a primitive root (akin to גּוּז); to cut off; specifically to shear aflock or shave the hair; figuratively to destroy an enemy; cut off (down), poll, shave, (sheep-) shear(-er).
### 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.
TRV