גָּזַר

gâzar /gaw-zar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide
KJV usagecut down (off), decree, divide, snatch.
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine 2×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Plural common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Niphal Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Construct 1×
  • Qal Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Niphal
Simple passive or reflexive of the Qal.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 10 books. Most frequent in 1 Kings (2 verses).

2
1 Kings
1
2 Kings
1
2 Chronicles
1
Esther
1
Job
2
Psalms
2
Isaiah
1
Lamentations
1
Ezekiel
1
Habakkuk

Verse Explorer

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