from גָּזַל; robbery, or (concretely) plunder; robbery, thing taken away by violence.
Transliteration:gâzêl
Pronunciation:gaw-zale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun gâzêl (`{{H1498}}`) is derived from the verbal root gâzal (`{{H1497}}`), which fundamentally means "to snatch," "to tear away," "to plunder," or "to rob." As a noun, gâzêl carries a dual semantic range: it can refer to the *act* of robbery or plunder itself, or, concretely, to the *thing* that has been taken away by violence or illicit means. The core meaning emphasizes the forceful, unjust, and often aggressive nature of the taking, distinguishing it from mere theft by its inherent element of violence or overt oppression. It denotes an illicit acquisition that violates established rights and often involves the exploitation of the weaker party.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Though not extensively used, the occurrences of gâzêl (`{{H1498}}`) are highly significant, appearing primarily in legal, prophetic, and wisdom contexts, underscoring its gravity in biblical thought.
* **Leviticus 6:4 (Hebrew 5:23):** "then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery, or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him, or the lost thing which he found." [[Leviticus 6:4]] Here, gâzêl refers to the *item* acquired through robbery, emphasizing the legal requirement for full restitution as part of the atonement process for offenses against one's neighbor. This highlights the tangible harm inflicted and the necessity of making amends.
* **Job 24:9:** "Some snatch the orphan from the breast, and they take a pledge from the poor." [[Job 24:9]] While some translations render gâzêl here as "robbery," the context strongly suggests "plunder" or "extortion" of the most vulnerable. This passage illustrates the cruel and unconscionable acts of the wicked who prey on the defenseless, including orphans, underscoring the social injustice inherent in gâzêl.
* **Ecclesiastes 5:8:** "If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official is higher than another, and there are higher ones over them." [[Ecclesiastes 5:8]] In this verse, gâzêl is translated as "robbery" or "extortion" and is linked with "oppression" (osheq `{{H6231}}`). The Preacher observes the pervasive corruption and injustice within societal structures, where those in power engage in illicit gain at the expense of the marginalized.
* **Isaiah 61:8:** "For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery with a burnt offering; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and make an everlasting covenant with them." [[Isaiah 61:8]] This is a pivotal theological statement. God explicitly declares His hatred for gâzêl, particularly when it is associated with religious acts like burnt offerings. This condemns hypocrisy, where outward religious observance is coupled with internal injustice and ill-gotten gain. God's character as a God of justice (mishpat `{{H4941}}`) is highlighted in His abhorrence of gâzêl.
* **Ezekiel 18:7, 12, 16:** In Ezekiel's profound discourse on individual accountability, gâzêl is consistently listed as a defining characteristic of the unrighteous person and its absence a mark of the righteous.
* "He does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing." [[Ezekiel 18:7]] Here, "does not commit robbery" (using the verb gâzal `{{H1497}}` and the noun gâzêl in a construct sense) is a key indicator of a righteous life.
* "He has committed robbery, has not restored a pledge, has lifted up his eyes to the idols, has committed abomination." [[Ezekiel 18:12]] gâzêl is presented as a specific, grave sin leading to divine judgment.
* "He does not oppress anyone, nor retain a pledge, nor commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing." [[Ezekiel 18:16]] Again, the avoidance of gâzêl is a clear sign of a person living in covenant faithfulness.
These passages in Ezekiel firmly establish gâzêl as a serious moral and spiritual transgression that incurs God's displeasure and leads to negative consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **gâzal (`{{H1497}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to rob," "to snatch," or "to plunder." Understanding the action of the verb illuminates the nature of the noun gâzêl.
* **'osheq (`{{H6231}}`):** "Oppression" or "extortion." gâzêl often occurs alongside osheq (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 5:8]]), indicating a close conceptual relationship. While gâzêl focuses on the forceful taking, osheq describes broader forms of unjust pressure, exploitation, and defrauding.
* **chemas (`{{H2555}}`):** "Violence," "wrong." gâzêl is a specific manifestation of chemas, as it inherently involves an element of violent or wrongful taking.
* **Theft (ganav `{{H1589}}`, genevah `{{H1590}}`):** While similar, gâzêl differs from simple theft. Theft can be clandestine, whereas gâzêl implies an overt, often aggressive, or oppressive act of taking, frequently by those in positions of power or advantage. It is a more severe form of illicit acquisition.
* **Justice (mishpat `{{H4941}}`) and Righteousness (tsedeq `{{H6664}}`):** gâzêl stands in direct opposition to these foundational biblical virtues. God's hatred of gâzêl stems from His very nature as a God of mishpat and tsedeq.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of gâzêl (`{{H1498}}`) are profound, revealing aspects of God's character, the demands of His covenant, and the nature of true piety.
* **Violation of Divine Law and Covenant:** gâzêl is a direct transgression against the spirit of the Mosaic Law, particularly the prohibitions against stealing and coveting. It disrupts the shalom (peace, wholeness) of the community and violates the covenant relationship by unjustly harming one's neighbor. The legal requirement for restitution (e.g., [[Leviticus 6:4]]) underscores its seriousness as an offense against both God and humanity.
* **Oppression of the Vulnerable:** The consistent association of gâzêl with the exploitation of the poor, orphans, and the defenseless highlights its character as a sin against the most vulnerable members of society. God, as the defender of the weak, views such acts with deep displeasure, making gâzêl an act of profound social injustice.
* **An Abomination to God:** The declaration in [[Isaiah 61:8]], "I hate robbery with a burnt offering," is particularly potent. It reveals that God detests hypocrisy—the attempt to combine religious observance with unrighteous gain. True worship cannot coexist with injustice. God desires genuine righteousness and ethical conduct more than ritualistic adherence. gâzêl is an affront to His holy and just character.
* **Impediment to Righteousness and Life:** Ezekiel's repeated emphasis on gâzêl as a characteristic of the wicked, leading to death, demonstrates its spiritual gravity. Conversely, abstaining from gâzêl is presented as a fundamental mark of a righteous person who lives in accordance with God's will, leading to life and blessing. It is a core ethical requirement for those who claim to follow the Lord.
* **Distortion of God's Image:** As humanity is created in the image of a just and righteous God, acts of gâzêl distort this divine image by reflecting greed, violence, and injustice rather than the attributes of fairness, generosity, and order that characterize the Creator.
### Summary
The Hebrew term gâzêl (`{{H1498}}`) denotes "robbery" or "plunder," specifically emphasizing the forceful, violent, or oppressive nature of taking something illicitly. Derived from the verb gâzal (`{{H1497}}`), it refers to both the act of unjust acquisition and the ill-gotten gain itself. In biblical contexts, gâzêl is consistently condemned as a grave sin. Legal texts like [[Leviticus 6:4]] mandate restitution for such offenses, while wisdom literature and prophetic warnings (e.g., [[Job 24:9]], [[Ecclesiastes 5:8]]) expose gâzêl as a form of social oppression, particularly against the vulnerable. Crucially, [[Isaiah 61:8]] reveals God's profound hatred for gâzêl, especially when it accompanies religious offerings, underscoring His demand for genuine justice over mere ritual. Ezekiel's writings (e.g., [[Ezekiel 18:7, 12, 16]]) repeatedly present the avoidance of gâzêl as a hallmark of righteousness and its practice as a characteristic of the wicked, leading to divine judgment. Theologically, gâzêl is a direct violation of God's covenant, an act of injustice against humanity, and an abomination to a God who loves mishpat (justice) and tsedeq (righteousness). It stands as a stark contrast to the integrity, compassion, and ethical conduct God requires from His people.
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