from גָּזַר; a desert (as separated); not inhabited.
Transliteration:gᵉzêrâh
Pronunciation:ghez-ay-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gᵉzêrâh (`{{H1509}}`) is derived from the root gāzar (`{{H1504}}`), which primarily means "to cut off," "to divide," or "to separate." Consequently, gᵉzêrâh signifies a place that is "cut off," "separated," or "isolated." Its base definition conveys the sense of a "desert" or a "desolate, uninhabited land." The emphasis lies not merely on barrenness, but on a state of being distinctly set apart, often implying an inaccessible or remote location due to its desolate nature. This etymological link to "cutting off" is crucial, as it suggests a deliberate act of separation, making the place uninhabitable or distinct from inhabited areas.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word gᵉzêrâh (`{{H1509}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Leviticus 16:22]]: "And the goat shall bear on him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited [gᵉzêrâh]: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness." This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant within the context of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
In this passage, gᵉzêrâh describes the destination of the "scapegoat" (often associated with Azazel). After the high priest confesses the sins of the people over its head, the goat is led into this "land cut off" or "desolate land." The choice of gᵉzêrâh here is deliberate and powerful. It is not merely a general wilderness (midbar, `{{H4057}}`), but a place specifically characterized by its isolation and separation. The act of sending the goat into gᵉzêrâh symbolizes the complete removal and banishment of the community's sins. The sins are taken to a place utterly cut off from the presence of God and the holy community, signifying their complete eradication from the people's midst. This precise term underscores the finality and thoroughness of the atonement process, where sin is not just forgiven but removed to an inaccessible, separated realm.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relative of gᵉzêrâh (`{{H1509}}`) is its root verb, gāzar (`{{H1504}}`), meaning "to cut off," "to divide," "to separate," or "to decree." This connection highlights the active process of separation inherent in the meaning of gᵉzêrâh.
Other Hebrew words conveying concepts of "wilderness" or "desolation" include:
* midbar (`{{H4057}}`): The most common term for "wilderness" or "desert," often referring to vast, uncultivated regions. While gᵉzêrâh is a type of midbar, its specific nuance is "cut-off" or "separated."
* yeshimon (`{{H3452}}`): Signifying "wasteland," "desolation," or "desert," often emphasizing barrenness and emptiness.
* 'arabah (`{{H6160}}`): Refers to a specific geographical region, a desolate plain or rift valley, often used to denote a dry, barren area.
Theologically, gᵉzêrâh is conceptually linked to:
* **Separation:** The act of setting apart, whether for holiness or for removal of impurity.
* **Atonement:** The process of making amends for sin, specifically the removal of guilt and its consequences.
* **Purity:** The state of being clean and free from defilement, which is achieved through the removal of sin to gᵉzêrâh.
* **Exile/Banishment:** The idea of being sent away from a place or presence, though in [[Leviticus 16:22]], it is sin itself that is banished.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of gᵉzêrâh (`{{H1509}}`) in [[Leviticus 16:22]] imbues it with profound theological significance, particularly concerning the nature of sin and atonement in the Old Covenant. The "land cut off" serves as the ultimate destination for the sins of Israel, symbolically carried away by the scapegoat. This act illustrates several key theological truths:
1. **Completeness of Sin Removal:** The choice of gᵉzêrâh emphasizes that the sins are not merely forgotten or overlooked, but actively and completely removed from the community. They are taken to a place utterly separated from the camp, signifying a thorough cleansing. This speaks to God's desire for a people free from the defilement of sin.
2. **Divine Separation from Impurity:** God's holiness demands that sin be banished from His presence and the community He dwells among. gᵉzêrâh represents the furthest possible distance from the sanctuary, symbolizing the absolute separation between divine purity and human transgression.
3. **Vicarious Atonement:** The scapegoat, bearing the sins of the people into gᵉzêrâh, prefigures the concept of vicarious suffering and atonement. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who "bore our sins in his body on the tree" (cf. [[1 Peter 2:24]]) and removed them from us, as far as the east is from the west (cf. [[Psalm 103:12]]). The gᵉzêrâh is the "place" where sin is utterly cast out, never to return to defile the people.
### Summary
gᵉzêrâh (`{{H1509}}`) is a rare yet potent Hebrew term, meaning "a land cut off," "a desolate place," or "uninhabited" due to its separation. Derived from the verb gāzar (`{{H1504}}`), "to cut off," it conveys a strong sense of isolation and removal. Its singular biblical occurrence in [[Leviticus 16:22]] is pivotal: the scapegoat, burdened with the sins of Israel, is sent into gᵉzêrâh on the Day of Atonement. This act powerfully symbolizes the complete and utter removal of sin from the community, banishing it to a place utterly separated from God's holy presence. Thus, gᵉzêrâh stands as a theological marker for the thoroughness of divine atonement and the radical separation of sin from the redeemed.
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