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גֵּהָה (ge.hah)

ge.hah

cure

H1456 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The noun gēhāh denotes a physical cure or healing. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Proverbs 17:22, where it describes the restorative power of a cheerful heart.

Its usage here links emotional well-being directly to bodily health. The text suggests that joy acts as a medicine for the body, while a crushed spirit drains one’s strength. This single occurrence highlights an ancient understanding of the connection between inner peace and physical vitality.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word gēhāh appears only once in Scripture, tucked inside Proverbs 17:22. It refers to physical healing or medicine, but here it describes what a cheerful heart provides. This rare usage connects our inner emotional state directly to our bodily health. Joy is not just a feeling; it acts as restorative power for the body.

When life feels heavy, this verse reminds us that a crushed spirit can drain our strength. Conversely, maintaining a sense of peace and gladness supports physical vitality. It invites you to care for your inner world as part of caring for your whole self. This ancient wisdom suggests that emotional well-being is foundational to health.

May you find encouragement in this simple truth: nurturing a gentle and joyful spirit helps sustain your body through difficult seasons. Let this connection between heart and health bring you comfort and practical hope today.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • healing1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • גֵּהָ֑ה1×

Key Verses

  • Proverbs 17:22
    A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

    This is the only occurrence of gēhāh in the Hebrew Bible, uniquely linking a cheerful heart to physical healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word gēhāh mean?

Gēhāh is a noun that means physical cure or healing. It appears only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Proverbs 17:22.

Why is this word significant if it only appears once?

Its single occurrence highlights a unique ancient insight: that emotional well-being directly impacts physical health. It shows how joy acts as medicine for the body.

How does a cheerful heart relate to healing in this verse?

Proverbs 17:22 states that a cheerful heart makes good medicine, while a crushed spirit dries up the bones. This suggests that inner peace supports bodily vitality.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)