גֶּ֫רֶם (ge.rem)
ge.rem
bone
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gerem primarily means bone, but in biblical usage it frequently functions as a metonym for physical strength or vitality. This connection is logical, as bones provide the structural framework that supports the body’s power. In several passages, particularly in poetic books like Job and Proverbs, the word describes someone who is robust or vigorous, highlighting the inherent link between skeletal integrity and personal capability.
Its occurrences are sparse, appearing in only five verses across Scripture. The term surfaces in narratives such as 2 Kings 1:6, where it helps describe the physical state of a king, and in wisdom literature like Proverbs 30:27, which notes that locusts have no king but move in organized ranks—a detail that underscores their collective strength despite individual smallness. The word also appears in Job, reinforcing themes of human frailty and the limits of earthly power.
Translators often render gerem as "bone" when referring to anatomy, but switch to "strength" or "vigor" when the context emphasizes capability rather than structure. This dual usage reflects a common Hebrew pattern where physical parts represent the whole person’s condition. The word serves as a reminder that in ancient thought, strength was not merely muscular but rooted in the very framework of the body.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In ancient Hebrew thought, bones were not just anatomical parts but the very foundation of a person’s strength and vitality. When Scripture speaks of bones, it often points to the core of one’s physical and emotional resilience. This word reminds us that our inner structure supports everything we do, from daily labor to spiritual endurance.
Proverbs 17:22 offers a gentle truth: a cheerful heart brings healing, while a crushed spirit affects even our deepest strength. This connection between mood and physical well-being is both practical and profound. It invites us to care for our inner peace, knowing that joy sustains us when life feels heavy.
Whether in the vivid imagery of Job or the quiet wisdom of Proverbs, this word grounds us in reality. We are fragile yet designed for strength. May you find comfort in knowing that your worth is not measured by outward power alone, but by the steady, enduring presence of God within you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bone2×
- limbs/ its1×
- bone[s]1×
- [the] bone of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּֽרֶם\׃2×
- גָּ֑רֶם1×
- גֶּ֣רֶם1×
- גְּ֝רָמָ֗י/ו1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
This verse uniquely links emotional state to physical vitality, showing how a 'crushed spirit' directly impacts the source of one's strength.
-
Job 40:18
His bones are like tubes of bronze. His limbs are like bars of iron.
Here the word describes the formidable, unbreakable nature of Leviathan’s structure, using bones as a metaphor for immense, untamable power.
-
Proverbs 25:15
By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.
The phrase 'breaks the bone' illustrates how persistent gentleness can overcome even the hardest resistance in human relationships.