from an unused root apparently meaning to grasp; properly, a span; cubit.
Transliteration:gômed
Pronunciation:go'-med
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1574 (גֹּמֶד, *gômed*) is defined as stemming from an unused root, which is understood to convey the concept of "grasping." From this etymological root, the primary meaning of *gômed* emerges as a unit of linear measurement. Specifically, it refers to a "span" or a "cubit."
A "span" typically denotes the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the little finger when the hand is fully extended, while a "cubit" is generally understood as the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The definition "properly, a span; cubit" suggests a potential range of meaning or an evolution in its application, perhaps indicating a shorter or specific type of cubit that was based on the span, or simply a less common synonym for the standard cubit. Its singular occurrence in the biblical text necessitates a careful consideration of its contextual usage to ascertain its precise nuance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H1574 (גֹּמֶד, *gômed*) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 3:16]]: "And Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh."
In this sole instance, *gômed* specifies the length of Ehud's dagger. The phrase "of a cubit length" (גֹּמֶד) describes a crucial detail about the weapon Ehud crafted for his mission to assassinate Eglon, the king of Moab. The standard Hebrew cubit was approximately 17.5 to 20.6 inches (44 to 52 cm). A dagger of this length would be substantial, yet the narrative emphasizes its concealability ("under his raiment upon his right thigh"), which was essential for Ehud's plan as a left-handed man. The precise measurement underscores the deliberate and calculated nature of Ehud's preparation, highlighting that this was not a random act but a carefully executed strategy. The detail adds vividness and realism to the narrative, emphasizing the physical reality of the oppression and the tangible means of deliverance.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H1574 is unique in its biblical occurrence, it belongs to a semantic field of measurement terms in Hebrew. The most common word for "cubit" in the Hebrew Bible is `{{H520}}` ('ammah), which appears hundreds of times, often in contexts of architectural dimensions (e.g., the Ark, the Tabernacle, the Temple).
Other related terms include:
* `{{H2298}}` (zeret), which specifically means "span." This term is distinct from *gômed* but conceptually related, as *gômed* is defined as "properly, a span; cubit." The use of *gômed* in [[Judges 3:16]] instead of the more common `{{H520}}` or `{{H2298}}` has led some scholars to suggest it might refer to a slightly shorter cubit or a cubit measured by a span, emphasizing its compact nature for concealment.
* Units of weight like `{{H8337}}` (shekel) or `{{H3543}}` (kikar, "talent") are also part of the broader category of biblical measurements, though distinct in application.
The concept of precise measurement itself is significant in the Old Testament, often appearing in divine instructions for sacred structures or in descriptions that emphasize order and design.
### Theological Significance
The word H1574 itself, as a unit of measurement, does not carry intrinsic theological weight. Its significance is derived entirely from its singular biblical context in [[Judges 3:16]]. Here, it plays a crucial role in highlighting several theological themes:
1. **Divine Deliverance through Human Agency:** The precise measurement of Ehud's dagger underscores the deliberate and meticulous preparation undertaken by a human agent whom God used for the deliverance of Israel. It illustrates that God's plans often involve human ingenuity, courage, and specific actions.
2. **The Reality of Conflict and Deliverance:** The detailed description of the weapon, down to its "cubit length," brings a stark realism to the narrative. It reminds the reader that the oppression under Eglon was tangible, and the deliverance required a concrete, even violent, act. This detail grounds the theological truth of God's intervention in the gritty reality of human history.
3. **God's Use of the Unconventional:** Ehud, a left-handed man (which was unusual and sometimes considered a disadvantage), uses a specifically crafted, concealed weapon of a particular length. This detail subtly emphasizes God's ability to use unconventional means and individuals to achieve His purposes, often turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.
4. **Narrative Authenticity:** The inclusion of such a specific, seemingly minor detail contributes to the overall authenticity and vividness of the biblical account. It suggests an eyewitness quality or a narrative tradition that valued precise recounting, even for the instruments of divine judgment and salvation.
### Summary
H1574 (גֹּמֶד, *gômed*) is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only once in the entire biblical corpus in [[Judges 3:16]]. It denotes a unit of linear measurement, specifically defined as a "span" or a "cubit," derived from an unused root meaning "to grasp." In its sole occurrence, *gômed* describes the "cubit length" of Ehud's double-edged dagger, the instrument he meticulously crafted and concealed to assassinate King Eglon and deliver Israel from Moabite oppression.
While a technical term for measurement, its precise use in this pivotal narrative is highly significant. It underscores the deliberate nature of Ehud's actions as a human agent in God's plan of deliverance, adding realism and vividness to the account. The specific measurement highlights the tangible means through which God orchestrates salvation, often employing human ingenuity and even unconventional methods. Though not carrying inherent theological meaning, *gômed* serves as a crucial detail that anchors the theological narrative of divine intervention within the concrete realities of human history and conflict. It stands as a unique instance among other Hebrew terms for measurement, possibly indicating a specific type of cubit or simply a less common synonym for the standard `{{H520}}`.
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