a primitive root; to crush; also (intransitively and figuratively) to dissolve; break.
Transliteration:gâraç
Pronunciation:gaw-ras'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H1638 (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) is a primitive root whose core meaning revolves around the forceful disintegration of an object. Its primary sense is "to crush," implying a violent and destructive action that reduces something to fragments, powder, or a state of being utterly broken. The semantic range extends to "to dissolve," suggesting a process of breaking down or decomposition, which can be either physical or figurative. The broader term "break" encompasses both the sudden, violent act of crushing and the more gradual process of dissolution. This root thus describes an action that fundamentally destroys the integrity or structure of an entity, leading to its reduction or dispersal. The notation that it can be used "intransitively and figuratively" indicates its potential application beyond mere physical action to describe states of being, experiences, or abstract concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The root H1638 (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) appears sparingly in the Masoretic Text, making its few occurrences particularly poignant and significant for understanding its specific nuance. The most prominent and often cited instance is found in [[Lamentations 3:16]], where the prophet Jeremiah laments, "He has also broken my teeth with gravel, He has made me cower in ashes." Here, H1638 (וַיַּגְרֵס) describes a violent and deeply painful action inflicted upon the teeth, likening the experience to chewing on rough stones. This vivid imagery conveys an intense suffering and degradation, symbolizing the profound destruction and humiliation experienced by the people of Judah. The act of "crushing" or "grinding" the teeth with gravel emphasizes the severity of the affliction, rendering the ability to eat (and thus sustain life) painful and ineffective. This specific context highlights the destructive power implied by the root, often associated with severe hardship, divine judgment, or the consequences of national sin. It underscores a state of utter helplessness and physical distress.
### Related Words & Concepts
While H1638 (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) is rare, its semantic field intersects with several other Hebrew roots that convey notions of breaking, crushing, or destruction, yet each carries distinct nuances:
* `{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר, *shâbar*): A very common verb meaning "to break," applicable to physical objects, but also figuratively to a broken spirit, covenant, or purpose. While `{{H7665}}` can imply a simple fracture or shattering, H1638 often suggests a more complete pulverization or grinding down.
* `{{H3807}}` (כָּתַת, *kâthath*): To "beat down" or "crush," frequently used in the context of military defeat, where enemies or their idols are utterly crushed and rendered powerless. This word shares the intensity of forceful reduction with H1638.
* `{{H1792}}` (דָּכָא, *dâkâ*): To "crush" or "be crushed," often used figuratively for a broken spirit, a contrite heart, or oppression. This highlights the internal and psychological impact of being crushed, similar to the potential figurative extension of H1638.
* `{{H6560}}` (פָּרַר, *pârar*): To "break," "annul," or "frustrate." This verb often refers to the breaking of a covenant, oath, or purpose, rather than the physical destruction of objects.
The distinctiveness of H1638 lies in its emphasis on a grinding, pulverizing action that leads to a state of being reduced to nothing, rendered useless, or causing extreme pain through disintegration.
### Theological Significance
The infrequent but potent use of H1638 (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) carries profound theological weight, particularly in the lament of Jeremiah. The image of being "crushed" (as in [[Lamentations 3:16]]) by foreign matter or divine discipline serves as a powerful metaphor for utter devastation and profound suffering. It speaks to a state where one's very means of sustenance or well-being (represented by teeth) is rendered ineffective and agonizing. Theologically, this highlights the severity of God's judgment or the dire consequences of disobedience and sin. It portrays not merely a breaking, but a grinding down, suggesting a thorough and painful process of humbling, purification, or punishment. In a broader sense, it underscores the fragility of human existence and the overwhelming power of God, who can reduce even the strongest to a state of helplessness. While such "crushing" is undeniably painful, it can also be understood as a means by which God brings His people to repentance, strips away self-reliance, and fosters a deeper, more desperate reliance upon His grace and mercy. It signifies a complete dismantling of pride or independence, leading to a posture of humility and renewed dependence on the Divine.
### Summary
The Hebrew root H1638 (גָּרַס, *gâraç*) fundamentally denotes the action of "to crush," extending its semantic range to "to dissolve" or "to break" through a process of forceful disintegration. Its rare but impactful occurrences, most notably in [[Lamentations 3:16]], paint a vivid picture of severe affliction and reduction, such as teeth being ground by gravel. This strong verb emphasizes a thorough, often painful, and destructive process of breaking down, whether physically or figuratively. Semantically, it shares ground with other words for breaking like `{{H7665}}` and `{{H3807}}`, but H1638 carries a unique nuance of pulverization or complete dissolution. Theologically, its use underscores the profound nature of suffering and judgment, often in the context of divine discipline or the dire consequences of sin, highlighting God's overwhelming power and the humbling process that can lead to repentance and renewed dependence on Him.
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