from the same as גָּרָב; scabby; Gareb, the name of an Israelite, also of a hill near Jerusalem; Gareb.
Transliteration:Gârêb
Pronunciation:gaw-rabe'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1619}}` (Gârêb) functions exclusively as a proper noun in the biblical text, deriving its meaning from the root `{{H1618}}` (gārāb), which signifies "scab," "itch," or "tetter." Thus, the underlying semantic range of the name "Gareb" is "scabby" or "leprous." However, it is crucial to understand that `{{H1619}}` itself does not describe an attribute but rather identifies a specific individual and a particular geographical location. Its meaning is therefore tied to its etymological root, but its usage is as an identifier, not a descriptor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1619}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in two distinct contexts, identifying both a person and a place:
1. **Gareb the Ithrite (Person):**
* In [[2 Samuel 23:38]], Gareb is listed among David's "mighty men" or "valiant warriors." He is identified as "Gareb the Ithrite," indicating his origin from Ithra, a place likely in Judah. This verse, part of an appendix to the book of Samuel, enumerates the elite soldiers who served King David with exceptional bravery and loyalty.
* The parallel passage in [[1 Chronicles 11:40]] reiterates this listing, again naming "Gareb the Ithrite" as one of David's mighty men. In both instances, Gareb is presented as a figure of strength and faithfulness, despite a name that might imply a physical blemish or affliction. His inclusion in such a prestigious roster underscores his valor and the high esteem in which he was held.
2. **Hill Gareb (Place):**
* In [[Jeremiah 31:39]], the prophet Jeremiah describes the future restoration and expansion of Jerusalem. The text states, "The measuring line shall go out farther straight to the hill Gareb, and then turn toward Goah." This prophecy envisions a Jerusalem so greatly restored and expanded that its boundaries will encompass areas previously considered peripheral or outside the city proper. The "hill Gareb" is thus identified as a landmark on the future, enlarged perimeter of the holy city. Its specific location is debated by scholars, but it was evidently a known topographical feature near Jerusalem in Jeremiah's time.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H1619}}` is its root, `{{H1618}}` (gārāb), which means "scab" or "itch" and is used in contexts describing skin diseases, as seen in [[Leviticus 21:20]] regarding disqualifications for priestly service due to physical blemishes. This connection highlights the etymological origin of the name Gareb.
Conceptually, the study of `{{H1619}}` touches upon:
* **Ancient Israelite Naming Conventions:** Names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, character, or aspirations. The choice of a name like "Gareb" (scabby) for a person, while unusual for a mighty warrior, might suggest a particular family history or an ironic naming.
* **Purity and Impurity:** In the Levitical law, skin diseases like leprosy (often translated as "scab" or "eruption" in ancient texts) rendered a person ritually unclean. The inclusion of a "hill Gareb" in the expanded, sanctified Jerusalem of the future, despite its potentially "blemished" name, raises interesting theological questions about purification and sanctification.
* **Divine Inclusion and Transformation:** The use of a name associated with affliction or marginalization for both a revered warrior and a location within the future holy city speaks to God's capacity to use and transform all things, regardless of their perceived flaws or origins.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1619}}` emerges powerfully from its dual application:
1. **The Person, Gareb the Ithrite:** His inclusion among David's mighty men speaks to a theology of divine election and human valor that transcends outward appearances or potentially derogatory names. God often chooses and empowers individuals who might seem unlikely or overlooked by human standards. Gareb's service to David, despite a name meaning "scabby," underscores that God values faithfulness, courage, and loyalty above physical perfection or social standing. It is a testament to the principle that God uses the "weak things of the world to shame the strong" ([[1 Corinthians 1:27]]).
2. **The Hill Gareb:** Its prophetic inclusion in the expanded, restored Jerusalem in [[Jeremiah 31:39]] carries profound theological weight. Given the Levitical laws concerning ritual purity and the exclusion of those with skin diseases, a "scabby" hill might have been associated with impurity or marginality. However, Jeremiah's prophecy depicts a future Jerusalem so thoroughly redeemed and sanctified that even such a place is incorporated into its holy boundaries. This symbolizes God's comprehensive work of restoration and purification, where no part of His creation, no matter how blemished it might once have seemed, is beyond His redemptive reach. It foreshadows a time of complete healing and sanctification, where all imperfections are overcome by God's grace and presence, and the boundaries of His holy dwelling are expanded to encompass all that was once considered outside.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1619}}` (Gârêb) serves as a proper noun with an underlying meaning of "scabby" or "leprous," derived from `{{H1618}}`. Its biblical occurrences are limited to identifying two distinct entities: Gareb the Ithrite, one of King David's valiant warriors ([[2 Samuel 23:38]], [[1 Chronicles 11:40]]), and the hill Gareb, a topographical feature near Jerusalem mentioned in a prophecy of the city's future restoration ([[Jeremiah 31:39]]). The theological significance is twofold: for the person, it highlights God's choice and empowerment of individuals regardless of their perceived flaws or origins, valuing their faithfulness and valor. For the place, its inclusion in the expanded, holy Jerusalem signifies God's comprehensive work of purification and redemption, where even that which might have been deemed imperfect or marginal is brought into the sphere of His sanctifying presence, demonstrating the boundless nature of His restorative grace.
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