a primitive root (compare גַּזָז); properly, to shear off; but used only in the (figuratively) sense of passing rapidly; bring, cut off.
Transliteration:gûwz
Pronunciation:gooz
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1468 (גּוּז, *gûwz*) is a primitive root whose core semantic range begins with the physical act of "to shear off" or "to cut." This literal meaning is closely related to `{{H1504}}` (גָּזַז, *gāzaz*), which specifically means "to shear (sheep)" or "to cut off." However, a distinctive feature of H1468 is that its biblical occurrences depart from this literal sense. Instead, it is used exclusively in a figurative capacity, conveying the idea of "passing rapidly," "vanishing," "wasting away," or "being cut off" in the sense of ceasing to exist or disappearing swiftly. Thus, while its etymological root suggests a decisive severance, its biblical application emphasizes the swift, often irreversible, departure or dissolution of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1468 appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the poetic and wisdom literature of the Book of Job. Its limited occurrences, however, are profoundly illustrative of its figurative meaning:
* **[[Job 20:8]]**: "He will fly away like a dream, and not be found; he will be chased away like a vision of the night." Here, the verb יָגוּז (*yāgûz*) describes the swift disappearance of a wicked person's prosperity or a fleeting dream. The context emphasizes the transient and insubstantial nature of the ungodly's success, which vanishes as quickly as it appears, much like a dream upon waking. This usage perfectly aligns with the "passing rapidly" or "vanishing" aspect of the root.
* **[[Job 33:21]]**: "His flesh wastes away from sight, and his bones, which were not seen, stick out." In this verse, יָגוּזוּ (*yāgûzû*), the plural form, describes the physical decay and emaciation of a sick person. The flesh "wastes away" or "is consumed away," becoming so thin that bones protrude. This usage highlights the idea of gradual but inexorable disappearance or deterioration, a "cutting off" of the body's substance.
* **[[Job 17:15]]**: "Where then is my hope? And who will see my hope?" This particular instance, גּוּז (*gûz*), presents interpretive challenges. While some translations render it as "see" or "behold," many scholarly interpretations connect it to the root's meaning of "passing away" or "vanishing." In this reading, Job laments the disappearance of his hope, questioning who could even perceive it as it fades away. The ambiguity underscores the profound despair Job experiences, where even the abstract concept of hope is subject to the ephemeral nature implied by H1468.
Across these contexts, H1468 consistently paints a picture of transience, whether it be the swift departure of a dream, the slow decay of the body, or the vanishing of hope. It always denotes a movement towards absence or non-existence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary semantic kin to H1468 is `{{H1504}}` (גָּזַז, *gāzaz*), which means "to shear," "to cut off," particularly in the context of shearing sheep or cutting hair. This connection reveals the underlying concept of a decisive separation or removal. Another related term is `{{H1497}}` (גָּזָה, *gāzāh*), meaning "to cut off," "to snatch away," or "to destroy," often implying violence or swiftness.
Conceptually, H1468 is deeply intertwined with themes of ephemerality, transience, and the fleeting nature of existence. It evokes ideas such as:
* **Vanishing**: The sudden disappearance of something.
* **Decay/Wasting**: The gradual deterioration leading to nothingness.
* **Swiftness**: The rapid movement from presence to absence.
* **Imperfection/Fragility**: The inherent weakness and temporary state of earthly things, including human life, dreams, and hopes.
These concepts stand in stark contrast to notions of permanence, eternity, and steadfastness, which are often attributed to God in biblical theology.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1468 lies primarily in its contribution to the biblical understanding of human existence and the nature of the temporal world. Its usage in Job, a book grappling with suffering, mortality, and divine justice, underscores several profound truths:
1. **The Brevity of Life**: The word highlights the fleeting and transient nature of human life and all earthly endeavors. Like a dream or a vision, life passes swiftly, reminding humanity of its limited time and the ultimate futility of pursuits not aligned with eternal purposes.
2. **The Fragility of Hope and Prosperity**: When applied to dreams, flesh, or hope, H1468 serves as a stark reminder that even the most cherished aspects of human experience are subject to decay and disappearance. This can prompt a re-evaluation of where one places ultimate trust and hope.
3. **Divine Sovereignty**: The swift "passing away" of things can be implicitly linked to God's sovereign control over life and death, prosperity and adversity. While not explicitly stating divine action, the word points to a reality where human plans and conditions are not permanent, but subject to an overarching divine order.
4. **A Call to Perspective**: The transient nature of all things implied by H1468 serves as a theological call to humility and a focus on what is eternal. It encourages believers to look beyond the ephemeral realities of this world to the enduring truth and steadfastness found only in God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1468 (גּוּז, *gûwz*), though rooted in the literal act of "to shear off," is employed exclusively in the Hebrew Bible to convey the figurative sense of "passing rapidly," "vanishing," or "wasting away." Its primary occurrences in the Book of Job ([[Job 20:8]], [[Job 33:21]], and arguably [[Job 17:15]]) vividly illustrate the swift disappearance of dreams, the decay of the human body, and the fading of hope. This word powerfully contributes to the biblical theme of human transience and the ephemeral nature of all earthly things, contrasting sharply with the permanence and steadfastness of God. The theological significance of H1468 lies in its poignant reminder of life's brevity, the fragility of human endeavors, and the ultimate necessity of anchoring one's hope and existence in the eternal God rather than the fleeting realities of this world.
TRV