הָגָה (ha.gah)
ha.gah
to remove
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb hagah carries the core meaning of removing or driving something away. In the few instances where it appears in Scripture, such as in Proverbs and Isaiah, it describes a decisive act of displacement rather than gentle contemplation. This usage stands in contrast to the more common modern association of the word with meditation, which often implies a quiet, internal focus.
Its semantic range is narrow but forceful, centering on the physical or metaphorical removal of an object or person from a place. The sources indicate that this action is active and direct, involving the expulsion of what is present. Translators typically render it with verbs like "remove" or "drive out," capturing the sense of clearing space or eliminating an obstacle.
Understanding hagah in this light clarifies its theological weight in specific passages. When used in contexts of judgment or purification, it underscores God’s power to remove evil or oppression. This active removal highlights a divine initiative that changes circumstances by taking away what should not be there, rather than merely observing the situation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hagah describes a decisive act of removal. It is not about quiet reflection but about clearing space by driving away what does not belong. In Proverbs, this verb appears in instructions for refining silver and governing with justice. The image is one of active intervention: the dross must be taken out so the metal can be pure; the wicked must be removed so the throne stands firm.
This understanding brings comfort when we face chaos or injustice. It reminds us that God is not passive. He actively removes obstacles and purifies what remains. When life feels cluttered with wrong influences, this word points to a Creator who clears the way for righteousness. We can trust that He handles the removal of evil with purpose and power.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- remove2×
- he drove out1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָג֣וֹ2×
- הָגָ֛ה1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 25:4
Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner.
The verb describes the physical removal of dross from silver, illustrating how purification requires active elimination of impurities.
-
Proverbs 25:5
Take away the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
Here the word signifies removing a wicked advisor from the king’s presence to establish justice and stability in the throne.
-
Isaiah 27:8
In measure, when you send them away, you contend with them. He has removed them with his rough blast in the day of the east wind.
This occurrence portrays God driving away enemies with a rough blast, showing His power to remove oppression decisively.