feminine passive participle of גָּרַשׁ; (abstractly) dispossession; exaction.
Transliteration:gᵉrushâh
Pronunciation:gher-oo-shaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְרֻשָׁה (gᵉrushâh, `{{H1646}}`) is a feminine passive participle derived from the verb גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`), which fundamentally means "to drive out," "to cast out," or "to expel." As a passive participle, גְרֻשָׁה initially conveys the sense of "that which has been driven out" or "a driven-out thing/person." However, in its abstract usage, as seen in its sole biblical occurrence, it denotes the *act* or *result* of such expulsion or forceful removal, specifically in a socio-economic context. The base definition provided, "dispossession" or "exaction," captures this abstract meaning well. "Dispossession" refers to the act of depriving someone of property or land, often by force or legal means. "Exaction" implies a demand for something, especially a payment, that is excessive or unjust. Both terms highlight a forceful taking or an unjust demand, stemming from the core idea of being driven out or having something unjustly driven from one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term גְרֻשָׁה (gᵉrushâh, `{{H1646}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Ezekiel 45:9]]. The prophet Ezekiel delivers a divine message concerning the regulations for the future temple and the division of the land in the restored Israel. In this context, the Lord God declares: "Thus says the Lord God: Enough, O princes of Israel! Put away violence and plunder, and do justice and righteousness; take away your exactions from my people, declares the Lord God."
Here, גְרֻשָׁה is translated as "exactions" (ESV, NASB, KJV) or "extortions" (NIV). The command is directed at the "princes of Israel," who are admonished to cease their oppressive practices. The word stands in stark contrast to "justice and righteousness" (מִשְׁפָּט וּצְדָקָה, *mishpat u-tzedaqah*), which are commanded. This juxtaposition clearly indicates that גְרֻשָׁה refers to unjust levies, oppressive demands, or illicit gains exacted from the people by those in power. It signifies a form of economic exploitation or forced taking that is contrary to divine law and the principles of a righteous society. Its inclusion in this eschatological vision underscores the importance of equitable governance and the eradication of all forms of injustice in God's ideal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root verb גָּרַשׁ (garash, `{{H1644}}`), from which גְרֻשָׁה is derived. This verb is used extensively in the Old Testament to describe various forms of expulsion:
* **Driving out nations:** God's command to Israel to "drive out" (garash) the Canaanite inhabitants from the land ([[Exodus 23:28]], [[Numbers 33:52]]).
* **Divorce:** A man "driving out" or divorcing his wife ([[Leviticus 21:7]], [[Numbers 30:10]]).
* **Expulsion from community/home:** Driving out a leper from the camp ([[Leviticus 14:45]]), or driving out a servant ([[Genesis 21:10]]).
* **Forced removal:** Driving out animals ([[Job 30:6]]).
While גְרֻשָׁה (`{{H1646}}`) is the only abstract noun of this form, the concept of unjust taking or oppression is frequently addressed in other biblical terms:
* **עֹשֶׁק** (osheq, `{{H6233}}`): "oppression," "extortion," often referring to the act of defrauding or taking advantage of others ([[Psalm 62:10]], [[Proverbs 28:16]]).
* **גָּזֵל** (gazel, `{{H1497}}`): "robbery," "plunder," often associated with violence or illicit gain ([[Isaiah 3:14]], [[Ezekiel 22:29]]).
* **חָמָס** (hamas, `{{H2555}}`): "violence," "wrong," "injustice," often indicating general lawlessness and oppression ([[Genesis 6:11]], [[Psalm 58:2]]).
The antithetical concepts to גְרֻשָׁה are:
* **מִשְׁפָּט** (mishpat, `{{H4941}}`): "justice," "judgment," referring to what is right and equitable according to divine standards.
* **צְדָקָה** (tzedaqah, `{{H6664}}`): "righteousness," "equity," denoting conformity to God's moral standard.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of גְרֻשָׁה (gᵉrushâh, `{{H1646}}`) is profound, precisely because of its placement within Ezekiel's vision of the restored covenant community. The divine command to "take away your exactions from my people" ([[Ezekiel 45:9]]) underscores God's absolute intolerance for economic injustice and exploitation, especially when perpetrated by those in authority. This is not merely a practical regulation but a fundamental ethical principle for God's people.
The prohibition of gᵉrushâh signifies:
1. **Divine Justice:** God is inherently just and demands justice from His people, particularly from their leaders. The presence of "exactions" indicates a distortion of God's righteous order and a violation of the covenant.
2. **Protection of the Vulnerable:** The command to cease gᵉrushâh is a direct act of divine protection for "my people," implying the common populace who are susceptible to the abuses of power. It reflects God's consistent concern for the poor, the weak, and the oppressed throughout Scripture.
3. **Ideal Governance:** In the eschatological vision of Ezekiel, the absence of gᵉrushâh is a hallmark of the perfect, righteous kingdom. It indicates that true leadership, under God's sovereignty, is characterized by service, equity, and the promotion of the people's well-being, not self-enrichment through exploitation.
4. **Holiness and Purity:** Just as the temple and its rituals are to be purified, so too must the social and economic life of the community be cleansed of injustice. Gᵉrushâh is presented as a defilement that must be removed for the community to truly reflect God's holiness.
Thus, gᵉrushâh serves as a powerful condemnation of all forms of oppressive financial practices and a timeless call for righteous and equitable governance rooted in divine principles.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גְרֻשָׁה (gᵉrushâh, `{{H1646}}`), derived from the verb "to drive out," abstractly denotes "dispossession" or "exaction." Though it appears only once in the biblical text, its presence in [[Ezekiel 45:9]] is highly significant. Here, it refers to the unjust and oppressive demands or levies exacted by the princes from the people. God's command to abolish gᵉrushâh is a foundational element of the righteous and just society envisioned for the restored Israel. Theologically, it highlights God's unwavering commitment to justice, His protection of the vulnerable from exploitation, and His mandate for leaders to govern with integrity and righteousness. The eradication of gᵉrushâh is presented as essential for a community that truly embodies God's character and lives according to His divine standards.
TRV