a primitive root; to hedge about, i.e. (generally) protect; defend.
Transliteration:gânan
Pronunciation:gaw-nan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root `{{H1598}}` (gânan) is a primitive verb whose core meaning evokes the imagery of "hedging about" or "enclosing." This literal sense quickly extends to a more general and metaphorical application: "to protect" or "to defend." The nuance inherent in gânan suggests an active, intentional act of surrounding or covering to provide security. It implies a deliberate posture of safeguarding, distinct from merely offering refuge. The protection offered by gânan is not passive, but rather a dynamic and effective defense against external threats, akin to building a wall or a fence around something precious to keep it safe from harm.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root `{{H1598}}` appears sparingly in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are profoundly significant, consistently attributing the act of defense to divine agency.
1. **[[2 Kings 20:6]]**: "And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." Here, the LORD, speaking through the prophet Isaiah to King Hezekiah, pledges to defend Jerusalem against the Assyrian threat. This promise underscores God's commitment to His covenant and His city. The defense is rooted in His own honor and His faithfulness to David.
2. **[[Isaiah 31:5]]**: "As birds flying, so will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it." This verse employs a powerful simile, likening God's defense to a bird hovering over its nest, protecting its young. The repetition of "defend" (using different forms of `{{H1598}}`) emphasizes the active, persistent, and tender nature of God's protection. The imagery suggests a comprehensive and vigilant guardianship.
3. **[[Isaiah 37:35]]**: "For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake." This is a near-verbatim repetition of the promise found in [[2 Kings 20:6]], reinforcing the divine guarantee of Jerusalem's safety against Sennacherib's siege. It highlights the unwavering nature of God's word and His commitment to His chosen people and place.
4. **[[Zechariah 12:8]]**: "In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them." This passage projects the divine defense into an eschatological future, promising that God Himself will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem during a future conflict. The defense is so profound that even the weakest among them will become mighty, empowered by God's own presence.
Across these occurrences, `{{H1598}}` invariably describes God's active, powerful, and faithful defense of His people and His holy city, often in the face of overwhelming human opposition.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root `{{H1598}}` is closely related to the noun `{{H1593}}` (gan), meaning "garden" or "enclosure." This etymological link reinforces the core idea of "hedging about" or "surrounding for protection," as a garden is a cultivated, enclosed space distinct from the wilderness.
Other Hebrew terms that convey aspects of protection or defense, though with different nuances, include:
* `{{H7931}}` (sāṭar): "to hide, conceal, protect," often implying a passive or hidden refuge.
* `{{H6887}}` (ṣûr): "to besiege," but also "to enclose" or "to be a rock," often used for a stronghold or refuge.
* `{{H4268}}` (maḥaseh): "refuge, shelter," emphasizing a place of safety one flees to.
* `{{H4581}}` (mā'ôz): "stronghold, defense," referring to a fortified place.
* `{{H6789}}` (ṣinnāh): "shield," an implement of defense.
While these words share the semantic domain of security, `{{H1598}}` uniquely emphasizes the active, deliberate, and often personal act of *providing* that protective barrier or defense, particularly when God is the subject. It is not merely a place of refuge, but the divine *action* of defending.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of `{{H1598}}` is profound, centering on the character and actions of God.
1. **Divine Protector:** The consistent use of `{{H1598}}` with Yahweh as the subject firmly establishes Him as the ultimate Defender of His people. He is not a distant deity, but one who actively intervenes to safeguard His creation and His covenant partners.
2. **Covenant Faithfulness:** God's defense of Jerusalem, as seen in 2 Kings and Isaiah, is explicitly tied to His covenant with David and His own glory ("for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake"). This demonstrates that His protection is not arbitrary but flows from His unchanging character and His promises.
3. **Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The ability to "defend" against a formidable empire like Assyria, as depicted in the historical accounts, showcases God's absolute sovereignty over nations and His limitless power. He is capable of delivering His people even when human efforts are futile.
4. **Active Engagement:** The verb `{{H1598}}` depicts God as actively engaged in the affairs of His people, not merely observing from afar. His defense is dynamic, strategic, and ultimately effective, providing comfort and assurance to those who trust in Him.
5. **Eschatological Hope:** The usage in Zechariah extends this divine protection into the future, offering a powerful promise of God's enduring defense for His people in the ultimate day of conflict, affirming His eternal commitment.
### Summary
The Hebrew root `{{H1598}}` (gânan) carries the rich meaning of "to hedge about," "to enclose," and by extension, "to protect" or "to defend." Though appearing infrequently in the Old Testament, its occurrences are highly significant, consistently portraying the LORD God as the active, powerful, and faithful Defender of His people and His holy city, Jerusalem. Whether in historical accounts of deliverance from Assyria or in prophetic visions of future protection, `{{H1598}}` underscores God's unwavering commitment to His covenant, His supreme sovereignty, and His intimate, active engagement in safeguarding those whom He calls His own. The word serves as a powerful reminder of God's character as the ultimate Protector, offering profound assurance to all who rely on His divine defense.
TRV