Lexical Summary gahar: To bend, to bow down Original Word: גָּהַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cast self down, stretch self A primitive root; to prostrate oneself -- cast self down, stretch self. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to bend, crouch NASB Translation crouched down (1), stretched (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [גָּהַר] verb bend, crouch (so Vrss) — Qal Imperfect וַיִּגְהַר 1 Kings 18:42 followed by אַרְצָה Elijah, with face between knees; 2 Kings 4:34,35 Elisha, over dead boy, followed by עליו ("" וישׁכב 2 Kings 4:34, compare שׁכב). גַּו, גֵּו see below גוה. גּוֺב,גּוֺבַי see below גבה Topical Lexicon Topical Overview גָּהַר (Strong’s Hebrew 1457) describes the act of bending low or stretching oneself over something. Though rare—occurring only in 1 Kings 18:42, 2 Kings 4:34, and 2 Kings 4:35—the verb appears at decisive moments in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha, highlighting physical posture as a visible expression of spiritual intensity, prophetic intercession, and divine power. Elijah on Mount Carmel: Bodily Humility in Fervent Prayer After the dramatic defeat of Baal’s prophets, Elijah ascended Carmel “and bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees” (1 Kings 18:42). The crouched position underscores: Elisha at Shunem: Identification in Prophetic Healing Twice the text notes that Elisha “stretched himself” over the deceased boy of the Shunammite woman. “Then he went up and lay on the child—mouth to mouth, eyes to eyes, hands to hands. And as he stretched himself over him, the flesh of the child became warm” (2 Kings 4:34). “…he mounted the bed again and stretched out upon him; and the boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes” (2 Kings 4:35). Key observations: Theological Themes Illustrated 1. Humility and Dependency: Both prophets lower themselves physically, teaching that effective ministry begins with lowliness before God (Psalm 51:17). Practical Ministry Applications • Prayer Posture: While Scripture does not mandate a single stance, physical humility can aid concentration and remind the heart of utter reliance on God. Historical Notes Ancient Near Eastern customs often associated bowing low with respect for royalty or deity. In Israel’s prophetic narratives, the gesture is repurposed: the prophets bend not before earthly kings but before the LORD, declaring His exclusive sovereignty. Archaeological parallels show mourning rites that involved stretching over the dead, yet Scripture distinguishes Elisha’s action as a faith-filled conduit for God’s power rather than a magical rite. Summary Though appearing only three times, גָּהַר marks pivotal acts of prophetic ministry. Whether summoning rain or raising the dead, the verb witnesses to a God who responds to humble, persevering, and compassionate faith with life-giving power. Forms and Transliterations וַיִּגְהַ֖ר וַיִּגְהַ֣ר ויגהר vaiyigHar way·yiḡ·har wayyiḡharLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 18:42 HEB: רֹ֤אשׁ הַכַּרְמֶל֙ וַיִּגְהַ֣ר אַ֔רְצָה וַיָּ֥שֶׂם NAS: of Carmel; and he crouched down on the earth KJV: of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, INT: the top of Carmel crouched the earth and put 2 Kings 4:34 2 Kings 4:35 3 Occurrences |