1457. gahar

Lexical Summary

gahar: To bend, to bow down

Original Word: גָּהַר
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: gahar
Pronunciation: gah-har
Phonetic Spelling: (gaw-har')
KJV: cast self down, stretch self
NASB: stretched, crouched down
Word Origin: [a primitive root]

1. to prostrate oneself

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cast self down, stretch self

A primitive root; to prostrate oneself -- cast self down, stretch self.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a 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:
• Complete submission before the LORD following a public victory—Elijah’s posture contrasts the exaltation of man with the exaltation of God.
• Focused, persevering petition for rain after three-and-a-half years of drought (James 5:17-18 links directly to this scene).
• An outward sign of inward travail; the prophet’s body conforms to the urgency of his intercession, anticipating the rain cloud that soon appears.

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:
• Prophetic identification: Elisha’s full contact mirrors the principle of substitutionary life—foreshadowing Christ, who shares fully in human nature to impart resurrection life (Hebrews 2:14).
• Repetition of the action (verses 34 and 35) demonstrates perseverance; God sometimes answers through sustained, obedient effort rather than instantaneous results.
• Tangible channel of divine power: the act itself holds no magic; rather, it is the vehicle through which the LORD’s sovereignty restores life (compare Acts 9:36-41, Acts 20:9-12 where New Testament believers employ similar patterns).

Theological Themes Illustrated

1. Humility and Dependency: Both prophets lower themselves physically, teaching that effective ministry begins with lowliness before God (Psalm 51:17).
2. Intercession and Identification: Whether praying for rain or raising a child, bending low signifies entering another’s need at cost to oneself (Galatians 6:2).
3. Resurrection and Renewal: Elisha’s use of גָּהַר anticipates the ultimate resurrection hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20).
4. Continuity of Prophetic Office: Elisha’s imitation of Elijah’s posture links their ministries, underscoring the continuity of God’s work across generations (2 Kings 2:9-15).

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.
• Perseverance in Petition: Elijah’s sevenfold sending of his servant (1 Kings 18:43-44) alongside his crouched prayer encourages believers to contend until the answer comes.
• Compassionate Engagement: Elisha’s bodily identification urges modern servants of Christ to move beyond detached prayer to personal, sacrificial involvement with those in need.
• Expectation of Life: גָּהַר frames miracles of provision and resurrection; believers may trust the same living God to intervene today according to His will.

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 wayyiḡhar

Englishman'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
HEB: (כַּפָּ֔יו ק) וַיִּגְהַ֖ר עָלָ֑יו וַיָּ֖חָם
NAS: on his hands, and he stretched himself on him; and the flesh
KJV: upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh
INT: and and his hands stretched and became

2 Kings 4:35
HEB: הֵ֔נָּה וַיַּ֖עַל וַיִּגְהַ֣ר עָלָ֑יו וַיְזוֹרֵ֤ר
NAS: and went up and stretched himself on him; and the lad
KJV: and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child
INT: and forth and went and stretched and sneezed

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 1457
3 Occurrences

way·yiḡ·har — 3 Occ.