### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root הָגָה (hâgâh), Strong's number `{{H1898}}`, is presented with a base definition encompassing "to remove; stay, stay away." This semantic range suggests actions related to displacement, separation, or the maintenance of distance and presence. The juxtaposition of "to remove" and "to stay" or "stay away" implies a dynamic tension within the root's potential meaning. "To remove" points to an act of causing something to depart or be taken away. "To stay" suggests remaining in a fixed position or condition, while "to stay away" implies an intentional act of distancing oneself or preventing proximity. Interpreting this range requires considering whether the root denotes a causative action (causing removal or staying), a state of being (being removed or staying), or a volitional act. The primitive nature of the root suggests a fundamental, perhaps guttural or deeply internal, expression that, in this specific definition, is extended to concepts of physical or relational proximity and distance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While the Strong's number `{{H1898}}` (הָגָה) appears approximately 25 times in the Hebrew Bible, its primary and most widely attested lexical meanings do not directly align with the provided definition of "to remove; stay, stay away." Standard lexicons and biblical usage overwhelmingly associate הָגָה with actions such as "to meditate," "to ponder," "to mutter," "to moan," "to growl," or "to speak." Examples include the meditation upon God's law in [[Psalm 1:2]] and [[Joshua 1:8]], the growling of a lion in [[Isaiah 31:4]], or the moaning of a dove in [[Isaiah 38:14]].
Consequently, direct biblical occurrences where הָגָה unequivocally means "to remove" or "to stay/stay away" are not clearly evident in the textual record. If such a meaning were to be found, it would likely represent an extremely rare or highly specialized contextual nuance, perhaps reflecting a deeper, less obvious semantic extension of the root. For instance, if "to remove" were implied, it might suggest a subtle act of internal deliberation leading to separation, or a quiet determination to maintain distance. However, the textual evidence does not readily support these interpretations for `{{H1898}}` as its primary or even secondary meaning. Therefore, a detailed contextual analysis based on this specific definition is challenging due to the lack of corroborating biblical usage.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given the provided definition of "to remove; stay, stay away," related Hebrew words would naturally fall into categories of separation, presence, absence, and various forms of movement or stillness.
* For "to remove" or "to stay away," one might consider roots like:
* `{{H5493}}` (סוּר - sūr): "to turn aside," "to depart," "to remove."
* `{{H3988}}` (מָאַס - māʾas): "to reject," "to despise," implying a removal from favor or acceptance.
* `{{H5256}}` (נָסַע - nāsaʿ): "to pull up," "to journey," "to depart."
* For "to stay" or "to remain," related concepts could include:
* `{{H3427}}` (יָשַׁב - yāshav): "to sit," "to dwell," "to remain."
* `{{H5975}}` (עָמַד - ʿāmad): "to stand," "to remain," "to endure."
* `{{H7604}}` (שָׁאַר - shāʾar): "to remain," "to be left over."
The conceptual linkage between these roots and the specific definition of `{{H1898}}` provided would be based on shared semantic fields of spatial dynamics and relational proximity, rather than direct etymological or primary lexical overlap.
### Theological Significance
If the root הָגָה (hâgâh), in some obscure or ancient sense, were indeed to convey "to remove" or "to stay/stay away," its theological significance could be profound, touching upon core aspects of divine relationship, judgment, and presence.
* **Divine Removal/Separation:** God's act of "removing" could speak to divine judgment and the withdrawal of His presence or blessing due to sin, as seen in the removal of the wicked from the land ([[Psalm 101:8]] using other words). It could also refer to God's act of removing obstacles or enemies for His people.
* **Human Removal/Wandering:** Humanity's "removal" from God's presence, as in the expulsion from Eden ([[Genesis 3:24]] using different terminology), highlights the consequence of disobedience. Conversely, it could speak to the call to "remove" oneself from evil or idolatry.
* **Divine "Staying" or Presence:** God's decision "to stay" with His people ([[Exodus 33:14]] using other words for presence) would underscore His faithfulness and covenantal commitment. It would signify His immanence and enduring presence amidst His creation.
* **Divine "Staying Away":** This could signify God's hiddenness or a period of divine silence, prompting humanity to seek Him more earnestly. It might also reflect the concept of God's transcendence, where He remains distinct and "away" from the limitations of creation.
Such interpretations, while speculative given the definition's lack of direct biblical attestation for `{{H1898}}`, would underscore the dynamic nature of the divine-human relationship, marked by proximity, distance, and the sovereign will of the Almighty.
### Summary
The word study of הָגָה (hâgâh), `{{H1898}}`, based on the provided definition "to remove; stay, stay away," reveals a semantic potential centered on spatial dynamics and relational proximity/distance. While the vast majority of biblical occurrences of `{{H1898}}` clearly point to meanings of "to meditate," "to mutter," or "to moan," this specific definition invites contemplation on actions of displacement, maintenance of presence, or intentional distancing. Direct biblical examples that unambiguously support "to remove" or "to stay/stay away" for this particular Hebrew root are not readily found in the standard corpus. Nevertheless, exploring these conceptual possibilities allows for a deeper appreciation of how such actions, if attributed to this root, could contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical theology concerning divine interaction with creation, human responsibility, and the sacred spaces of presence and absence. The study highlights the importance of precise lexical analysis while acknowledging the potential for nuanced or less common semantic ranges within ancient Hebrew.
TRV