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גְּעָרָה (ge.a.rah)

ge.a.rah

rebuke

H1606 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 11 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
11 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Definition

Definition

a rebuke, reproof

Brown-Driver-Briggs

גְּעָרָה n.f. rebuke

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a rebuke, reproof

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word ge'arah describes a sharp, authoritative reprimand. In Scripture, it is often used to depict God’s powerful intervention in the natural world, such as calming the seas or causing mountains to tremble. This imagery reminds us that the Creator holds ultimate authority over chaos and disorder.

On a personal level, this word appears in wisdom literature to contrast the wise who accept correction with those who reject it. Accepting rebuke is portrayed not as humiliation, but as a path to deeper understanding and growth. It suggests that listening to honest feedback is more valuable than superficial comfort.

When we face correction, whether from God or others, it can be difficult to hear. Yet, this word invites us to see discipline as an act of care rather than anger. It encourages humility and a willingness to learn, helping us grow in wisdom and character through the guidance we receive.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • a rebuke2×
  • [the] threat of2×
  • [the] rebuke of2×
  • rebuke/ your1×
  • from/ rebuke/ his1×
  • by/ rebuke/ my1×
  • at/ [the] rebuke of1×
  • and/ rebuke/ his1×
  • a threat1×

Forms in the text

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

  • גַּעֲרַ֥ת2×
  • גַּעֲרַ֣ת2×
  • גְּעָרָֽה\׃2×
  • מִ/גַּעֲרָתֽ/וֹ\׃1×
  • וְ/גַעֲרָת֖/וֹ1×
  • גַּעֲרָ֣תְ/ךָ֣1×
  • גְּעָרָ֣ה1×
  • בְּ/גַעֲרָתִ֞/י1×
  • בְּ/גַעֲרַ֣ת1×

Key Verses

  • Proverbs 17:10
    A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

    This verse highlights the unique power of gentle correction to reach the heart of a wise person, contrasting it with physical punishment for the foolish.

  • II Samuel 22:16
    Then the channels of the sea appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare by Yahweh’s rebuke, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

    Here the word describes God’s dramatic intervention in nature, showing His sovereign power to reveal truth and remove obstacles through a single command.

  • Psalms 104:7
    At your rebuke they fled. At the voice of your thunder they hurried away.

    The psalmist uses this term to describe how God’s authoritative word brings order to the waters, illustrating His control over creation.

  • Proverbs 13:1
    A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.

    This occurrence defines the character of a wise son by his willingness to listen to instruction, while identifying a scoffer by their refusal to accept rebuke.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ge'arah mean?

Ge'arah (Strong's H1606) translates to "rebuke" or "reprimand." It refers to a sharp, authoritative statement of disapproval or correction. In the Bible, it is used both for human discipline and for God’s powerful commands that bring order to chaos.

How is ge'arah different from general anger?

While related to anger, ge'arah specifically denotes a verbal act of correction or censure. It is often an active response to wrongdoing or disorder. In divine contexts, it emphasizes God’s sovereign power to correct and restore order rather than just His emotional state.

Why is rebuke mentioned in Proverbs?

Proverbs uses ge'arah to teach that wisdom involves accepting correction. It contrasts the wise, who value rebuke for growth, with fools, who reject it. This highlights the importance of humility and listening to instruction as key traits of a discerning life.

Every Occurrence (11 verses across 6 books)

II Samuel 1 verse
Job 1 verse
Psalms 1 verse
Proverbs 3 verses
Ecclesiastes 1 verse
Isaiah 4 verses