perhaps from כּוּר; lime (from being burned in a kiln); chalk(-stone).
Transliteration:gir
Pronunciation:gheer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּר (gir, `{{H1615}}`) refers to "lime" or "chalk-stone." The base definition suggests its origin "perhaps from כּוּר," which points to a "furnace" or "kiln" (cf. `{{H3564}}`, `{{H3565}}`). This etymological connection is crucial, as it highlights the process by which lime is produced: through intense heat (calcination) of limestone. The core meaning, therefore, is a mineral substance, specifically calcium oxide, known for its brittle nature and its ability to be reduced to powder. Its semantic range is quite narrow, confined to this specific material and its inherent properties.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גִּר (gir, `{{H1615}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Isaiah 27:9]]. The full verse reads: "Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be atoned for, and this will be the full fruit of the removal of his sin: when he makes all the altar stones like chalk stones that are crushed to pieces, so that no Asherim or incense altars will remain standing."
In this singular occurrence, גִּר is used in the phrase "כְּאַבְנֵי־גִר מְנֻפָּצוֹת" (k'avnei-gir m'nuppatzot), meaning "like stones of lime/chalk, crushed to pieces." The imagery is one of absolute and irreversible destruction. The pagan altar stones, symbols of Israel's idolatry, are not merely broken but pulverized, reduced to a powdery state akin to crushed lime. This signifies a complete and thorough demolition, leaving nothing that could be reassembled or reused for illicit worship. The context explicitly links this radical destruction of idolatry to the atonement for Jacob's iniquity and the removal of his sin, presenting it as the "full fruit" of this divine process.
### Related Words & Concepts
The proposed etymological link to כּוּר (kur, `{{H3564}}` or `{{H3565}}`), meaning "furnace" or "kiln," is significant. This connection underscores the transformative power of heat, which purifies or breaks down substances to their fundamental components. Conceptually, גִּר is related to:
* **Destruction and Pulverization:** Its use in [[Isaiah 27:9]] directly evokes the complete breaking down and annihilation of objects, particularly those associated with sin.
* **Purity and Cleansing:** Though not explicitly stated, lime (calcium oxide) was historically used for whitewashing and as a disinfectant. This subtly aligns with the passage's theme of the removal of sin and the purification of Jacob.
* **Idolatry:** The specific objects destroyed are "altar stones" and "Asherim," making גִּר a powerful symbol in the context of divine judgment against false worship.
* **Atonement and Removal of Sin:** The verse directly states that this radical destruction of idolatry is the means by which Jacob's iniquity is atoned for, highlighting a necessary and thorough cleansing for spiritual restoration.
* Other related concepts include "stone" (אֶבֶן `{{H68}}`), "dust" (עָפָר `{{H6083}}`), and verbs of breaking (שָׁבַר `{{H7665}}`) or tearing down (הָרַס `{{H2040}}`), which further elaborate the imagery of destruction.
### Theological Significance
The singular yet potent use of גִּר (gir, `{{H1615}}`) in [[Isaiah 27:9]] carries profound theological implications. It serves as a vivid metaphor for the thoroughness of God's judgment against idolatry and sin. The reduction of pagan altars to mere lime dust symbolizes an absolute and irreversible eradication of that which offends divine holiness. This is not a superficial cleansing but a radical, fundamental transformation.
Furthermore, the passage explicitly links this destruction to the "atonement" and "removal of sin" for Jacob. This highlights a crucial aspect of biblical atonement: it often involves a decisive and uncompromising break from sin's manifestations. God's sovereignty is powerfully displayed as He is the agent who brings about this complete demolition, demonstrating His ultimate authority over human constructs and His unwavering commitment to purify His covenant people. The fragility of the idolatrous altars, likened to גִּר, stands in stark contrast to the enduring and powerful nature of the God of Israel. While a word of judgment, this destruction ultimately paves the way for hope and restoration, as the removal of sin is a prerequisite for true fellowship with God and His blessings.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גִּר (gir, `{{H1615}}`) denotes "lime" or "chalk-stone," a brittle substance produced through intense heat. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 27:9]] powerfully illustrates the complete and utter destruction of idolatrous altars, which are reduced to a powdery state like crushed lime. This imagery signifies irreversible eradication and a thorough cleansing from sin. The term's etymological link to a "kiln" (כּוּר `{{H3564}}`) subtly reinforces the idea of a purifying or transforming process through fire. Theologically, גִּר serves as a potent symbol of God's decisive judgment against idolatry, His sovereign power to purify His people, and the radical cleansing necessary for atonement and the removal of iniquity, paving the way for divine restoration.
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