### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâzar**, represented by `{{H1504}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **cut down or off**. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. Figuratively, its meaning extends to concepts like destroying, dividing, excluding, or deciding, and is translated as **cut down (off)**, **decree**, **divide**, and **snatch**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1504}}` is used to describe acts of decisive separation and authority. It can be a literal, physical action, such as when King Solomon commands to **divide** the living child [[1 Kings 3:25]] or when the Red Sea is **divided** into parts [[Psalms 136:13]]. Figuratively, it conveys being cut off or excluded, as when King Uzziah was **cut off** from the house of the LORD due to his leprosy [[2 Chronicles 26:21]]. It is also used for making an official decision, such as the **decree** made against Queen Vashti [[Esther 2:1]] or the promise that a righteous man can **decree** a thing and have it established [[Job 22:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the actions described by **gâzar**:
* `{{H4941}}` **mishpâṭ** (judgment): This word, meaning "a verdict... or formal decree," appears with **gâzar** in [[Isaiah 53:8]], where the servant is "cut off" from judgment, linking the separation to a judicial process.
* `{{H6965}}` **qûwm** (to rise, decree, establish): This term is used in tandem with **gâzar** in [[Job 22:28]], showing that after one does **decree** a thing, it shall be established, or "made good."
* `{{H2491}}` **châlâl** (slain): In [[Psalms 88:5]], those who are "cut off" from God's hand are compared to the **slain** who lie in the grave, connecting the idea of being cut off with finality and death.
* `{{H4194}}` **mâveth** (death): The consequence of Uzziah being "cut off" from the temple was that he remained a leper until the day of his **death** [[2 Chronicles 26:21]], highlighting the permanent nature of the separation.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1504}}` is centered on the concepts of separation, judgment, and authority.
* **Separation as Judgment:** Being "cut off" is often a direct consequence of transgression or a divine verdict. The suffering servant is **cut off** from the land of the living for the transgression of the people [[Isaiah 53:8]], and King Uzziah is **cut off** from the house of the LORD for his sin [[2 Chronicles 26:21]].
* **Act of Sovereign Decision:** The word signifies an action of absolute power. This is seen most clearly in God's miraculous act of **dividing** the Red Sea [[Psalms 136:13]]. It also appears in the context of human authority, where a king's command to **divide** [[1 Kings 3:25]] or **decree** [[Esther 2:1]] is final.
* **Expression of Utter Desolation:** To be "cut off" is to be in a state of complete hopelessness. The house of Israel expresses this despair by saying, "we are cut off" [[Ezekiel 37:11]], and the psalmist cries out from affliction, "I am cut off" [[Lamentations 3:54]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1504}}` is a powerful word that conveys actions of decisive separation. From the literal dividing of the Red Sea to the figurative act of issuing a decree or being cut off from life and community, **gâzar** illustrates a final, definitive action. It serves to articulate significant biblical concepts of judgment, sovereign authority, and profound desolation.
TRV