גְּזַר (ge.zar)
ge.zar
to determine
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gēzar primarily means to cut or determine, linking physical division with decisive judgment. Its root imagery involves cutting something off or marking it out, which in Scripture often translates to establishing a fixed boundary or decree. In the book of Daniel, this word appears frequently to describe royal decrees that are irrevocable and strictly enforced, such as the determination of punishments or the setting of time limits.
A notable usage occurs in Daniel 3:6, where the king’s command is described using a form related to cutting out, emphasizing its finality. The sources note a Hithpe’el form meaning "to be cut out," which appears in Daniel 2:34 regarding a stone cut out without hands. This passive construction highlights divine action that stands apart from human effort, contrasting sharply with the active determinations made by earthly rulers.
Translators often render gēzar as "decree" or "determine" to capture this sense of authoritative fixing. The word carries weight because it implies a line has been drawn that cannot be crossed. Whether referring to legal statutes or prophetic timelines, the term underscores a reality that is set in place and remains unchanged.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gēzar carries the image of cutting a line that cannot be crossed. In Daniel, it describes royal decrees that stand firm and unchangeable. These human laws set boundaries for time and punishment, showing how power can fix a moment in history.
Yet there is a deeper layer. The same root appears when a stone is cut out without hands. This shows God’s action standing apart from human effort. While kings decree what happens, God determines the ultimate outcome. His plans are not subject to human approval or revision.
This offers comfort when life feels unpredictable. Human decisions may seem final, but they operate within a larger divine order. We can trust that God’s purposes remain steady even when earthly powers shift. His determination brings stability to a changing world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it was cut out2×
- astrologers2×
- and/ astrologers/ the1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּזְרִ֔ין2×
- וְ/גָזְרַיָּ֑/א1×
- הִתְגְּזֶ֤רֶת1×
- אִתְגְּזֶ֨רֶת1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 2:34
You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.
The stone cut out without hands uses the hithpe'el form, highlighting divine action that requires no human tool or effort.
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Daniel 2:45
Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will happen hereafter. The dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.”
This verse confirms the dream’s certainty by attributing the final outcome directly to God’s making, contrasting with human interpretation.
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Daniel 5:11
There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, your father—yes, the king, your father—made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers,
Here the word links Nebuchadnezzar’s past decree establishing Daniel’s authority to the current crisis, showing how royal determinations persist across time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word gēzar mean?
Why is gēzar important in Daniel?
How is gēzar different from other words for decree?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 5 verses
Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded can’t be shown to the king by wise…
Daniel 2:34You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and…
Daniel 2:45Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the…
Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:11There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your father, light and…