### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1629 (גָּרַז, gâraz) is a primitive root, conveying the fundamental meaning "to cut off" or "to be cut off." It denotes a decisive severance, separation, or termination. Unlike some other verbs for "cutting," gâraz often emphasizes the state of being severed or the consequence of such an action, rather than merely the physical act of cutting. Its semantic range extends from literal cutting to figurative expressions of isolation, termination, or judgment. The passive or reflexive forms (Niphal, as seen in its biblical occurrences) highlight the state of being separated or removed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H1629 appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in two distinct contexts, both in the Niphal stem, emphasizing the state of being "cut off" or "severed."
1. **Lamentations 3:54**: "Waters flowed over my head; I said, 'I am cut off!'" ([[Lamentations 3:54]])
In this deeply poignant lament, the speaker, likely Jeremiah, expresses profound despair and a sense of utter abandonment. The imagery of overwhelming waters signifies an existential crisis, a feeling of being submerged by suffering. The declaration "I am cut off" (נִגְרַזְתִּי, *nigrazti*) conveys a complete severance from hope, life, and perhaps even divine favor. It speaks to a state of extreme isolation and hopelessness, as if one's very existence or connection to any source of help has been irrevocably severed.
2. **Ezekiel 15:4**: "If it is given to the fire for fuel, and the fire consumes both ends of it and the middle of it is charred, is it useful for anything?" (referring to the vine branch, which is "cut off" or "severed" from the vine itself in the preceding context of its worthlessness). The term H1629 appears in the phrase "the middle of it is charred" (וְנִגְרַז, *wəniḡraz*), implying that even after being partially consumed by fire, what remains is utterly severed and useless. However, the more direct and common understanding of H1629 in Ezekiel 15:4 refers to the vine branch being "cut off" from its source, making it worthless for any purpose other than fuel. The context is God's judgment on Jerusalem, likened to a worthless vine branch that is cut off from the vine and fit only for burning. The "cutting off" here signifies a divine act of removal and rejection due to its unfruitfulness and corruption.
These occurrences highlight gâraz as a word denoting a severe and often irreversible separation, whether from life, hope, or divine favor, leading to a state of desolation or destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of "cutting off" or "severing" includes several other Hebrew terms, each with its own nuances:
* `{{H3772}}` (kārat): This is perhaps the most common and versatile word for "to cut." It can refer to cutting a covenant (implying a decisive establishment), cutting down trees, or, significantly, "cutting off" individuals from the community or from life, often as a divine judgment (e.g., "cut off from the people"). While kārat often emphasizes the *act* of cutting and its consequences, gâraz tends to highlight the *state* of being severed.
* `{{H6878}}` (tālak): Meaning "to cut off," "to sever," or "to destroy." This term often carries a connotation of destruction or removal, similar to gâraz in the context of judgment.
* `{{H1468}}` (gāza): "to cut off," "to shear." This word is typically used in more specific contexts, such as shearing wool or hair, indicating a more precise and deliberate removal.
* Concepts: The word gâraz is strongly associated with themes of **separation**, **isolation**, **judgment**, **despair**, **termination**, and **destruction**. It speaks to the existential dread of being utterly disconnected and the severe consequences of divine displeasure.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of H1629 carries significant theological weight:
1. **Divine Judgment and Consequences**: In Ezekiel 15:4, the "cutting off" of the vine branch serves as a powerful metaphor for God's judgment upon Jerusalem. It illustrates that a people, though chosen, can become so unfruitful and corrupt that they are deemed worthless and "cut off" from their special relationship with God, destined for destruction. This emphasizes the seriousness of covenant unfaithfulness and the dire consequences of spiritual barrenness.
2. **Human Despair and Isolation**: Lamentations 3:54 profoundly captures the human experience of ultimate despair. To be "cut off" signifies a complete loss of connection, hope, and support, often in the face of overwhelming suffering. Theologically, it can represent the feeling of being abandoned by God, even when such a feeling might be a temporary perception during intense trial rather than an ultimate reality. It speaks to the depth of human anguish when one feels utterly severed from life-giving sources.
3. **The Severance from Life and Blessing**: Both occurrences point to a severance from a source of life or blessing. For the vine, it's the vine itself; for the lamenter, it's hope, peace, or divine presence. This highlights the vital importance of maintaining connection with God, who is the ultimate source of life and blessing. To be "cut off" from Him, whether by His judgment or by a perceived abandonment, leads to spiritual and existential desolation.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1629 (גָּרַז, gâraz) signifies "to cut off" or "to be severed," conveying a sense of decisive and often irreversible separation. Though rare in the biblical text, its occurrences are profoundly impactful. In [[Lamentations 3:54]], it articulates the deepest human despair and isolation, a feeling of being utterly severed from hope and life. In [[Ezekiel 15:4]], it serves as a stark metaphor for divine judgment, depicting a people "cut off" from their covenant relationship due to unfaithfulness, rendered worthless and destined for destruction. The word underscores critical theological themes of divine judgment, the severe consequences of spiritual barrenness, and the profound human experience of existential despair when one feels utterly disconnected from life, hope, or God's sustaining presence. It powerfully conveys the finality and gravity of being severed from a life-giving source.
TRV