The Hebrew word hâdaph, represented by H1920, is a primitive root meaning to push away or down; cast away (out), drive, expel, thrust (away). It appears 11 times across 11 unique verses in the Bible, consistently denoting a forceful act of displacement or rejection.
In the biblical narrative, H1920 is used to describe actions of both God and man. The LORD is shown to cast out or expel enemies from before Israel as a fulfillment of His promise (Deuteronomy 6:19, Joshua 23:5). This divine action is presented as a consequence of the nations' wickedness Deuteronomy 9:4 and a demonstration of God's power, as He can drive even valiant men Jeremiah 46:15. The term is also used for human actions, such as when Gehazi attempted to thrust her away 2 Kings 4:27, or when corrupt leaders thrust the weak and diseased of the flock Ezekiel 34:21. It can describe a fatal act of violence when one person thrust another out of hatred Numbers 35:20.
Several related words clarify the context of force and expulsion:
- H3423 yârash: This word means to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place). It is often used in parallel with H1920 to show that God's act of casting out enemies is for the purpose of giving Israel the land to possess Joshua 23:5.
- H5055 nâgach: Defined as to butt with the horns; figuratively, to war against, this term illustrates a violent, aggressive form of pushing. It is used alongside H1920 to condemn the leaders who physically pushed the weak of the flock with their horns Ezekiel 34:21.
- H7993 shâlak: This verb means to throw out, down or away. It appears with H1920 to describe different potential actions in cases of manslaughter or murder, differentiating between a deliberate hurl and an accidental thrust (Numbers 35:20, Numbers 35:22).
- H2040 hâraç: Meaning to pull down or in pieces, break, destroy, this word describes the ultimate consequence of being driven out. God warns that He will drive a person from their station and then pull thee down from that state Isaiah 22:19.
The theological weight of H1920 is significant, highlighting key principles of divine justice and human responsibility.
- Divine Judgment: The word is frequently used to demonstrate God's sovereign judgment. He casteth away the substance of the wicked Proverbs 10:3 and cast out nations from before Israel due to their wickedness Deuteronomy 9:4. A person can be driven from light into darkness as a consequence of their state Job 18:18.
- Covenant Faithfulness: God's act of driving or casting out is directly tied to His covenant promises. He acts to cast out Israel's enemies "as the LORD hath spoken" Deuteronomy 6:19 and to expel them so that Israel can possess the promised land Joshua 23:5.
- Sinful Human Force: The term is used to condemn the misuse of power. The corrupt shepherds of Israel are rebuked because they thrust the vulnerable members of the flock Ezekiel 34:21. It also defines the malicious intent behind a violent act, as when one might thrust another out of hatred Numbers 35:20.
In summary, H1920 hâdaph is a powerful verb of forceful displacement. It operates on both a divine and human level, portraying God's sovereign power to expel nations and execute judgment, as well as the sinful capacity of humans to violently push away others. Whether describing the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel or condemning the actions of corrupt leaders, hâdaph consistently conveys an act of driving out, casting away, and definitive rejection.
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