The Hebrew verb גָּזַר (root: ג-ז-ר) primarily means “to cut,” “to divide,” or “to decree.” Originally, it referred to a literal act of cutting or severing something. Over time, it took on a more abstract meaning, describing a legal or authoritative decision (i.e., a decree being issued, as if it were “cut out” or finalized).
This verb appears mainly in the Qal binyan (to cut, to decide), and sometimes in the Niphal binyan (to be decreed or decided).
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּזַר (“to cut,” “to decree”)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּזַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּזַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּזַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּזַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּזְרָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּזַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּזַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּזַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּזְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גּוֹזֵר |
| Feminine singular | גּוֹזֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | גּוֹזְרִים |
| Feminine plural | גּוֹזְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְזֹּר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְזֹּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְזְּרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְזֹּר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְזֹּר |
| 1st person plural | נִגְזֹּר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְזְּרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְזֹּרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְזְּרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גְּזֹּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גִּזְרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גִּזְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּזֹּרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Job 22:28 – וְתִגְזֹּר אֹמֶר וְיָקָם לָךְ
“You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you.” - 1 Kings 3:25 – גִּזְרוּ אֶת־הַיֶּלֶד הַחַי לִשְׁנָיִם
“Cut the living child in two!” — King Solomon’s dramatic test of motherhood. - Psalm 136:13 – לְגֹזֵר יַם־סוּף לִגְזָרִים
“To Him who divided the Red Sea into parts…” — God’s powerful division of the sea.
Summary
The verb גָּזַר combines vivid physical imagery (cutting and dividing) with the solemn authority of issuing decrees and judgments. Whether describing literal actions like cutting the Red Sea or abstract concepts like divine decrees, גָּזַר carries strong connotations of decisive action and authority in the Hebrew Bible.
