גָּרָה (ga.rah)
ga.rah
to stir up
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb garah describes the act of stirring up trouble or provoking conflict. It carries a sense of agitation, as when one disturbs the peace by inciting strife among others. In the Hebrew Bible, it is not merely about disagreement but involves actively fomenting discord or engaging in contentious behavior. This word appears thirteen times, with a notable concentration in Proverbs, where it often warns against the destructive nature of quarrelsome speech and actions.
A key distinction lies in its usage: while it can describe initiating conflict, it also refers to being stirred up oneself, particularly in contexts of war or intense opposition. For example, in Daniel, it is used to depict nations or kings being roused to battle against one another. The sources highlight that this stirring is often external, where one party provokes another into a state of unrest or hostility, making it a powerful term for describing the dynamics of conflict and contention.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word garah captures the active energy of stirring up trouble. It is not just a quiet disagreement but a deliberate act that disturbs peace and incites conflict. In Proverbs, this term warns us about the power of our temper. A person who is quick to anger becomes a catalyst for strife, spreading unrest wherever they go. This highlights how our internal state can externally disrupt relationships and communities.
Yet this word also reminds us of God’s sovereignty over conflict. In historical accounts like Kings and Chronicles, kings were warned not to stir up trouble against those God had protected. We learn that meddling in conflicts outside God’s will leads to harm. Instead of seeking out battles or provoking others, we are invited to find our security in trusting Yahweh. This trust calms the heart and prevents us from becoming agents of chaos.
For your daily life, this means paying attention to what stirs you up. Are you reacting with anger that fuels more strife? Or are you choosing the path of peace? The wisdom literature suggests that slowing down our reactions can appease conflict. By relying on God rather than our own pride or power, we avoid the destructive cycle of provocation and find a steadier ground for our faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you engage in strife3×
- he stirs up3×
- will you engage in strife2×
- you engaged in strife1×
- they will wage war1×
- they engage in strife1×
- so/ it may wage war1×
- he will get ready1×
- and/ engage in strife1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְגָרֶ֣ה3×
- תִתְגָּרֶה֙2×
- תִּתְגָּר֣וּ1×
- תִּתְגָּ֥ר1×
- תִּתְגָּ֣ר1×
- יִתְגָּרֶה֙1×
- יִתְגָּר֗וּ1×
- יִתְגָּ֥רוּ1×
- וְ/יִתְגָּרֶ֖ה1×
- וְ/הִתְגָּ֥ר1×
- הִתְגָּרִֽית\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.
This verse directly links the act of stirring up contention to a wrathful character, contrasting it with the peace-bringing nature of slow anger.
-
II Kings 14:10
You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm, that you fall, even you, and Judah with you?”
Here the word warns against meddling in trouble for pride’s sake, showing how provoking conflict leads to self-destruction and harm to others.
-
Proverbs 28:25
One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.
It identifies greed as a primary cause that stirs up strife, while offering trust in Yahweh as the alternative path to prosperity.
-
Daniel 11:25
“He will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south will wage war in battle with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he won’t stand; for they will devise plans against him.
This occurrence shows the word used in a political context where a king actively rouses his power and courage to wage war against another ruler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word garah mean?
How is garah different from simple disagreement?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 6 books)
Deuteronomy 4 verses
Don’t contend with them; for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to…
Deuteronomy 2:9Yahweh said to me, “Don’t bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you any of his land for…
Deuteronomy 2:19When you come near the border of the children of Ammon, don’t bother them, nor contend with them; for I will not give…
Deuteronomy 2:24“Rise up, take your journey, and pass over the valley of the Arnon. Behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the…