גִּזְרִי (giz.ri)
giz.ri
Girzite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The term gizri identifies a Girzite, an individual belonging to a group mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible at 1 Samuel 27:8. In this context, David and his men raid the southern territories inhabited by the Girzites alongside other groups like the Amalekites and Philistines. The text provides no further narrative detail about this people, marking them as a minor ethnic or geographic designation within the broader landscape of ancient Canaan.
Etymologically, the word functions as a gentilic adjective derived from a root meaning "to cut" or "a piece." Lexical sources suggest two primary interpretations for its origin. One view links it to the city of Gezer, implying the inhabitants were associated with that location. An alternative reading connects it to Mount Gerizim, suggesting the name might mean "the cutters off," possibly referring to their geographical position on a peak or a cultural practice. The manuscript tradition varies slightly, with some texts using a form that explicitly references Gezer.
Because this word appears in a single verse listing conquered peoples, its theological significance is minimal compared to its historical value. It serves as a snapshot of the diverse tribal and city-state affiliations present in the region during the time of Saul and David. The ambiguity between Gezer and Gerizim highlights the complex intermingling of populations and place names in biblical geography.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Girzite appears in a single moment within the biblical record, marking a small group among many that David encountered during his time on the run. This brief mention reminds us that history is made up of countless individuals and communities, each with their own place in God’s broader story. Even when details are scarce, the text preserves these names, showing that no one is forgotten by the One who knows all things.
For your faith, this word offers a quiet comfort: God’s care extends beyond the main characters of Scripture to every person and tribe. You do not need to have all the answers about ancient geography or etymology to trust in His sovereignty. The same God who guided David through uncertain times is present with you in your own seasons of waiting and walking.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ Gizrite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַ/גִּזְרִ֖י1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 27:8
David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for those were the inhabitants of the land who were of old, on the way to Shur, even to the land of Egypt.
This verse lists the Girzites alongside other groups to show the specific scope of David’s raids, highlighting their existence as part of the ancient inhabitants of the land.