The Hebrew word gezaʻ, represented by H1503, refers to the trunk or stump of a tree. Derived from a root meaning "to cut down," it describes the part of a tree that remains, whether felled or planted. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible, carrying the meaning of a stem or stock.
In its biblical usage, H1503 conveys powerful imagery of both finality and hope. The most notable use is in the messianic prophecy of Isaiah, where a rod is promised to "come forth... out of the stem of Jesse" Isaiah 11:1, symbolizing a new king emerging from a seemingly cut-down royal line. In contrast, Job speaks of a tree's stock that may "die in the ground" when its root grows old, portraying an image of decay and death Job 14:8. Isaiah also uses the term to describe the impermanence of corrupt rulers, whose stock fails to take root and withers under God's judgment Isaiah 40:24.
Several related words build on the botanical imagery associated with H1503:
- H8328 sheresh (root): This is the foundation from which the stem or stock originates. In Isaiah 11:1, a Branch grows from the roots of the stem of Jesse, signifying a deep, life-giving source.
- H2415 chôṭêr (rod): This word, meaning a twig or rod, describes the new growth that comes directly from the stem (gezaʻ) of Jesse, representing the promised ruler Isaiah 11:1.
- H5342 nêtser (Branch): This term for a shoot or descendant is also used in Isaiah 11:1 to describe the new life that will grow from the roots connected to the felled stem.
- H4191 mûwth (to die): This verb is used to describe the fate of the stock in Job's illustration, highlighting the potential for the stump to be lifeless and without hope Job 14:8.
The theological weight of H1503 is concentrated in its powerful symbolism.
- Hope from a Fallen Lineage: The "stem of Jesse" Isaiah 11:1 is a profound symbol of messianic hope. It teaches that God can bring forth a righteous king and a new future from a dynasty that appears to be finished and cut off.
- Divine Judgment on the Proud: In Isaiah 40:24, the "stock" of godless rulers is shown to be unstable and temporary. It illustrates God's sovereignty, as He can effortlessly remove those who are not planted by Him, causing them to wither like a plant with no root.
- The Remnant and New Life: The image of a stump or stock represents a remnant—what is left after cutting down. While this can imply death Job 14:8, it primarily serves in prophecy to show that life and promise can emerge from what seems to be a hopeless end.
In summary, H1503 is a biblically significant term that uses the image of a tree stump to convey deep theological truths. Though it appears only three times, it powerfully illustrates the contrast between divine judgment and divine promise. It functions as a symbol of both the finality of a felled dynasty and the surprising, hopeful emergence of new life from its remnant, finding its ultimate expression in the prophecy of the Messiah's coming.
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