גֵּו (gev)
gev
back; midst
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun gev refers to the physical back or the middle part of the body. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only seven times, primarily in poetic books like Job and Proverbs, as well as in Isaiah. Its usage is quite specific, often describing a person’s literal spine or torso rather than an abstract concept.
Lexical sources note that gev is an Aramaism, meaning it reflects the linguistic influence of Aramaic on Hebrew during certain periods. This distinguishes it from more common Hebrew terms for body parts. For instance, in Job 30:5, it describes those who are cast out, highlighting their physical and social marginalization.
While some sources list "midst" as a meaning, the primary sense remains the back. Translators usually render it as "back" to preserve this concrete imagery. The word’s rarity makes each occurrence significant, grounding abstract ideas of suffering or honor in tangible human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gev points to the physical back or torso, grounding abstract spiritual truths in our bodily reality. When Proverbs speaks of a rod for the back of fools, it uses this concrete image to describe the natural consequences of rejecting wisdom. It reminds us that actions have tangible effects on our lives and relationships.
In Isaiah 50:6, the servant gives his back to those who beat him, showing a posture of humble obedience even in suffering. This word helps us see how faith is lived out in the body, not just in thoughts. It invites us to consider where we place our trust when we feel vulnerable or exposed.
Isaiah 38:17 offers a beautiful metaphor: God casts sins behind His back. This image of the back suggests distance and removal, reminding us that forgiveness is real and complete. We can find comfort in knowing that our past does not define our future when we are held by divine love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- for/ [the] back of2×
- back/ your2×
- back/ my1×
- [the] community1×
- [is] for/ [the] back of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/גֵ֣ו3×
- גֵּוֵ֔/ךְ1×
- גֵּוִ/י֙1×
- גֵּ֥ו1×
- גֵוְ/ךָ֖1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 38:17
Behold, for peace I had great anguish, but you have in love for my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for you have cast all my sins behind your back.
This verse uses the physical image of the back to metaphorically describe how God removes sins from His sight, providing a powerful picture of forgiveness.
-
Isaiah 50:6
I gave my back to those who beat me, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair. I didn’t hide my face from shame and spitting.
Here the servant willingly offers his back to abuse, illustrating a posture of humble submission and endurance in the face of shame.
-
Proverbs 26:3
A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!
The proverb links the back directly to foolishness, using the physical act of beating as a consequence for lacking discernment.