גָּרַע (ga.ra)
ga.ra
to dimish
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gar’a signifies a deliberate act of reduction, carrying meanings such as to diminish, restrain, or withdraw. It appears eighteen times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Numbers and Job. The word describes the process of taking something away or holding it back, often implying a measured decrease rather than total destruction.
In its most famous occurrence, God speaks through Moses in Exodus 9:29, asking Pharaoh to stretch out his hands so the hail might cease. Here, gar’a translates as "withdraw" or "restrain," referring to the halting of the storm. This usage highlights the word’s capacity to describe the removal of a force or the curbing of an excess.
The term also appears in Job 31:25, where the speaker rejects the joy found in others’ misfortune. In this context, it means to "abate" or "lessen" one’s spirit from rejoicing at another’s fall. The verb thus captures both physical reduction and moral restraint, emphasizing the intentional holding back of power, resources, or emotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word gar’a describes a deliberate reduction or withdrawal. In ancient Israel, this term often appeared in legal contexts regarding labor and inheritance. For example, Exodus records strict warnings that overseers must not diminish the daily quota of bricks required from the Israelites. This usage highlights God’s concern for justice and the protection of the vulnerable against exploitation.
Yet the word also carries a profound spiritual meaning found in Job 36:7. Here, we read that God does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous. This offers a gentle assurance that divine attention is constant. Even when circumstances feel overwhelming or when support seems scarce, the Creator’s gaze remains fixed on those who seek Him with integrity.
This balance between human responsibility and divine care invites trust. We are called to act justly in our dealings with others, knowing that God Himself never withdraws His watchful presence from us. This steady attention provides a foundation for peace amidst life's uncertainties.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will diminish2×
- it will be withdrawn2×
- [is] diminished2×
- you must diminish1×
- you hold back1×
- will it be withdrawn1×
- to/ take away1×
- so/ you may diminish1×
- he withdraws1×
- he will reduce1×
- he draws up1×
- are we restrained1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִגְרְע֖וּ2×
- תִּגְרַ֖ע1×
- תִגְרְע֥וּ1×
- נִגָּרַ֗ע1×
- נִגְרָ֛ע1×
- לִ/גְרֹ֑עַ1×
- יִגָּרַ֤ע1×
- יִגָּרַ֖ע1×
- יִגָּרֵֽעַ\׃1×
- יִגְרָֽע\׃1×
- יִגְרַ֥ע1×
- יְגָרַ֣ע1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 5:8
You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, saying, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to our God.’
This verse establishes the word’s use in protecting laborers from unfair demands, showing God’s concern for justice.
-
Job 36:7
He doesn’t withdraw his eyes from the righteous, but with kings on the throne, he sets them forever, and they are exalted.
Here the word describes God’s unwavering attention to the righteous, offering comfort that He does not withdraw His gaze.
-
Numbers 36:3
If they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then their inheritance will be taken away from the inheritance of our fathers, and will be added to the inheritance of the tribe to which they shall belong. So it will be taken away from the lot of our inheritance.
This occurrence deals with inheritance laws, illustrating how the term applies to the transfer or loss of family property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gar’a mean in the Old Testament?
How is this word used in Exodus 5?
Does this word appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (18 verses across 8 books)
Exodus 4 verses
You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for…
Exodus 5:11Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished.’”
Exodus 5:19The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble when it was said, “You shall not diminish anything…
Exodus 21:10If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights.