by reduplication from גָּרַר; a berry (as if a pellet of rumination); berry.
Transliteration:gargar
Pronunciation:gar-gar'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גַּרְגַּר (gargar), Strong's H1620, denotes a "berry." Its etymological root is found in the reduplication of the verb גָּרַר (garar), Strong's `{{H1641}}`, which carries the primary meaning "to drag, sweep away," but also "to chew the cud" or "ruminate." This derivation is highly insightful, suggesting that the "berry" is conceived as a small, rounded object, akin to the pellets of food formed during rumination. The reduplicated form often emphasizes intensity or repetition, here perhaps highlighting the small, distinct, and numerous nature of berries. The semantic range of גַּרְגַּר is thus quite narrow, focusing specifically on small, round fruits, particularly those found on trees, as seen in its sole biblical occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גַּרְגַּר (gargar) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Isaiah:
* **[[Isaiah 17:6]]**: "Yet gleanings will remain in it, as when an olive tree is beaten, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith the LORD God of Israel."
In this solitary occurrence, the term is employed within a vivid agricultural metaphor. Isaiah is prophesying judgment upon Damascus and Ephraim, likening the impending desolation to the aftermath of an olive harvest. After the main harvest, only a few "berries" (גַּרְגַּר) are left high on the branches, difficult to reach. The context emphasizes extreme scarcity and thorough devastation. The imagery conveys that while widespread destruction will occur, a very small, almost negligible, remnant will survive. This remnant is not easily gathered but is left as a testament to the severity of the judgment. The "gargar" here is not merely a botanical term but a powerful symbol of the limited survival amidst overwhelming judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for גַּרְגַּר (gargar) is its root verb, גָּרַר (garar), Strong's `{{H1641}}`, meaning "to drag," "to sweep away," or "to ruminate." This connection underscores the small, rounded, and possibly "chewed" or "rolled" nature of the berry.
Conceptually, גַּרְגַּר relates to:
* **Fruit and Harvest Imagery**: The general biblical theme of fruit (פְּרִי, pĕrî, Strong's `{{H6529}}`) and harvest (קָצִיר, qatsir, Strong's `{{H7105}}`) is evoked, particularly in the context of judgment and blessing. The olive tree (זַיִת, zayit, Strong's `{{H2132}}`) is a significant biblical plant, often symbolizing prosperity, anointing, or the nation of Israel.
* **The Remnant (שְׁאָר, shĕʾār, Strong's `{{H7611}}`)**: This is the most crucial theological concept linked to גַּרְגַּר. The "few berries" explicitly represent the idea of a small portion of people preserved by God amidst widespread destruction or apostasy. This concept is central to Isaiah's prophecy, where the prophet himself names his son Shear-Jashub ("A remnant shall return").
* **Gleaning**: The practice of gleaning (לָקַט, laqat, Strong's `{{H3950}}`) is also relevant, as the passage speaks of "gleanings" (עוֹלֵלָה, ʿôlēlâ, Strong's `{{H5955}}`), which are the few remaining items after the main harvest, a concept often associated with provision for the poor and vulnerable.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of גַּרְגַּר (gargar) in [[Isaiah 17:6]] imbues it with profound theological significance, primarily as a symbol of the *remnant*. In the broader prophetic tradition, particularly in Isaiah, the concept of the remnant is foundational. It speaks to God's sovereign judgment, which is thorough and devastating, yet also to His faithfulness in preserving a small portion of His people.
The imagery of "two or three berries" high on the bough emphasizes:
1. **Divine Judgment**: The scarcity of the berries underscores the severity and comprehensiveness of God's judgment against the unfaithful. Most will be swept away.
2. **Sovereign Preservation**: Despite the widespread destruction, God, in His mercy and covenant faithfulness, preserves a small, chosen few. These are not easily accessible or numerous, highlighting their special, divinely ordained status.
3. **Hope Amidst Despair**: For those who are part of this remnant, the "gargar" represents a slender thread of hope. It signifies that God's purposes will not be entirely thwarted, and a seed will remain from which future restoration can spring.
Thus, the humble "berry" becomes a powerful prophetic sign, embodying both the stern reality of divine justice and the enduring promise of God's grace to a faithful few.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גַּרְגַּר (gargar, Strong's H1620) means "berry," deriving from the root גָּרַר (garar, Strong's `{{H1641}}`) which implies a small, rounded object, perhaps like a pellet of rumination. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Isaiah 17:6]], where it describes the few remaining olives on a tree after a thorough harvest. In this context, the "two or three berries" serve as a potent symbol of the *remnant*—a small, scarce portion of God's people preserved amidst widespread judgment and devastation. The theological significance of גַּרְגַּר lies in its vivid illustration of God's severe justice and His concurrent, sovereign faithfulness in preserving a chosen few, offering a glimmer of hope amidst desolation.
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