a primitive root; to be spare or skeleton-like; used only as a denominative from גֶּרֶם; (causative) to bone, i.e. denude (by extensive, craunch) the bones; gnaw the bones, break.
Transliteration:gâram
Pronunciation:gaw-ram'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb `{{H1633}}` (gâram) is a primitive root, fundamentally conveying the sense of being "spare" or "skeleton-like." Its etymological connection is deeply rooted in the noun `{{H1634}}` (gerem), meaning "bone" or "skeleton." As a denominative verb, `{{H1633}}` inherently carries the imagery of bones. In its causative sense, it signifies the act of "boning," "denuding the bones," "gnawing the bones," or "breaking." The core semantic range thus revolves around a process of reduction, stripping away, or causing something to be diminished to its bare, skeletal essence. It implies a forceful and often destructive action that leaves only fragments or the most basic, unpalatable remnants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Despite its vivid imagery, `{{H1633}}` (gâram) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance powerfully conveying a sense of ultimate reduction, albeit in different applications.
1. **[[Numbers 24:8]]**: "God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows."
Here, the verb is used in the Hiphil stem, indicating a causative action. In the context of Balaam's prophetic blessing upon Israel, it describes the nation's overwhelming strength and the decisive victory God will grant them over their enemies. To "break their bones" (וְעַצְמֹתֵיהֶם יְגָרֵם) is a potent metaphor for utter defeat and complete annihilation. It signifies leaving nothing intact, reducing the opposing forces to a state of total destruction and helplessness. The imagery underscores the absolute nature of Israel's divinely empowered triumph.
2. **[[Ezekiel 23:34]]**: "Thou shalt even drink it and drain it out, and thou shalt gnaw the shivers thereof; and thou shalt pluck off thine own breasts: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD."
In this passage, `{{H1633}}` appears in the Qal stem, describing the direct action of the subject. The context is God's severe judgment upon Oholibah (Jerusalem) for her spiritual harlotry and idolatry. The phrase "thou shalt gnaw the shivers thereof" (וְאֶת־חֲרָסֶיהָ תְגָרֵמִי) paints a grim picture of extreme destitution and suffering. "Shivers" (חרס) can refer to pottery shards or fragments, and the act of "gnawing" them signifies a desperate, humiliating consumption of the most worthless and painful remnants. It portrays a state of profound degradation, where the condemned are reduced to the lowest possible existence, stripped of all dignity and sustenance, forced to consume their own bitter consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun `{{H1634}}` (gerem), from which `{{H1633}}` is derived. `{{H1634}}` literally means "bone" or "skeleton," sometimes extending to mean "body" or "strength" (as in the "strength of one's bones"). This foundational connection highlights the core imagery of skeletal remains or fundamental structure.
Conceptually, `{{H1633}}` aligns with terms and ideas related to:
* **Destruction and Annihilation**: Words like `{{H7665}}` (shabar, "to break"), `{{H1792}}` (dakak, "to crush"), or `{{H6566}}` (parar, "to break, frustrate") share the semantic field of causing utter ruin.
* **Devouring and Consuming**: The idea of "eating up" or "sucking out" (as in [[Ezekiel 23:34]]'s context with `{{H7797}}` shut, "to drink deeply") parallels the destructive, consuming nature implied by `{{H1633}}`.
* **Judgment and Consequence**: The word functions as a vivid descriptor of the painful and irreversible outcomes of divine judgment or the total dominance achieved in warfare.
* **Reduction and Stripping Away**: It evokes a state of being utterly denuded, leaving nothing but the bare, often painful, essentials.
### Theological Significance
The rare occurrences of `{{H1633}}` (gâram) carry profound theological weight, primarily illustrating the absolute nature of divine action, whether in judgment or in empowering His people.
In [[Numbers 24:8]], the "breaking of bones" of enemies by Israel signifies the complete and irreversible victory granted by God. This speaks to God's **sovereignty in warfare** and His faithfulness to His covenant promises, ensuring the triumph of His chosen people over all opposition. It underscores the ultimate futility of resisting the divine will and the power that flows from God to accomplish His purposes. The imagery is one of total subjugation and annihilation of those who stand against God's plan.
In [[Ezekiel 23:34]], the "gnawing of shivers" by Jerusalem vividly portrays the devastating consequences of **divine judgment upon apostasy**. This is not merely punishment, but a profound state of degradation and suffering resulting from persistent rebellion and spiritual infidelity. It reveals the severity of God's holiness and His unyielding justice. The act of consuming fragments speaks to a complete stripping away of blessing, dignity, and sustenance, leaving only the bitter, painful remnants of one's own sinful choices. It serves as a stark warning about the ultimate cost of forsaking the Lord.
Taken together, these two instances of `{{H1633}}` demonstrate that God's actions are decisive and thorough. He is able to reduce enemies to nothing and to bring His people to the lowest state of desolation when they rebel, thereby affirming His absolute authority and the immutable consequences of both obedience and disobedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb `{{H1633}}` (gâram), derived from the word for "bone," conveys the potent imagery of reduction to a skeletal or fragmented state. Though appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its usage is exceptionally impactful. In [[Numbers 24:8]], it describes the complete and utter destruction of Israel's enemies, signifying a divinely empowered, absolute victory where opponents are "broken" beyond recovery. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 23:34]], it graphically depicts the profound suffering and degradation of Jerusalem under divine judgment, where the people are forced to "gnaw the shivers," symbolizing a state of extreme destitution and the painful consumption of the bitter consequences of their sin. Thus, `{{H1633}}` powerfully articulates the severity and thoroughness of God's actions, whether in granting decisive victory or in executing devastating judgment, underscoring His absolute sovereignty and the inescapable nature of His justice.
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