from גָּרַשׁ; produce (as if expelled); put forth.
Transliteration:geresh
Pronunciation:gheh'-resh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun גֶּרֶשׁ (geresh, `{{H1645}}`) derives from the verbal root גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`), which primarily signifies "to drive out, cast out, expel, divorce." When applied to גֶּרֶשׁ as a noun, the core meaning shifts from the act of expulsion to the *result* of being put forth or expelled, specifically in the context of agricultural produce. Thus, גֶּרֶשׁ refers to the "produce" or "yield" of the earth, particularly that which is "brought forth" or "put forth" from the soil. The underlying nuance of the root suggests a vigorous, almost forceful, emergence of bounty from the ground, implying a rich and abundant yield rather than a meager one. Its semantic range is narrow, focused exclusively on the fruits or crops of the land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גֶּרֶשׁ (geresh, `{{H1645}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within a singular verse:
* [[Deuteronomy 33:14]]: "and for the precious things of the produce of the sun, and for the precious things of the produce of the moons." (וּמִמֶּגֶד תְּבוּאֹת שָׁמֶשׁ וּמִמֶּגֶד גֶּרֶשׁ יְרָחִים)
This verse is part of Moses' final blessing upon the tribes of Israel, specifically addressing the tribe of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh). The context is one of extraordinary agricultural fertility and divine provision. The phrase "produce of the moons" (גֶּרֶשׁ יְרָחִים) stands in parallel with "produce of the sun" (תְּבוּאֹת שָׁמֶשׁ), both describing the rich bounty of the land. "Produce of the sun" likely refers to crops that require strong sunlight, such as grains, while "produce of the moons" or "produce of the months" refers to fruits and crops that ripen seasonally or cyclically throughout the year. The use of גֶּרֶשׁ here emphasizes the regular, consistent, and abundant yield that the land, blessed by God, will "put forth" or "expel" in its season. It highlights the divine enabling of the earth's natural productivity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גֶּרֶשׁ (geresh, `{{H1645}}`) is its verbal root גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`), "to drive out, expel." While the noun's meaning is distinct from the verb's primary usage (e.g., driving out inhabitants, divorcing a wife), the underlying idea of something being "sent forth" or "expelled" is retained in the agricultural context.
Other Hebrew words related to "produce" or "fruit" include:
* תְּבוּאָה (t'vu'ah, `{{H8393}}`): "produce, yield, harvest." This word appears in the very same verse ([[Deuteronomy 33:14]]) alongside גֶּרֶשׁ, indicating a broad semantic overlap but perhaps a nuanced difference in emphasis.
* פְּרִי (p'ri, `{{H6529}}`): "fruit," often referring to the fruit of trees or the fruit of the womb.
* יְבוּל (y'vul, `{{H2981}}`): "produce, yield," often used for the yield of the field.
Conceptually, גֶּרֶשׁ connects to themes of divine blessing, agricultural abundance, the fertility of the land promised to Israel, and God's providential care in sustaining His people through the bounty of creation.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, גֶּרֶשׁ (geresh, `{{H1645}}`) carries significant theological weight within its context. Its placement in Moses' blessing for Joseph underscores the covenantal promise of a land of abundance, a land that truly "flows with milk and honey." The "produce of the moons" specifically points to a consistent, cyclical, and reliable provision from God, demonstrating His faithfulness throughout the seasons of the year.
The underlying connection to the root גָּרַשׁ ("to drive out") subtly imbues the noun with a sense of powerful, almost active, emergence. It is not merely that the earth passively grows its produce, but that it "puts forth" or "expels" its bounty with vigor, empowered by divine blessing. This highlights God's active involvement in the sustenance of His people, turning the land into a source of miraculous provision. The phrase thus becomes a poetic expression of God's overflowing generosity and His commitment to provide for His chosen people through the fertile ground He has given them. It speaks to the divine orchestration of natural cycles for the benefit of humanity.
### Summary
גֶּרֶשׁ (geresh, `{{H1645}}`) is a rare but evocative Hebrew noun, derived from the root גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`) meaning "to drive out." It specifically denotes the "produce" or "yield" of the earth, emphasizing that which is "put forth" or "brought forth" from the soil. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Deuteronomy 33:14]], within Moses' blessing for Joseph, highlights the abundant agricultural provision and divine blessing upon the land. The phrase "produce of the moons" signifies a consistent, cyclical, and rich harvest, underscoring God's faithful and powerful sustenance of His people through the bounty of creation. The word encapsulates the theological truth that the fertility of the land is a direct manifestation of God's covenantal grace and providential care.
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