### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâʻash**, represented by `{{H1607}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to agitate violently**. It is also used to signify actions like to **move, shake, toss, or trouble**. It appears **10 times** across **7 unique verses**, often depicting scenes of immense power and upheaval, both in the natural world and in human affairs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1607}}` frequently describes the physical world's response to God's presence and wrath. When the Lord was wroth, the earth **shook** and trembled, and the very foundations of heaven **moved** and were **shaken** ([[2 Samuel 22:8]], [[Psalms 18:7]]). The term also illustrates God's sovereign power over creation, as seen when the waves of the sea **toss** themselves but cannot pass the boundary He has set [[Jeremiah 5:22]]. It is used to depict the commotion of advancing armies, with Egypt's waters being **moved** like the rivers as it rises up like a flood [[Jeremiah 46:8]]. The word can also describe the internal turmoil of people under judgment, who are **troubled** and pass away [[Job 34:20]] or are **moved** and driven to madness by the sword of the Lord [[Jeremiah 25:16]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used alongside `{{H1607}}` to intensify the imagery of violent motion and tumult:
* `{{H7493}}` **râʻash**: This root means to undulate, quake, or tremble, often through fear. It is frequently paired with `{{H1607}}` to describe the earth shaking in God's presence ([[Psalms 18:7]], [[2 Samuel 22:8]]).
* `{{H7264}}` **râgaz**: Meaning to quiver with violent emotion like anger or fear, this word adds an emotional dimension to the physical shaking. It is used to describe how the foundations of the hills **moved** when God was wroth ([[Psalms 18:7]], [[2 Samuel 22:8]]).
* `{{H1993}}` **hâmâh**: This word means to make a loud sound or be in great commotion. It describes the roaring of the sea's waves, which complements the "tossing" action of `{{H1607}}` [[Jeremiah 5:22]].
* `{{H2342}}` **chûwl**: Meaning to twist, whirl, or writhe in pain or fear, this word appears alongside `{{H1607}}` to describe the reaction of trembling before the presence of the Lord [[Jeremiah 5:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1607}}` is tied to its depiction of overwhelming power and divine authority.
* **Theophany and God's Wrath:** The word is a key descriptor for the convulsive reaction of creation to God's manifest anger. The earth and heavens shaking ([[Psalms 18:7]], [[2 Samuel 22:8]]) illustrate that the physical world is not impassive to its Creator's wrath.
* **Sovereignty Over Nature:** By showing the waves of the sea **toss** themselves violently yet remain within God's decreed bounds, `{{H1607}}` highlights God's absolute control over the most chaotic forces of nature [[Jeremiah 5:22]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The term illustrates the unsettling effect of God's judgment. It describes people being **troubled** to the point of death [[Job 34:20]] and nations being **moved** into a state of madness and chaos as a consequence of His punishment [[Jeremiah 25:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1607}}` is a dynamic verb that conveys more than simple movement; it signifies violent agitation and upheaval. Whether describing the earth shaking in response to divine anger, the seas tossing in vain against God's decree, or humanity being troubled by judgment, **gâʻash** consistently points to a powerful force that causes a state of profound disturbance and instability. It serves as a vivid biblical illustration of the power inherent in God's wrath and His ultimate sovereignty over all creation.
TRV