What Does gazaz (גָּזַז) Mean in the Bible?

Word Overview

The Hebrew verb gazaz means to shear or cut the wool from sheep. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, with significant occurrences in Genesis and Samuel. The word describes the physical act of removing fleece, a routine but vital part of ancient pastoral life that provided raw material for clothing and trade.

In narrative contexts, this action often signals wealth or hospitality. For example, when King David sends messengers to Nabal in 1 Samuel 25:9, he references the shearing season as a time of celebration and abundance, implying that the host should provide generously. The term is straightforward, focusing on the agricultural process rather than metaphorical spiritual states.

While primarily literal, the related Niphal form can mean to be cut off or destroyed, extending the idea of removal to people or things. However, in its most common Qal usage, gazaz remains grounded in the concrete reality of shepherding, highlighting the economic and social importance of livestock in biblical times.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word gazaz describes the practical act of shearing sheep, a vital part of ancient life that provided wool for clothing and trade. In narratives like Genesis 31:19, this routine task creates the space for significant events to unfold, showing how daily work intersects with divine providence.

While primarily literal, the word also carries emotional weight. Isaiah 53:7 uses the image of a sheep remaining silent before its shearers to describe the suffering servant’s quiet endurance. This metaphor invites us to trust God’s care even when we feel vulnerable or stripped bare, knowing that our worth is not defined by what is taken from us.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.

shearers3×

to/ shear2×

you will shear1×

when/ sheared1×

shearers/ its1×

for/ shearers/ my1×

cut off1×

and/ shear1×

and/ he shaved1×

[was] shearing1×

[the] shearers of1×

Forms in the text

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

גֹזְזִ֖ים2×

תָגֹ֖ז1×

לָ/גֹ֥ז1×

לִ/גְזֹ֖ז1×

לְ/גֹֽזְזָ֑/י1×

וָ/גֹ֔זִּי1×

וַ/יָּ֖גָז1×

גֹּֽזֲזֵ֤י1×

גָּזִּ֤י1×

גֹזֵ֥ז1×

גֹזְזֶ֖י/הָ1×

גֹֽזְזִים֙1×

Key Verses

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he didn’t open his mouth.

This verse uses the silent sheep as a powerful metaphor for the Messiah’s patient endurance of suffering without protest.

Genesis 31:19

Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.

The shearing event provides the cover for Rachel to steal her father’s household gods, driving the narrative forward.

I Samuel 25:2

There was a man in Maon whose possessions were in Carmel; and the man was very great. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats; and he was shearing his sheep in Carmel.

Nabal’s large-scale shearing operation highlights his wealth and sets the stage for David’s request for hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gazaz mean in the Bible?

Gazaz literally means to shear sheep by cutting off their wool. It appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, primarily describing this agricultural task.

Is gazaz used metaphorically?

Yes, though rarely. Isaiah 53:7 compares the suffering servant to a sheep that remains silent before its shearers, highlighting patience and submission.

Why is shearing important in Genesis 31?

Laban’s absence during the shearing of his sheep allowed Rachel to steal the teraphim. The event shows how routine work can create opportunities for major plot shifts.

Every Occurrence (14 verses across 8 books)