גָּעַר (ga.ar)
ga.ar
to rebuke
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ga.ar carries the forceful meaning of rebuking or reproving someone, often with an edge of correction. In the Old Testament, it appears in ten verses, frequently within the Psalms and the prophetic books of Zechariah and Malachi. The term suggests a direct confrontation intended to bring about repentance or to correct a wrong course of action.
While the basic sense involves verbal reproof, the lexical data also notes a secondary nuance related to corruption or decay in certain contexts. This duality highlights how harsh words can either restore integrity or contribute to moral decline, depending on the speaker’s intent and the listener’s response. The word is not merely about criticism but carries significant weight in divine judgment and human accountability.
Translators typically render ga.ar as "rebuke" or "reprove," capturing its sharp, authoritative tone. Its usage in prophetic literature often underscores God’s justice and the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. Understanding this term helps readers grasp the intensity of biblical calls to righteousness and the consequences of straying from it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for rebuke carries a sharp, authoritative weight. It is not casual criticism but a direct confrontation meant to correct a wrong course. When God uses this term, it signals His justice and the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. It reminds us that our actions have real consequences and that He cares enough to call us back when we stray.
This concept appears in moments of both divine judgment and human correction. For instance, Jacob rebuked Joseph for sharing his dream, showing how even family dynamics involve firm words. In the Psalms, God’s rebuke of the Red Sea demonstrates His power over creation itself. These instances show that rebuke is a tool for restoration, intended to bring order out of chaos and integrity out of decay.
Understanding this word helps us see that correction is not always negative. It can be an act of love, aimed at preserving our path. When we encounter rebuke in Scripture or in life, it invites us to reflect on our direction. This perspective encourages a heart open to change, trusting that such words are meant to guide us toward righteousness rather than simply condemn us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he rebuked2×
- you rebuke1×
- you must rebuke1×
- may he rebuke1×
- have you rebuked1×
- and/ may he rebuke1×
- and/ he will rebuke1×
- and/ from/ rebuking1×
- and/ I will rebuke1×
- [am] about to rebuke1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִגְעֲרוּ\־1×
- יִגְעַ֨ר1×
- וּ/מִ/גְּעָר\־1×
- וַ/יִּגְעַר\־1×
- וַ/יִּגְעַ֣ר1×
- וְ/יִגְעַ֤ר1×
- וְ/גָעַרְתִּ֤י1×
- וְ/גָ֥עַר1×
- גָּ֭עַרְתָּ1×
- גֹעֵ֤ר1×
- גָעַ֔רְתָּ1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 106:9
He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so he led them through the depths, as through a desert.
This verse shows God rebuking the Red Sea, demonstrating His sovereign power over nature to save His people.
-
Zechariah 3:2
Yahweh said to Satan, “Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn’t this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?”
Here Yahweh rebukes Satan directly, highlighting divine authority in spiritual conflict and protection of Jerusalem.
-
Psalms 119:21
You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.
The psalmist acknowledges that God’s rebuke of the proud serves to correct those who wander from His commandments.
-
Genesis 37:10
He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to the earth before you?”
Jacob’s rebuke of Joseph illustrates how this term applies to familial correction and the handling of prophetic dreams.