גַּזָז

gazâz /gaw-zaz'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root (akin to גּוּז)
Meaningto cut off; specifically to shear aflock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy
KJV usagecut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word gazâz, represented by H1494, is a primitive root that means to cut off. It appears 15 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Its primary, literal meaning refers to the act of shearing a flock or shaving hair, but it is also used figuratively to describe the destruction of an enemy.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H1494 is most frequently used in the context of sheep shearing, an important seasonal and economic event. It is mentioned in the stories of Laban Genesis 31:19, Judah Genesis 38:12-13, Nabal 1 Samuel 25:2, and Absalom 2 Samuel 13:23. The term also denotes a ritual act of mourning or grief, as when Job "shaved his head" after his tragic loss Job 1:20. In a prophetic context, it can symbolize judgment and lamentation, as when Jeremiah commands Jerusalem to "Cut off thine hair" Jeremiah 7:29. Figuratively, it is used to depict the destruction of a powerful enemy, who will be "cut down" by the Lord Nahum 1:12.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to illuminate the contexts in which H1494 is used:

  • H7139 qârach (to make bald): This word, meaning "to depilate; make (self) bald," is used in parallel with H1494 to command a symbolic act of deep mourning. The prophet Micah instructs the people to "Make thee bald, and poll thee" for their captive children Micah 1:16.
  • H5065 nâgas (oppress): Defined as "to drive... harass, tyrannize... oppress(-or)," this word is linked to the passivity of being sheared. In Isaiah 53:7, the suffering servant "was oppressed" and brought like a sheep before her "shearers."
  • H6031 ʻânâh (afflict): Meaning "to depress literally or figuratively... afflict(-ion, self)... humble (self), hurt," this term appears alongside H1494 to describe suffering. The Lord promises in Nahum 1:12, "Though I have afflicted thee, I will afflict thee no more," just before declaring that the enemy will be "cut down."

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1494 is revealed in its figurative applications, which center on themes of judgment, submission, and humility.

  • Mourning and Humiliation: Shaving the head was a visible sign of profound grief and abasement. Job's act of shaving his head was one of worship and submission to God's will Job 1:20, while in Jeremiah and Micah, it is a mandated sign of communal sorrow and punishment (Jeremiah 7:29, Micah 1:16).
  • Divine Judgment: The word is used to express God's definitive power over nations. The declaration in Nahum that an army will be "cut down" illustrates that their strength is nothing before God's sovereign decree Nahum 1:12.
  • Vicarious Submission: In its most significant theological use, H1494 illustrates the silent submission of the Messiah. The image of a sheep being passive before its "shearers" in Isaiah 53:7 becomes a powerful metaphor for the servant who endures affliction and oppression without protest.

Summary

In summary, H1494 extends far beyond its simple agricultural definition. While rooted in the literal act of shearing sheep, it serves as a powerful symbol in scripture. It conveys the depths of human sorrow, the finality of divine judgment, and the profound humility of the suffering servant. This demonstrates how a common, everyday action can be imbued with significant theological meaning, from a sign of mourning to a picture of messianic submission.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Infinitive Construct 3×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 3×
  • Qal Participle Plural Masculine Construct 3×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Feminine 2×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 9 books. Most frequent in 1 Samuel (4 verses).

3
Genesis
1
Deuteronomy
4
1 Samuel
2
2 Samuel
1
Job
1
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah
1
Micah
1
Nahum

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