a primitive root; properly, to grate, i.e. (figuratively) to anger; contend, meddle, stir up, strive.
Transliteration:gârâh
Pronunciation:gaw-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1624 (gârâh) is a primitive root, carrying a foundational meaning that extends from the physical to the figurative. Its etymological root likely suggests a literal "grating" or "scraping," which then develops into the metaphorical sense of "irritating," "provoking," or "stirring up." This core idea branches into several key semantic domains:
1. **Provocation/Anger:** The most common usage, referring to the act of inciting anger or stirring up wrath, whether in others or in God. This can be intentional or a consequence of actions.
2. **Contention/Strife:** Closely related to provocation, it denotes engaging in conflict, disputes, or rivalry. It implies an active participation in opposition.
3. **Meddling/Interference:** In some contexts, it describes the act of thrusting oneself into affairs that do not concern one, thereby causing trouble or stirring up difficulty. This often carries a negative connotation of imprudence or folly.
The semantic range thus moves from an internal state of irritation to external acts of conflict and interference, always implying a disruptive or confrontational element.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H1624 appears predominantly in the Hifil stem, emphasizing the causative action of "causing to strive" or "provoking." Its usage reveals significant insights into human behavior and divine interaction.
* **Provoking God and Others:** In [[Deuteronomy 2:19]], God commands Israel, "Do not harass them or meddle with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the sons of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the sons of Lot as a possession." Here, "meddle with" (Hifil of H1624) implies stirring up conflict or engaging in hostile actions. Similarly, in [[Deuteronomy 2:24]], God instructs Israel to "begin to contend" (Hifil of H1624) with Sihon, the Amorite king, signaling the divine initiation of war. This highlights God's sovereign control over nations and His directives regarding conflict. The concept of "provoking" God is often linked to disobedience and idolatry in a broader sense, though H1624 itself is more directly used in the context of *provoking others* or *being provoked by God's command*.
* **Stirring Up Conflict/War:** In historical narratives, H1624 describes the instigation of battle or significant events. For instance, in [[2 Samuel 24:1]], the text states, "Again the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, 'Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.'" Here, the Lord "incites" (Hifil of H1624) David, leading to the census and its subsequent plague. This verse is particularly complex, as [[1 Chronicles 21:1]] attributes the incitement to Satan. This apparent discrepancy has led to various theological interpretations, but within the H1624 context, it underscores its role in initiating conflict, whether divinely ordained or permitted.
* **Striving Righteously:** The book of Proverbs offers a more positive, though still confrontational, usage. [[Proverbs 28:4]] states, "Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law strive against them." Here, "strive against" (Hifil of H1624) implies a righteous opposition to wickedness, indicating a necessary confrontation with evil rather than a foolish stirring of strife.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of H1624 intersects with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts related to conflict, anger, and human interaction.
* **`{{H7378}}` (rîḇ):** This common word means "to strive," "contend," or "dispute." While H1624 often denotes the *act of provoking* or *initiating* the strife, `{{H7378}}` more broadly describes the *state* or *process* of contention itself, often in legal or verbal disputes.
* **`{{H6313}}` (pānâ):** Though primarily meaning "to turn," in certain contexts, its Hifil stem can convey the idea of "turning aside" or "interfering," sometimes with negative implications akin to meddling, particularly when one "turns" to engage in something inappropriate.
* **`{{H7107}}` (qânâ'):** To be "jealous" or "zealous." While not a direct synonym, intense jealousy or zeal can often be a root cause that "stirs up" or "provokes" conflict, linking to the outcome of H1624.
* **`{{H2734}}` (ḥārâh):** "To burn," "be hot," often used for "to be angry." H1624 is the *action* that causes `{{H2734}}` (anger) in another.
* **`{{H7225}}` (rāʿaʿ):** "To be bad, evil." While broad, the actions described by H1624 (provoking, meddling, stirring strife) are often considered "evil" or "bad" in a moral sense, disrupting peace and order.
Concepts such as peace (`{{H7965}}` shalom), wisdom (`{{H2451}}` ḥokmâ), and folly (`{{H191}}` ʾĕwîl) are conceptually antithetical or directly related to the actions described by H1624. Wisdom avoids stirring up strife, while folly is prone to it.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H1624 is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of sin.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The instances where God "incites" or "stirs up" conflict ([[2 Samuel 24:1]], [[Deuteronomy 2:24]]) highlight His ultimate control over human affairs and even the initiation of war or judgment. This does not absolve human agents of responsibility but underscores that even seemingly human-driven conflicts can operate within the framework of God's overarching plan, whether as judgment or as a means to achieve His purposes.
2. **Human Folly and Sin:** More often, H1624 describes negative human actions: the foolishness of meddling in others' affairs, the sin of provoking God through disobedience, or the destructive nature of stirring up strife among people. This resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the dangers of an uncontrolled tongue, a contentious spirit, and a lack of wisdom. It reveals humanity's propensity towards conflict and the disruption of shalom.
3. **Call to Peace:** By highlighting the destructive nature of "stirring up" or "provoking," the usage of H1624 implicitly calls believers to pursue peace, reconciliation, and wisdom in their interactions. It serves as a warning against actions that lead to division and anger, aligning with the New Testament's emphasis on living peaceably with all and avoiding quarrels.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1624 (gârâh), a primitive root, carries the core meaning of "to grate" or "to scrape," which extends figuratively to "to provoke," "to anger," "to contend," "to meddle," and "to stir up." Its primary usage in the Hifil stem emphasizes the causative action of inciting conflict or wrath. Biblical occurrences reveal its application in diverse contexts: God's sovereign act of "inciting" or "stirring up" events for His purposes, often leading to judgment or war; and, more commonly, the negative human tendency to "provoke" God through disobedience or to "stir up" strife and "meddle" in affairs unwisely. The word highlights the destructive nature of such actions, contrasting with the biblical call to peace and wisdom. Theologically, H1624 underscores both divine sovereignty in orchestrating events and human responsibility for the folly and sin of provoking contention.
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