The Hebrew verb גָּדַר (root: ג-ד-ר) means “to wall up,” “to fence,” “to enclose,” or “to build a wall.” It is used literally to refer to constructing walls or enclosures, and metaphorically to describe protection, separation, or exclusion.
In the Hebrew Bible, this verb typically appears in the Qal binyan (simple action), and occasionally in the Pual and Hiphil forms when referring to being walled up or causing others to be fenced in. It plays an important role in both agricultural and prophetic language.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּדַר
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּדַרְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּדַרְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּדַרְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּדַר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּדְרָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּדַרְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּדַרְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּדַרְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּדְרוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גּוֹדֵר |
| Feminine singular | גּוֹדֶרֶת |
| Masculine plural | גּוֹדְרִים |
| Feminine plural | גּוֹדְרוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְדֹּר |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְדֹּר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְדְּרִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְדֹּר |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְדֹּר |
| 1st person plural | נִגְדֹּר |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְדְּרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְדֹּרְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְדְּרוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גְּדֹר |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גִּדְרִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גִּדְרוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּדֹרְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Ecclesiastes 10:8 – וּפֹרֵץ גָּדֵר יִשְּׁכֶנּוּ נָחָשׁ
“He who breaks through a wall— a serpent will bite him.” — showing the danger of violating boundaries. - Isaiah 5:5 – וְהָסִרֹתִי גֵדְרוֹ
“I will remove its hedge…” — metaphor for divine protection being lifted. - Psalm 80:13 – לָמָּה פָרַצְתָּ גְדֵרֶיהָ
“Why have You broken down her hedges?” — lamenting destruction and exposure to enemies.
Summary
The verb גָּדַר paints a vivid picture of enclosure, defense, and separation—whether by building walls, hedges, or spiritual boundaries. In the Hebrew Bible, it carries both protective and restrictive connotations. It is often used to describe both divine safeguarding and the consequences of breaking through moral or spiritual limits.
