גָּרַף (ga.raph)
ga.raph
to sweep away
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb garaph appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Deborah’s song in Judges 5:21. In this context, it describes the Kishon River rising up to sweep away the enemy forces. The word conveys a sudden, powerful movement that clears or removes obstacles with force.
Its usage here highlights the dramatic intervention of nature as an instrument of divine justice. Rather than describing a gentle cleansing, garaph suggests a violent sweeping action that leaves no room for resistance. This single occurrence underscores how natural events were viewed in ancient Israel as direct expressions of God’s will.
Translators typically render this rare verb as "swept away" or "carried away," capturing the image of water rushing over land and removing everything in its path. The word’s brevity and unique occurrence make it a striking example of how specific Hebrew vocabulary can convey vivid, immediate action within biblical poetry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word garaph appears only once in Scripture, within Deborah’s song of victory in Judges 5:21. It describes the Kishon River rising to sweep away the enemy forces. This image captures a sudden, powerful movement that removes obstacles with force. It is not a gentle cleansing but a decisive clearing action.
For your faith, this word reminds you that God uses both nature and history to establish justice. When circumstances seem overwhelming, remember that divine intervention can be swift and complete. You are invited to trust in His ability to clear the path before you, even when the waters rise high.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- it swept away/ them1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּרָפָ֔/ם1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 5:21
The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.
This is the sole occurrence of the word, where it vividly depicts the Kishon River’s sudden surge removing the Canaanite army.