The verb גָּעְגַּע (root: ג-ע-ג) means “to long for,” “to yearn,” or “to miss deeply.” It expresses an intense emotional desire, often toward someone who is absent. This verb is highly expressive and poetic in nature, conveying emotional attachment and deep internal yearning.
It typically appears in the Hitpael or Hithpael stem (reflexive-intensive), as in הִתְגַּעְגֵּעַ, meaning “he yearned” or “he longed.”
גָּעְגַּע Does Not Appear in the Tanakh
The verb גָּעְגַּע does not appear in the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible). It is not attested in biblical Hebrew and does not occur in any verse of the Masoretic Text.
גָּעְגַּע p in Rabbinic or Talmudic Literature?
The reflexive form הִתְגַּעְגֵּעַ appears in Rabbinic Hebrew, particularly in Midrashic and Talmudic literature. For example, in the Talmud and Midrashim, this verb is used to describe deep longing—for the presence of God, for the land of Yisra’el, or for a loved one.
Example from Rabbinic literature:
- Midrash Tanchuma, Vayigash 9 – “הִתְגַּעְגֵּעַ אַחַר אָבִיו” — “He yearned after his father.”
Modern Hebrew
In modern Hebrew, the verb is commonly used. Examples:
- אני מתגעגע אליך – “I miss you.”
- היא התגעגעה לביתה – “She longed for her home.”
Summary
The verb גָּעְגַּע (“to long for” or “to yearn”) is not used in the Tanakh, but it does appear in Rabbinic and Talmudic Hebrew, particularly in the Hithpael form הִתְגַּעְגֵּעַ. Its usage is emotional and poetic, often describing a deep longing for a person, place, or divine presence. It remains a vibrant and expressive verb in modern Hebrew.
