### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV