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).
Transliteration:gazâz
Pronunciation:gaw-zaz'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1494}}` (gazâz) primarily conveys the act of "cutting off." Its semantic range extends from the literal severing of material to metaphorical destruction. At its most common application, gazâz refers to the shearing of a flock, specifically sheep, involving the cutting of their wool. This agricultural practice is distinct from general cutting, emphasizing the removal of a covering or growth. Secondly, it denotes the shaving of human hair, often in contexts of ritual, mourning, or humiliation. Figuratively, gazâz is employed to describe the "cutting off" or destruction of an enemy, signifying a decisive and complete removal. The base definition notes an affinity with `{{H1468}}` (gûz), which also carries the sense of cutting off or passing away, reinforcing the core idea of separation or termination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H1494}}` (gazâz) in the Hebrew Bible highlight its various applications, often embedded in significant narrative contexts.
* **Sheep Shearing:** This is the most prevalent usage.
* In [[Genesis 31:19]], Laban goes to shear his sheep, providing the opportune moment for Rachel to steal his household gods. This illustrates sheep shearing as a seasonal, communal, and economically significant event.
* [[Genesis 38:12-13]] describes Judah going to Timnah for sheep shearing, a time associated with feasting and vulnerability, which Tamar exploits to secure her rights.
* The narrative of Nabal in [[1 Samuel 25:2, 4, 7]] prominently features sheep shearing as a time of prosperity and celebration, during which Nabal's churlishness towards David leads to near-disaster. It underscores the social customs of sharing bounty during such events.
* Absalom's sheep shearing feast in [[2 Samuel 13:23-24]] serves as a deceptive pretext for the murder of Amnon, revealing how this traditional event could be manipulated for sinister purposes. These instances collectively portray sheep shearing as a vital economic activity, often accompanied by festivities, but also potentially a time of heightened social dynamics and vulnerability.
* **Shaving Human Hair:**
* [[Job 1:20]] records Job's profound act of mourning: "Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped." Here, shaving the head is a stark physical manifestation of deep grief, humility, and submission to God's sovereign will in the face of immense loss. It signifies a radical stripping away of personal adornment and perhaps even identity.
* [[Jeremiah 7:29]] uses gazâz metaphorically in a command to Judah: "Cut off your hair, O Jerusalem, and cast it away; raise a lament on the bare heights, for the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath." This act of cutting off hair symbolizes national mourning, shame, and the rejection by God due to unfaithfulness, signifying a loss of glory or a covenant relationship.
* **Figurative Destruction:**
* [[Psalm 129:4]] declares, "The Lord is righteous; He has cut asunder the cords of the wicked." Here, gazâz is used to describe God's decisive act of breaking the power or influence of the wicked, severing their oppressive bonds. This highlights God's justice and His power to intervene and bring an end to evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{H1494}}` (gazâz) is conceptually linked to several other Hebrew terms and themes. Its core meaning of "cutting off" resonates with `{{H3772}}` (kārath), a broader term for cutting, often used in the context of "cutting a covenant" (implying a solemn cutting or division) or "cutting off" a people or individual from the community or from life. The related root `{{H1468}}` (gûz), meaning "to cut off" or "pass away," reinforces the idea of termination or removal.
The specific application of gazâz to sheep shearing connects it to the agricultural and pastoral life of ancient Israel, involving concepts like `{{H6629}}` (ṣō'n - flock/sheep), `{{H6785}}` (ṣemer - wool), and the broader theme of divine provision and human stewardship. Its use in the context of shaving hair ties it to rituals of mourning (`{{H6088}}` - 'evel - mourning), humility, and sometimes defilement or disgrace. The figurative sense of destroying enemies links it to divine judgment (`{{H4941}}` - mishpāṭ - judgment) and the active role of God in history, bringing about justice and deliverance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1494}}` (gazâz) is multifaceted, reflecting its diverse applications.
1. **Divine Provision and Human Stewardship:** The frequent mention of sheep shearing underscores God's provision for His people through the land and its creatures. Wool was essential for clothing and trade, signifying economic well-being. The act of shearing was a human responsibility within this divine economy, highlighting the rhythm of life and the importance of diligent labor. It implicitly points to God as the ultimate provider of sustenance.
2. **Lament, Humility, and Submission:** Job's act of shaving his head is a powerful theological statement. In a culture where hair often symbolized strength, beauty, or honor, its removal in mourning signifies profound grief, a stripping away of earthly comforts, and an ultimate act of humility before God's sovereignty. It is an acknowledgment that all things come from God and can be taken away by Him, yet worship remains. This act of self-abasement in suffering becomes a testament to radical trust.
3. **Judgment, Separation, and Divine Justice:** The figurative use of gazâz to "cut asunder" the cords of the wicked in [[Psalm 129:4]] reveals God's active involvement in maintaining justice. It signifies His power to dismantle oppressive structures and bring an end to the schemes of the unrighteous. This act of "cutting off" is a manifestation of divine wrath against sin, a separation of evil from the righteous, and ultimately, an assurance of God's righteous governance over creation. The command to "cut off your hair" in [[Jeremiah 7:29]] also carries a theological weight of judgment and rejection, symbolizing the breaking of a covenant relationship due to Israel's idolatry.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H1494}}` (gazâz) primarily means "to cut off," encompassing a semantic range from the literal to the figurative. Its most common application is the shearing of sheep, a vital agricultural practice signifying divine provision and human labor within the ancient Israelite economy. It also describes the shaving of human hair, an act laden with symbolic meaning, most notably expressing profound grief and humility before God in moments of suffering, as seen in Job's lament. Furthermore, gazâz is employed figuratively to denote the decisive destruction or "cutting off" of enemies, illustrating God's righteous judgment and His power to dismantle wickedness. Across its biblical occurrences, gazâz thus reveals aspects of God's sustaining care, the depth of human lament, and the unwavering nature of divine justice.
TRV