H1438 — Gada (To cut off, hew down, cut asunder)

H1438 · Hebrew · Old Testament

גָּדַע

Gada

Verb

To cut off, hew down, cut asunder

Definition

The verb gada means to cut off or cut down with force. It is used for cutting off horns (Psalm 75:10; Lamentations 2:3), felling trees (Isaiah 9:10; 10:33), and cutting off military power. The word pictures decisive, violent severance.

Usage & Theological Significance

When God gada the horn of Israel (Lamentations 2:3), he removes the symbol of strength and honor — a profound image of divine judgment. Conversely, when God promises to cut off the horns of the wicked and exalt the horns of the righteous (Psalm 75:10), the word carries eschatological force. Isaiah's vision of the LORD cutting down the tall, proud trees of Assyria (Isaiah 10:33–34) uses gada to picture divine judgment against human arrogance. The imagery of cutting off underlies Paul's olive tree metaphor in Romans 11, where branches are cut off and grafted in by sovereign grace.

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 75:10 All the horns of the wicked I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Lamentations 2:3 He has cut down in fierce anger all the might of Israel; he has withdrawn from them his right hand in the face of the enemy.

Isaiah 9:10 The bricks have fallen, but we will build with dressed stones; the sycamores have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place.

Isaiah 10:33 Behold, the Lord GOD of hosts will lop the boughs with terrifying power; the great in height will be hewn down, and the lofty will be brought low.

Amos 2:9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars and who was as strong as the oaks; I destroyed his fruit above and his roots beneath.

Related Words

External Resources

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