The Hebrew word gârôl, represented by H1632, is a term for harsh or great. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its definition notes that it is used in the sense of great as a marginal reading for the more common word for great, gâdôl, making its singular appearance particularly focused.
The sole use of H1632 is found in the wisdom literature of Proverbs. In this context, it is used to describe a "man of great wrath" Proverbs 19:19. The verse immediately connects this intense quality of anger to its consequence, stating that such a person "shall suffer punishment." This direct application firmly establishes the word's meaning within the theme of character and its inevitable outcomes.
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of H1632:
- H1419 gâdôwl (great): The definition of H1632 is explicitly linked to this word. H1419 is a common term for greatness in all senses, from God promising to make Abraham a great nation Genesis 12:2 to describing the Lord as great and terrible Nehemiah 4:14.
- H2534 chêmâh (wrath): This is the word that H1632 modifies in its only biblical appearance. It means heat or anger and is often used to describe God's fury against evil Jeremiah 4:4 as well as the destructive nature of human anger Proverbs 15:18.
- H6066 ʻônesh (punishment): This word signifies the direct result of the "great wrath" described in Proverbs 19:19. It can mean a fine or punishment, and is also used in the context of a required tribute 2 Kings 23:33.
The theological weight of H1632 is concentrated in its single, impactful use.
- Consequence of Character: Its appearance in Proverbs 19:19 serves as a potent illustration of a core principle in wisdom literature: intense, unchecked human passion leads to certain penalty. The "man of great wrath" is not depicted as powerful, but as one who will inevitably "suffer punishment."
- Intensity and Judgment: The word connects the intensity of the emotion (great wrath) to the certainty of its consequence (punishment). It underscores the biblical theme that the nature of one's actions and character determines one's fate.
- Bearing the Penalty: The man of great wrath "shall suffer" or bear H5375 his punishment. This verb, nâsâʼ, is also used to describe God pardoning iniquity Micah 7:18 and the lifting up of one's soul to God Psalms 143:8, creating a contrast between bearing the consequences of sin and the relief found in forgiveness.
In summary, H1632 gârôl, while extremely rare, provides a sharp and focused definition of destructive intensity. Its singular use in Proverbs 19:19 acts as a definitive statement on the self-destructive nature of unbridled anger. Through its relationship with words for greatness, wrath, and punishment, it encapsulates the principle that the magnitude of a character flaw is directly related to the severity of its consequences.
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