or rather (by permutation) גִּישׁ; of uncertain derivation; a mass of earth; clod.
Transliteration:gûwsh
Pronunciation:goosh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גּוּשׁ (gûwsh), Strong's number `{{H1487}}`, primarily denotes a "clod" or "mass of earth." Its derivation is noted as uncertain, with a suggested permutation to גִּישׁ (gîysh), though this does not alter its core semantic range in biblical usage. The word evokes an image of compacted soil, often implying a state of dryness or adherence, distinct from loose dust. It refers to a physical, tangible lump of earth, emphasizing its solid, sometimes crude, form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גּוּשׁ (gûwsh) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the lament of Job:
* [[Job 7:5]]: "My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken and festering."
In this poignant verse, Job describes the horrific state of his physical body, ravaged by disease and decay. The phrase "clods of dust" (רִמָּה וְגִישׁ עָפָר, *rimmāh wəḡîš ʿāp̄ār*) powerfully conveys the abject condition of his skin. The "clods" here are not merely generic dirt but suggest hardened, clinging lumps of earth mixed with the dust of decay, perhaps even adhering to the festering sores. This imagery underscores the extreme physical suffering endured by Job, presenting his body as a repulsive mass returning to its constituent elements. The use of גּוּשׁ in this context amplifies the horror and despair of Job's situation, highlighting the physical manifestation of his profound anguish and the disintegration of his earthly form.
### Related Words & Concepts
While גּוּשׁ (gûwsh) is unique in its direct biblical occurrence, its meaning connects to broader concepts and related terms concerning the earth and human mortality:
* **Earth/Dust:** The most direct conceptual link is to words for "dust" or "earth," such as עָפָר (ʿāp̄ār, `{{H6083}}`), which frequently denotes the material from which humanity was formed and to which it returns (e.g., [[Genesis 2:7]], [[Genesis 3:19]]). Other related terms include אֲדָמָה (ʾădāmāh, `{{H127}}`), referring to the ground or soil, and אֶרֶץ (ʾereṣ, `{{H776}}`), the broader term for land or earth. The "clods of dust" in [[Job 7:5]] explicitly links גּוּשׁ to עָפָר, emphasizing the earthy composition of the human body.
* **Decay and Corruption:** The context in Job associates גּוּשׁ with worms and festering, aligning it with concepts of physical decay, corruption, and the transient nature of the human body. This imagery contrasts sharply with the divine, immortal realm, emphasizing the creaturely and perishable aspect of humanity.
* **Mortality and Frailty:** The word contributes to the biblical theme of human mortality and fragility, reminding humanity of its origin from the dust and its inevitable return to it. It serves as a stark reminder of the physical consequences of a fallen world, where even the body, once a vessel of life, becomes a source of revulsion and decay.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of גּוּשׁ (gûwsh) in [[Job 7:5]] carries significant theological weight, primarily within the discourse on human suffering, mortality, and the nature of the human body:
* **The Depth of Human Suffering:** In Job's lament, גּוּשׁ vividly portrays the extreme physical degradation that can befall humanity. It underscores the severity of Job's affliction, making his suffering palpable and repulsive, thereby deepening the reader's understanding of his despair and the theological questions it raises.
* **Mortality and Return to Dust:** The "clods of dust" serve as a grim reminder of humanity's origin from the earth and its ultimate return to it, echoing the divine decree in [[Genesis 3:19]]: "for dust you are and to dust you will return." This imagery highlights the perishable nature of the physical body and the stark reality of death.
* **The Fallen State:** The association of גּוּשׁ with worms and decay implicitly points to the consequences of the fall. The body, once created in God's image, is now subject to corruption, disease, and disintegration, a powerful symbol of the brokenness of creation under the curse.
* **Humility and Dependence:** The fragility implied by "clods of dust" can also serve as a theological call to humility, reminding humanity of its creaturely status and its absolute dependence on God, in contrast to divine immutability and power.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גּוּשׁ (gûwsh, `{{H1487}}`), meaning "clod" or "mass of earth," is a rare but potent term in the Hebrew Bible. Its singular occurrence in [[Job 7:5]] profoundly illustrates the depth of human physical suffering and decay. In Job's lament, "clods of dust" paints a vivid, repulsive picture of his body's deterioration, emphasizing its return to its earthy origins. Theologically, גּוּשׁ underscores the themes of human mortality, frailty, and the physical consequences of the fallen state, serving as a stark reminder of humanity's transient nature and its ultimate return to the dust from which it was formed.
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