### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gârad**, represented by `{{H1623}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to abrade; scrape**. It is a highly specific term, as evidenced by its rare usage. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single appearance particularly vivid and potent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H1623}}` is found in the narrative of Job's suffering. After being struck with grievous sores, Job’s anguish is captured in a stark, physical act. The scripture states, "And he took him a potsherd to **scrape** himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes" [[Job 2:8]]. In this context, the word portrays a desperate attempt to find relief or an external expression of his internal torment, using a broken piece of pottery as a tool for his affliction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The words used alongside `{{H1623}}` in its only verse help to define the scene of suffering:
* `{{H3947}}` **lâqach** (to take): This verb describes Job's deliberate action of taking the potsherd. While this word is used broadly for actions like God taking a nation [[Deuteronomy 4:34]] or taking away what was given [[Job 1:21]], here it marks the beginning of Job's visceral response to his pain [[Job 2:8]].
* `{{H2789}}` **cheres** (a piece of pottery; sherd): This is the object Job took to scrape himself. A potsherd is a broken, often discarded item, associated elsewhere with dryness [[Psalms 22:15]] and things that are broken beyond repair [[Isaiah 30:14]]. This choice of instrument underscores Job’s profound state of desolation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1623}}` is deeply tied to its singular, powerful context in the book of Job.
* **Tangible Suffering:** The act of scraping provides a visceral, physical image of pain. It moves beyond a general description of affliction to a specific, self-inflicted, abrasive action, grounding Job's suffering in a raw, physical reality [[Job 2:8]].
* **Humiliation and Grief:** Paired with the use of a worthless potsherd `{{H2789}}` and the act of sitting in ashes, the scraping action becomes a portrait of ultimate abasement and grief. It is a physical manifestation of a spirit crushed by suffering.
* **The Body in Distress:** The word highlights the intense connection between spiritual torment and the physical body. Job’s scraping is a direct interaction with his own afflicted flesh, a focal point of his trial.
### Summary
In summary, while appearing only once, `{{H1623}}` **gârad** offers a uniquely powerful and graphic depiction of human suffering. Its context in [[Job 2:8]], combined with the related words for "take" and "potsherd," creates an unforgettable image of desperation, humiliation, and the physical reality of profound grief. The word serves as a potent reminder of the depths of anguish detailed in the biblical narrative.
TRV