גָּעַר

gâʻar /gaw-ar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto chide
KJV usagecorrupt, rebuke, reprove.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word gâʻar, represented by H1605, is a primitive root meaning to chide; corrupt, rebuke, reprove. It appears 14 times in 13 verses, typically signifying a potent and authoritative rebuke that carries significant consequences. Its usage ranges from divine commands that alter the natural world to interpersonal correction.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In biblical narratives, H1605 is used to express power and authority in several ways. God's rebuke demonstrates His absolute control over creation, as when He rebuked the Red sea and it was dried up Psalms 106:9 and rebuketh the sea and maketh it dry Nahum 1:4. The term is also central to spiritual conflict and judgment, seen when the LORD rebuke thee, O Satan Zechariah 3:2. In a familial context, it denotes correction, as when Joseph's father rebuked him for his dream Genesis 37:10. The word also carries the meaning of "corrupt," as God warns, "Behold, I will corrupt your seed" Malachi 2:3.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words highlight the effects and nature of this powerful rebuke:

  • H5127 nûwç (to flit, i.e. vanish away... flee): A divine rebuke often causes its target to flee far off, as seen when God rebukes the nations Isaiah 17:13.
  • H7843 shâchath (to decay, i.e. (causatively) ruin... destroy): God's rebuke can prevent destruction, as He promises He will not let the devourer destroy the fruits of the ground Malachi 3:11.
  • H7107 qâtsaph (to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage... wroth): In a promise of covenant faithfulness, God contrasts His anger with His rebuke, swearing He would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee Isaiah 54:9.
  • H7291 râdaph (to run after... chase... pursue): The effect of God's rebuke can be a complete rout, causing a nation to be chased as the chaff of the mountains Isaiah 17:13.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1605 is significant, revealing aspects of God's power and character.

  • Sovereignty over Nature: The act of rebuking the sea Psalms 106:9 and rivers Nahum 1:4 establishes God's absolute authority over the created order, showing that His word alone can subdue chaotic forces.
  • Divine Judgment and Authority: The word is used to execute judgment upon the wicked and the heathen Psalms 9:5 and to assert authority over spiritual adversaries like Satan Zechariah 3:2. The rebuke is not merely a word but an act of power.
  • Covenantal Action: God's rebuke can be protective, as when He rebukes the "devourer" for the sake of His people Malachi 3:11. Conversely, His promise not to rebuke serves as a powerful assurance of His unending covenant mercy Isaiah 54:9.

Summary

In summary, H1605 is more than a simple term for reproof. It is an expression of potent, effective authority that brings about immediate results. Whether commanding the elements, judging nations, confronting evil, or preserving His people, gâʻar demonstrates how the spoken word of God carries the power to alter reality and enforce His sovereign will.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms.

  • Qal Perfect 2nd Singular Masculine 3×
  • Qal Consecutive Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Qal Participle Singular Masculine Absolute 2×
  • Qal Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Qal Consecutive Perfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Qal Infinitive Construct 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.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Consecutive Imperfect
Imperfect with vav — carries narrative forward ("and he…").
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Psalms (4 verses).

1
Genesis
1
Ruth
4
Psalms
2
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah
1
Nahum
1
Zechariah
2
Malachi

Verse Explorer

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