### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gârôwn**, represented by `{{H1627}}`, refers to the **throat**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base meaning suggests the throat as a physical passage, roughened by swallowing, but it is also used idiomatically to signify the **mouth**, the **neck**, or the act of speaking **aloud**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1627}}` is applied in several distinct ways. It is the channel for a prophet's powerful voice, as in the command to "Cry **aloud**, spare not" [[Isaiah 58:1]]. It also describes the source of corrupt speech, where the **throat** of the wicked is likened to an "open sepulchre" [[Psalms 5:9]]. In contrast, it can be the place of praise, where the "high praises of God" are in the **mouth** of the faithful [[Psalms 149:6]]. The word is also used to describe the neck, signifying both haughtiness when people walk with "stretched forth **necks**" [[Isaiah 3:16]] and a place of honor when God places "a chain on thy **neck**" [[Ezekiel 16:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of speech, posture, and physical condition associated with the throat:
* `{{H1897}}` **hâgâh** (to murmur... speak, study, talk, utter): This word is used to describe the inability of idols to produce sound, noting that they cannot **speak** through their throat [[Psalms 115:7]].
* `{{H3615}}` **kâlâh** (to end... fail, faint, finish): This term connects to the physical exhaustion expressed through the throat, as the psalmist’s eyes **fail** while he waits for God, a suffering paralleled by his dried throat [[Psalms 69:3]].
* `{{H3956}}` **lâshôwn** (the tongue... language, talker): This word for tongue often appears with the throat as an instrument of speech. The wicked have a throat like an open sepulchre and they flatter with their **tongue** [[Psalms 5:9]].
* `{{H5186}}` **nâṭâh** (to stretch or spread out... incline): This verb describes the posture of the neck. The haughty daughters of Zion walk with **stretched forth** necks as a sign of their pride [[Isaiah 3:16]].
### Theological Significance
The meaning of `{{H1627}}` carries significant weight, connecting the physical body to moral and spiritual states.
* **The Conduit of Speech:** The throat is presented as the source of both divine proclamation and human wickedness. It is used to cry **aloud** for God [[Isaiah 58:1]] but is also the feature of idols who have throats but cannot **speak** [[Psalms 115:7]].
* **Indicator of Spiritual Condition:** The state of the throat reflects one's spiritual state. A **throat** dried from crying indicates desperate prayer [[Psalms 69:3]], while withholding the throat from **thirst** is used in a warning against spiritual rebellion and idolatry [[Jeremiah 2:25]].
* **Symbol of Attitude and Status:** The posture of the neck `{{H1627}}` communicates a person's inner attitude. A "stretched forth" neck shows pride [[Isaiah 3:16]], while a **neck** adorned with a chain is a sign of God's favor and blessing [[Ezekiel 16:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1627}}` is more than a simple anatomical term. It serves as a powerful symbol in Scripture, representing the voice of prophecy, the vessel of praise, the expression of pride, and the physical manifestation of spiritual weariness or thirst. The word illustrates how a physical body part can convey deep truths about a person's relationship with God and their moral character.
TRV