גֶּ֫רֶשׂ (ge.re.s)
ge.re.s
crushed grain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun geresh refers to grain that has been crushed or broken into small pieces, specifically describing groats or grits rather than whole kernels. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears only twice, both within the detailed regulations of Leviticus concerning grain offerings.
Its usage highlights the physical preparation required for these sacrifices. The text specifies that the offering must consist of fine flour mixed with oil and frankincense, but when geresh is mentioned, it points to a coarser texture than polished meal. This distinction matters because the ritual law demands precision in how the grain is processed before it is presented on the altar.
Translators typically render this word as "grits" or "groats" to convey that specific state of being crushed. The scarcity of the term underscores its narrow semantic range; it does not refer to the act of crushing, but strictly to the resulting product. This precision reflects the ancient Israelite focus on the tangible materials used in worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you read about the grain offerings in Leviticus, you might wonder why the text specifies such precise physical states for the materials. The word geresh describes grain that has been crushed into small pieces, distinct from whole kernels or fine flour. This detail reminds us that worship involves tangible, everyday elements prepared with care.
For your faith life, this suggests that God values the honest preparation of our hearts. Just as the grain had to be broken down before it could be offered, we bring our lives—our strengths and vulnerabilities—as they are, processed through daily obedience. It is not about perfection, but about readiness.
The offering was a sweet aroma to the Lord, showing that He accepts what we give when it is presented with reverence. This ancient practice invites us to consider how we prepare our time, resources, and attention for God, ensuring they are offered sincerely rather than casually.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- some of/ groats/ its1×
- groats of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/גִּרְשָׂ/הּ֙1×
- גֶּ֣רֶשׂ1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 2:14
“‘If you offer a meal offering of first fruits to Yahweh, you shall offer for the meal offering of your first fruits fresh heads of grain parched with fire and crushed.
This verse introduces the first fruits offering, specifying that the grain must be crushed to distinguish it from other forms of harvest presentation.
-
Leviticus 2:16
The priest shall burn as its memorial part of its crushed grain and part of its oil, along with all its frankincense. It is an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
Here the priest burns a portion of the crushed grain along with oil and frankincense, highlighting the specific ritual action required for this type of offering.