גָּרַשׁ (ga.rash)
ga.rash
to drive out: drive out
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 39 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb garash means to drive someone or something out, often with force. It describes the act of expelling people from a land, casting out animals, or even separating a married couple. In Genesis 3:24, God drives Adam and Eve out of Eden, establishing a pattern of removal that appears throughout Scripture. The word carries a sense of finality, marking a decisive end to a presence or relationship.
Its range extends beyond physical expulsion. In Leviticus 21:7 and 22:13, it refers to a divorced woman, highlighting how the term applies to social and familial boundaries. The sources note that while the basic meaning is thrusting out, the context determines whether it involves nations, individuals, or marital status. Translators often use "drive out," "expel," or "divorce" depending on the situation.
A notable feature of garash is its use in describing divine judgment. When Israel disobeys, they are driven out of the land, just as their ancestors were driven out before them. This repetition underscores the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. The word reminds readers that belonging to God’s people involves both privilege and responsibility, with exclusion serving as a stark consequence of rejection.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word garash describes the act of driving someone or something out, often with decisive force. In Genesis, God drives Adam and Eve from Eden to protect them from eternal life in a fallen state. This expulsion marks a boundary, separating sacred space from common ground. It reminds us that access to God’s presence is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Throughout the Old Testament, this term appears when nations are displaced or individuals are cast out due to disobedience. Yet it also shows God’s patience, driving enemies out gradually so the land does not become desolate. For believers today, this word highlights the seriousness of covenant faithfulness. Belonging to God’s people involves living in a way that honors His holiness.
While expulsion can feel like loss, it often serves a greater purpose in God’s plan. Whether removing sin from the community or guiding His people through transitions, God remains sovereign over boundaries. This word invites us to reflect on how we maintain our own spiritual boundaries and trust His timing in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 39 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he drove out5×
- drive out2×
- and/ a divorced [woman]2×
- and/ I will drive out/ it2×
- I will drive out/ it2×
- you have driven away1×
- you drive out/ !1×
- tossed1×
- to/ drive out/ us1×
- they have driven out/ me1×
- they had been driven out1×
- they are driven away1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יְגָ֧רֶשׁ2×
- וַ/יְגָ֤רֶשׁ2×
- גָּרֵ֛שׁ2×
- תְּגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ/ן1×
- נִגְרָ֑שׁ1×
- לְ/גָרֵ֗שׁ1×
- לְ/גָ֣רְשֵׁ֔/נוּ1×
- יְגֹרָ֑שׁוּ1×
- יְגָרֵ֥שׁ1×
- יְגָרְשֵׁ֖/ם1×
- יְגָ֣רְשׁ֔וּ/הָ1×
- וּ/גְרוּשָׁה֙1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 3:24
So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
This verse establishes the foundational pattern of divine expulsion, showing God actively removing humanity from Eden to guard the way to the tree of life.
-
Leviticus 21:7
“‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. A priest shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his God.
The term applies to marital status, specifying that a priest must not marry a divorced woman, thus linking physical expulsion with social and ritual boundaries.
-
Judges 2:3
Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.’”
God declares He will not drive out the remaining nations, warning that their presence will become a snare, which underscores the consequences of incomplete obedience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word garash mean?
How is garash different from other words for leaving?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Does this word have a negative connotation?
Every Occurrence (39 verses across 19 books)
Genesis 3 verses
So he drove out the man; and he placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned…
Genesis 4:14Behold, you have driven me out today from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a…
Genesis 21:10Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my…