Lexical Summary garab: Scab, Itch Original Word: גָּרָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scab, scurvy From an unused root meaning to scratch; scurf (from itching) -- scab, scurvy. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition an itch, a scab NASB Translation eczema (2), scab (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גָּרָב noun [masculine] itch, scab (Arabic  , Aramaic גַּרְבָּא,  , Assyrian garabu Dl§ 162) — גָּרָב Leviticus 21:20; Leviticus 22:22; Deuteronomy 28:27. Topical Lexicon Physical DescriptionGarab denotes a chronic cutaneous lesion commonly rendered “scab” or “itch.” The term evokes an image of persistent, perhaps contagious skin disease that leaves visible blemish and irritation. In the Ancient Near East such disorders were dreaded both for discomfort and for their social and cultic implications. Regulation of Priestly Service (Leviticus 21) Priests who bore visible marks of garab were barred from officiating at the altar. “No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest who has…a festering rash or scabs…may come near to present the offerings of the LORD made by fire” (Leviticus 21:20). The restriction did not expel the afflicted from the community nor deny them their priestly support (21:22), but it did safeguard the symbolism of perfection required in those who approached the Holy Place on behalf of Israel. Physical wholeness reflected the spiritual wholeness expected in worship. Standards for Sacrificial Offerings (Leviticus 22) Animals displaying garab were similarly excluded from altar service: “You are not to present to the LORD an animal that is…maimed, or has an ulcer, festering rash, or scabs” (Leviticus 22:22). The rule protected the reality that God receives only what is without defect (22:20–25). Since sacrifice prefigured the sinless offering of Christ, blemished gifts would compromise the typology of perfect atonement. Covenant Curses and National Discipline (Deuteronomy 28) Garab reappears among the judgments threatened upon covenant violation: “The LORD will afflict you with the boils of Egypt, with tumors, a scab, and an itch from which you cannot be cured” (Deuteronomy 28:27). The condition functions as a tangible sign of divine displeasure, turning the body itself into a testimony of broken fellowship. The incurability intensifies the warning, contrasting sharply with the healing that flows from obedience (Exodus 15:26). Theological Themes • Holiness and Wholeness: Garab symbolizes the incompatibility of uncleanness with God’s presence. Christological Fulfillment Jesus’ ministry of cleansing lepers and healing skin diseases reveals the promised reversal of garab’s shame. His touch renders the unclean clean, foreshadowing the ultimate removal of every blemish from His redeemed people (Ephesians 5:27). The once-barred may now “draw near” through His perfect priesthood (Hebrews 10:21–22). Practical Ministry Lessons 1. Compassion for the Afflicted: Old Testament restrictions never sanctioned neglect; likewise, modern ministry must balance purity and mercy, offering care without compromising holiness. Historical and Cultural Background Skin ailments in antiquity were often chronic, poorly understood, and socially isolating. Mosaic legislation provided concrete guidelines that protected community health and maintained ritual purity. Archaeological evidence from Egypt and Mesopotamia records similar taboos against visible skin lesions, highlighting Israel’s distinctive integration of medical concern with covenantal theology. Related Terms • Tsaraath (Leviticus 13–14) – broader skin afflictions and mildew. Both intersect with garab in expressing the physical outworking of sin and the necessity of divine intervention. Summary Garab embodies the intersection of bodily disease, ritual purity, and covenant faithfulness. By excluding the blemished from altar service and warning of incurable scabs upon covenant breakers, Scripture underscores God’s demand for undefiled worship and highlights humanity’s need for the healing provided in the Messiah. Forms and Transliterations גָרָב֙ גרב וּבַגָּרָ֖ב ובגרב ḡā·rāḇ ḡārāḇ gaRav ū·ḇag·gā·rāḇ ūḇaggārāḇ uvaggaRavLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 21:20 HEB: בְּעֵינ֑וֹ א֤וֹ גָרָב֙ א֣וֹ יַלֶּ֔פֶת NAS: in his eye or eczema or scabs KJV: in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, INT: his eye or eczema or scabs Leviticus 22:22 Deuteronomy 28:27 3 Occurrences |
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