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H1644 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גָּרַשׁ
garash
Verb
to drive out, to expel

Definition

Garash (H1644) describes forcible expulsion. It is the verb used for the expulsion from Eden (Genesis 3:24), for Israel driving out Canaanites, and for the restless sea that cannot be quiet (Isaiah 57:20). The word conveys both judicial ejection and the turbulent inability to find rest.

Usage & Theological Significance

The expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden (garash, Gen 3:24) is the paradigmatic divine judgment — a holy God cannot dwell with sin. Every subsequent exile echoes Eden. Conversely, the gospel reverses garash: rather than being driven out, believers are drawn in. Christ's statement 'I will never drive away anyone who comes to me' (John 6:37) directly inverts the Eden expulsion.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 3:24 He drove out [garash] the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim.
Exodus 33:2 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out [garash] the Canaanites, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Isaiah 57:20 But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt.
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Hosea 9:15 Every evil of theirs is in Gilgal; there I began to hate them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out [garash] of my house.

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