גָּרַם (ga.ram)
ga.ram
to reserve; to break bones
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gāram carries two distinct meanings depending on its grammatical form. In the Qal stem, it means to reserve, set aside, or leave behind. This usage appears in Numbers 18:26, where the Levites are instructed to present a portion of their tithe as a "gift" that is reserved for the Lord, effectively setting it apart from common use.
The Piel stem shifts the meaning dramatically to breaking or gnawing bones. This vivid image occurs in Zephaniah 1:11, where the prophet describes a day of judgment when those living in the market district will have their bones broken. The physical violence implied here underscores the severity of the coming disaster.
This rare word demonstrates how Hebrew verbs can diverge significantly across stems. While the Qal suggests preservation or separation, the Piel conveys destruction and pain. Translators must carefully distinguish between these forms to capture the intended meaning, whether it is about setting something aside for holy use or the brutal reality of divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gāram appears in Scripture to describe two very different realities: setting something apart for God, or the breaking of bones in judgment. In Numbers, it speaks of the Levites reserving a portion of their tithe as a holy gift. This act of reservation reminds us that what we dedicate to the Lord is set apart from common use, held sacred and distinct.
Conversely, in Zephaniah, the word describes the brutal breaking of bones during a day of judgment. This stark image underscores the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine justice. It serves as a sobering reminder that God is holy and will not ignore rebellion. Yet, this same God who judges also provides a way of refuge for those who seek Him.
Understanding these dual meanings helps us appreciate the depth of biblical language. Whether it calls us to offer our best to God or warns us of the consequences of turning away, gāram invites us to take our spiritual lives seriously. We are called to reserve our hearts for Him, avoiding the destruction that comes from hardness and rebellion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they gnaw1×
- it will break1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יְגָרֵ֖ם1×
- גָרְמ֖וּ1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 24:8
God brings him out of Egypt. He has as it were the strength of the wild ox. He shall consume the nations his adversaries, shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them with his arrows.
This verse uses the Piel stem of gāram to depict God's power in breaking the bones of adversaries, emphasizing the severity of divine judgment against enemies.
-
Zephaniah 3:3
Her princes within her are roaring lions. Her judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day.
Although this verse does not explicitly contain gāram, it describes the destructive nature of corrupt leaders who leave nothing for the next day, aligning with the theme of judgment and brokenness associated with the word's Piel meaning.