevailing through divine faithfulness. It speaks to the eschatological hope of triumph over all opposition.
* **The Nature of Evil and Injustice:** [[Psalm 94:21]] portrays the wicked "crowding upon" the righteous, highlighting the oppressive, unjust, and malicious nature of those who oppose God's will. This underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for God's intervention to protect His elect from the schemes of the ungodly.
* **Prophetic Foresight and Fulfillment:** Jacob's blessing of Gad is a prophetic utterance that not only foresees future conflicts for the tribe but also assures them of ultimate success. This speaks to God's foreknowledge and His active involvement in the historical trajectory of His covenant people.
### Summary
`{{H1464}}` (גּוּד - gûwd) is a rare but impactful Hebrew verb that signifies aggressive "crowding upon," leading to "attack," "invasion," and "overcoming." Its semantic range is deeply rooted in confrontation and forceful engagement. Biblical occurrences reveal its use in prophetic blessing, depicting initial struggle followed by ultimate victory ([[Genesis 49:19]]); describing the malicious aggression of the wicked against the righteous ([[Psalm 94:21]]); and portraying divine judgment as an overwhelming, irresistible invasion ([[Habakkuk 3:16]]). Theologically, `{{H1464}}` powerfully conveys God's sovereignty in orchestrating and overseeing conflicts, the divine pattern of suffering preceding ultimate triumph, the oppressive nature of human evil, and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment. It underscores the reality of both human and divine warfare, with God as the supreme arbiter and ultimate deliverer.
TRV