Lexical Summary gezer: Portion, part, division Original Word: גֶּזֶר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance part, piece From gazar; something cut off; a portion -- part, piece. see HEBREW gazar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gazar Definition part NASB Translation asunder (1), pieces (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [גֶּ֫זֶר] noun [masculine] part, only plural הַגְּזָרִים Genesis 15:17 of halves of animals; גְּזָרִים Psalm 136:13 of divided portions of Red Sea. Topical Lexicon Hebrew Background and Conceptual Field גֶּזֶר points to something cut, divided, or separated, often in the sense of a physical section that has been cleaved from a larger whole. The idea of decisive division stands behind both of its canonical appearances and underlies the theological themes that flow from them—covenant certainty and redemptive deliverance. Biblical Occurrences and Immediate Contexts 1. Genesis 15:17 records the ratification of the Abrahamic covenant: “When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch appeared and passed between the pieces.” The “pieces” (גְּזָרִים) of sacrificial animals symbolize a solemn oath: should either party break the covenant, the same fate—being cut apart—would befall the violator. Covenantal Significance The covenant with Abram in Genesis 15 employs גֶּזֶר to establish an immutable promise grounded in divine initiative. God alone walks between the severed pieces, demonstrating unilateral commitment. The severing underscores the certainty that God will fulfill land, seed, and blessing promises (Genesis 15:18–21). Later prophetic literature echoes this ritual language when indicting covenant breakers (Jeremiah 34:18–20), showing that the meaning attached to גֶּזֶר became a juridical touchstone for covenant faithfulness. Red Sea Deliverance and National Identity Psalm 136 places גֶּזֶר at the heart of Israel’s national memory. The cutting of the sea not only rescued Israel from Egyptian power but also carved out a path into nationhood and worship. The repeated refrain, “His loving devotion endures forever,” links the act of division to the steadfast covenant love already pledged to Abraham. Thus, Genesis 15:17 and Psalm 136:13 form literary bookends: promise sworn, promise performed. Intertextual Echoes • Exodus 14:21–22 elaborates on the division first mentioned liturgically in Psalm 136. Theological Reflection The cutting motif underscores God’s sovereignty: He alone initiates covenant (Genesis), and He alone wields the power to divide creation for redemptive ends (Exodus/Psalm). Both acts reveal a God who binds Himself to His people and intervenes decisively in history to uphold His word. The linkage between divided pieces and divided sea reinforces the unity of Scripture’s storyline—promise and fulfillment are inseparable. Ministry Applications • Covenant Assurance: Believers can ground assurance in God’s unbreakable oath, prefigured by the severed animals and fulfilled ultimately in Christ’s blood of the new covenant (Luke 22:20). Summary גֶּזֶר functions as a vivid emblem of decisive divine action—severing for covenant confirmation and for redemptive passage. In both settings, the word anchors confidence that the Lord who once cut animal pieces and oceans will not fail to keep every promise spoken to His people. Forms and Transliterations הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הגזרים לִגְזָרִ֑ים לגזרים hag·gə·zā·rîm haggezaRim haggəzārîm liḡ·zā·rîm ligzaRim liḡzārîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 15:17 HEB: עָבַ֔ר בֵּ֖ין הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ NAS: between these pieces. KJV: that passed between those pieces. INT: passed between pieces these Psalm 136:13 2 Occurrences |
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