### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâzîyth**, represented by `{{H1496}}`, refers to something cut, specifically **dressed stone** or **hewn stone**. It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The term denotes a stone that has been carefully shaped and prepared for construction, often signifying quality, permanence, and significant works.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1496}}` is predominantly associated with the construction of monumental and sacred structures. King David commanded masons to hew **wrought stones** to build the house of God [[1 Chronicles 22:2]], and Solomon used **hewed stones** for the foundation and courts of the temple ([[1 Kings 5:17]], [[1 Kings 6:36]]). However, its use is not always positive. God explicitly forbade an altar made of **hewn stone**, stating that lifting a tool upon it would pollute it [[Exodus 20:25]]. The term also appears in prophetic judgments, where building houses of **hewn stone** is a sign of oppressive wealth that will go unenjoyed [[Amos 5:11]], and in contexts of defiant pride against God [[Isaiah 9:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and process associated with hewn stone:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This root is fundamental, as hewn stones are the material used **to build** significant structures like the house of God [[1 Chronicles 22:2]] and, in defiant response to destruction, what the people promised to rebuild with [[Isaiah 9:10]].
* `{{H2672}}` **châtsab** (to cut or carve): This word describes the action of creating hewn stone. It is used for the masons set **to hew** wrought stones for the temple [[1 Chronicles 22:2]] and, in a negative sense, for hewing out broken cisterns [[Jeremiah 2:13]].
* `{{H68}}` **ʼeben** (a stone): As the raw material, **stone** is often mentioned alongside `{{H1496}}` to specify that these are not just any stones, but "wrought **stones**" [[1 Chronicles 22:2]] or "hewed **stones**" [[1 Kings 5:17]].
* `{{H3843}}` **lᵉbênâh** (a brick): This term serves as a direct contrast to hewn stone. In [[Isaiah 9:10]], the people declare, "The **bricks** are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones," illustrating a move from a common, fragile material to one of perceived strength and value.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1496}}` is revealed in its contrasting applications.
* **Sanctity and Permanence:** Hewn stone was deemed suitable for the Lord's house, with David and Solomon using "costly" `{{H3368}}` and **wrought stones** for the temple's foundation and courts, signifying a structure of honor and permanence ([[1 Kings 5:17]], [[1 Chronicles 22:2]]). Even the tables for the burnt offering in Ezekiel's vision were made of **hewn stone** [[Ezekiel 40:42]].
* **Human Effort vs. Divine Purity:** A critical distinction is made in the law for altars. An altar of **hewn stone** is considered polluted by the human tool used to shape it, making it unacceptable for direct worship [[Exodus 20:25]]. This suggests a tension between human craftsmanship and the natural purity required for approaching God.
* **Symbol of Pride and Judgment:** Prophets use the image of building with **hewn stone** to condemn the arrogance of the people. It represents both the fruit of social injustice [[Amos 5:11]] and a defiant spirit that prefers man-made permanence over repentance before God [[Isaiah 9:10]].
* **A Metaphor for Restriction:** In a state of despair, the speaker in Lamentations feels his ways are enclosed with **hewn stone**, depicting an impassable, man-made barrier that brings about despair [[Lamentations 3:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1496}}` is more than a simple descriptor for a building material. It represents the pinnacle of human stonework, used for the most significant and costly projects, like the house of the LORD. Yet, it simultaneously carries a warning, symbolizing how human effort can pollute the sacred, and how pride in one's own works can lead to judgment. From the temple's foundation to a metaphor for inescapable sorrow, **gâzîyth** illustrates the fine line between work that honors God and work that stems from human pride.
TRV