גִּזָּה (gaz.zah)
gaz.zah
fleece
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Definition
Definition
Brown-Driver-Briggs
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gideon’s request for a wet fleece on dry ground reveals a very human desire for certainty. In Judges 6, he uses this simple agricultural sign to confirm God’s promise. It shows that asking for clarity is not always a lack of faith; sometimes it is a step toward understanding God’s specific will in a confusing moment.
This word reminds us that God meets us where we are. He did not rebuke Gideon for seeking a tangible sign but instead provided the confirmation he needed. We can bring our own questions and need for reassurance to Him, trusting that He is patient with our search for direction.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ fleece5×
- by the/ fleece1×
- [the] fleece of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/גִּזָּה֙2×
- הַ/גִּזָּ֜ה1×
- הַ/גִּזָּ֔ה1×
- הַ/גִּזָּ֑ה1×
- גִּזַּ֥ת1×
- בַּ/גִּזָּ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 6:37
behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the ground, then I’ll know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.”
This verse introduces the fleece as the specific instrument Gideon uses to test God's promise of deliverance.
-
Judges 6:38
It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.
Here the word describes the physical object from which Gideon wrings water, confirming the first sign was fulfilled.
-
Judges 6:39
Gideon said to God, “Don’t let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once. Please let me make a trial just this once with the fleece. Let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew.”
Gideon references the fleece again to propose a second, opposite test, showing his ongoing need for reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word gaz.zah mean in the Bible?
Why did Gideon use a fleece to test God?
Is there a spiritual lesson about asking for signs?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Judges 4 verses
behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece only, and it is dry on all…
Judges 6:38It was so; for he rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece,…
Judges 6:39Gideon said to God, “Don’t let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once. Please let me make a…
Judges 6:40God did so that night; for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.