from גָּזָה; something cut, i.e. dressed stone; hewed, hewn stone, wrought.
Transliteration:gâzîyth
Pronunciation:gaw-zeeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gâzîyth (גָּזִית, `{{H1496}}`) derives from the root גָּזָה (gâzâh), meaning "to cut off" or "to cut down." As such, gâzîyth refers specifically to "something cut," which is further defined as "dressed stone," "hewed stone," or "wrought stone." This definition is crucial, as it distinguishes gâzîyth from raw, unworked stones found in nature. It denotes stone that has undergone human intervention, being quarried, shaped, smoothed, and prepared for construction. The semantic range thus emphasizes precision, craftsmanship, and a finished quality, indicating a material intended for significant, often permanent, structures. It implies a deliberate process of shaping and refining, setting it apart from crude or naturally occurring stone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gâzîyth appears in several key biblical texts, each illuminating its distinct significance:
* **Exodus 20:25**: This passage presents a crucial prohibition regarding the construction of altars: "If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones, for if you wield your tool on it you profane it." [[Exodus 20:25]] Here, gâzîyth is explicitly forbidden for altars dedicated to Yahweh. The use of a tool (iron, specifically implied) would "profane" the altar, suggesting that human artistry or effort, when applied to direct worship, could corrupt its purity and divine origin. God desires an altar that is natural, simple, and unadulterated by human shaping, emphasizing His self-sufficiency and the unmediated nature of true worship.
* **1 Kings 5:17, 6:7, 7:9-12**: In stark contrast to the altar prohibition, gâzîyth is extensively used in the construction of Solomon's Temple and his royal palace.
* [[1 Kings 5:17]] states, "The king commanded, and they quarried great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with hewn stones." This indicates the use of gâzîyth for foundational strength and aesthetic grandeur.
* [[1 Kings 6:7]] provides a remarkable detail: "When the house was built, it was built of stone prepared at the quarry, so that neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron was heard in the house while it was being built." This signifies meticulous pre-fabrication and precision, ensuring a silent, orderly assembly on site. The use of gâzîyth here speaks to the immense value, permanence, and sacredness attributed to God's dwelling place, built with the finest materials and utmost care.
* [[1 Kings 7:9-12]] describes Solomon's palace and the Temple courts also being constructed with "costly stones, hewn according to measure." This reinforces the association of gâzîyth with royal and sacred structures, embodying majesty, durability, and a high level of architectural sophistication.
* **Isaiah 9:10**: In a prophecy concerning Israel's defiant response to divine judgment, the people declare, "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with hewn stone; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place." [[Isaiah 9:10]] Here, gâzîyth symbolizes human pride, self-reliance, and a determination to rebuild by human strength and superior materials, rather than repenting and seeking God's restoration. It represents a defiant human attempt to overcome divine chastisement through greater material effort.
* **Amos 5:11**: The prophet Amos condemns those who oppress the poor, stating, "Therefore, because you trample on the poor and you exact taxes of wheat from him, you have built houses of hewn stone, but you shall not dwell in them; you have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine." [[Amos 5:11]] In this context, gâzîyth is associated with luxury, wealth accumulated through injustice, and the transient nature of such ill-gotten gains. The "houses of hewn stone" represent a false sense of security and permanence built upon unrighteousness, which God promises to overturn.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of gâzîyth is enriched by considering its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **גָּזָה (gâzâh):** The root verb from which gâzîyth derives, meaning "to cut off" or "to cut down." This linguistic connection underscores the active process of shaping and preparing the stone.
* **אֶבֶן (ʾeven, `{{H68}}`):** The general Hebrew word for "stone." gâzîyth is a specific type of ʾeven, distinguished by its being worked and shaped.
* **סֶלַע (selaʿ, `{{H5553}}`):** Refers to a "rock" or "crag," often denoting a natural, unworked formation, contrasting with the prepared nature of gâzîyth.
* **בָּנָה (bânâh, `{{H1129}}`):** "To build." gâzîyth is a primary material for significant building projects, especially those requiring durability and aesthetic quality.
* **Concepts of Craftsmanship and Artistry:** The preparation of gâzîyth required skilled masons and considerable effort, highlighting human ingenuity and labor.
* **Purity vs. Profanity:** The prohibition in Exodus 20:25 introduces a theological distinction between what is acceptable for direct worship (natural, unadorned) and what might be considered "profane" (humanly altered or embellished).
* **Durability and Permanence:** Hewn stone was used for structures intended to last, signifying strength and stability.
* **Wealth and Luxury:** As seen in Amos, gâzîyth could also symbolize material prosperity, which, when acquired unjustly, becomes a target of divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gâzîyth is multifaceted, revealing tensions and principles concerning worship, human endeavor, and divine justice.
1. **The Nature of Worship and Divine Purity:** The prohibition against hewn stone for altars in Exodus 20:25 is profoundly significant. It teaches that God desires worship that is simple, direct, and unadulterated by human artifice or pride. The altar, as the place of sacrifice and communion with God, must not bear the mark of human tools, which could imply human effort or embellishment "profaning" the sacred space. This emphasizes God's self-sufficiency and the need for humanity to approach Him on His terms, not through human ingenuity or impressive works. It highlights the principle that true worship prioritizes divine instruction over human aesthetic preferences or technological advancements.
2. **The Glory of God and Sacred Architecture:** Conversely, the extensive use of gâzîyth in Solomon's Temple underscores the profound value and majesty attributed to God's dwelling place among His people. The finest, most durable, and most meticulously prepared materials were deemed appropriate for a structure intended to reflect God's glory and serve as a central point of worship and covenant. The detail of the stones being prepared off-site (1 Kings 6:7) can symbolize the quiet, pre-ordained nature of God's work, and perhaps even the spiritual preparation of individuals before they are incorporated into God's spiritual temple (cf. [[1 Peter 2:5]]). The hewn stone here signifies excellence, order, and a reverence for the divine presence.
3. **Human Pride, Defiance, and Judgment:** In Isaiah 9:10 and Amos 5:11, gâzîyth takes on a negative connotation, symbolizing human arrogance and injustice. In Isaiah, building with hewn stone after divine judgment represents a defiant refusal to humble oneself before God, opting instead for a display of human strength and self-reliance. In Amos, the "houses of hewn stone" built by the oppressors symbolize wealth acquired through exploitation, which is ultimately fleeting and subject to divine judgment. These instances highlight the biblical critique of material prosperity and human achievement when divorced from righteousness and humility before God.
### Summary
Gâzîyth (גָּזִית, `{{H1496}}`) refers to carefully cut, dressed, or hewn stone, signifying a material prepared by human skill for construction. Its biblical usage reveals a nuanced theological significance:
* It is explicitly forbidden for altars (Exodus 20:25), emphasizing the purity, simplicity, and unadulterated nature required for direct worship of God, free from human embellishment.
* Conversely, it is extensively employed in the construction of Solomon's Temple and palace (1 Kings 5-7), symbolizing grandeur, permanence, and the finest quality deemed fitting for God's dwelling and royal authority.
* In prophetic contexts (Isaiah 9:10, Amos 5:11), gâzîyth can also represent human pride, defiance against divine judgment, or wealth accumulated through injustice, highlighting the transient nature of human endeavors built without righteousness.
Ultimately, gâzîyth serves as a powerful symbol, illustrating the tension between human effort and divine command, the sacredness of worship, and the dangers of material prosperity when disconnected from ethical and spiritual foundations.
TRV