גִּיחַ (gi.ach)
gi.ach
to strive
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb gi.ach, found in Daniel 4:23, carries the meaning of bursting forth or breaking out. Its sole occurrence appears in Nebuchadnezzar’s interpretation of a dream, where it describes the sudden emergence of roots from the earth. The context suggests a violent or forceful action, as if something hidden is suddenly forced into view.
This word is an Aphel form derived from the Hebrew gi.ach (H1518), which similarly denotes bursting out. The lexical data emphasizes its dynamic nature, portraying an event that cannot be contained. In Daniel, it illustrates how the king’s power and influence will inevitably spread across the land, just as roots break through soil to anchor a great tree.
The rarity of this term highlights its specific descriptive power. Translators often render it as "break forth" or "burst out," capturing the suddenness and intensity of the action. This usage underscores the inevitability of divine judgment, showing how God’s purposes unfold with unstoppable force in the narrative of Daniel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word giach describes a force that cannot be contained, bursting forth with sudden intensity. In Daniel 4:23, it illustrates how roots break through the earth to anchor a great tree. This image reminds us that God’s purposes unfold with unstoppable force, even when they seem hidden or slow at first.
When we face uncertainty, this word offers comfort. Just as the roots of a tree cannot be stopped from growing, God’s plans for His people move forward regardless of our fears. The suddenness of giach shows that divine intervention often arrives when least expected, bringing clarity and strength to those who wait.
Trust in the timing of God’s work. Even when circumstances seem chaotic, His purposes are rooted firmly in truth. You can find peace knowing that what He begins, He completes with power and precision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [were] stirring up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְגִיחָ֖ן1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:2
Daniel spoke and said, “I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke out on the great sea.
This verse uses a related concept of breaking forth to describe the winds rising from the sea, mirroring the unstoppable force implied by giach in Daniel 4.