Lexical Summary gezel: Robbery, violence, plunder Original Word: גֵּזֶל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance violence, violent perverting From gazal; plunder, i.e. Violence -- violence, violent perverting.. Gozal. See gowzal. see HEBREW gazal see HEBREW gowzal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as gazel, q.v. Topical Lexicon Definition within Biblical Thought גֵּזֶל (gezel) conveys more than covert theft; it describes the overt, forceful seizure of property or rights. The word evokes images of violent exploitation, institutionalized corruption, and the trampling of covenantal justice. It is theft without disguise, robbery that mocks the order God established for human relationships. Occurrences and Immediate Contexts • Ecclesiastes 5:8 sets גֵּזֶל in the courts of human government: “If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter”. Here the Preacher acknowledges that even the highest civic systems can become machinery of robbery, warning readers not to confuse earthly injustice with divine apathy. Historical Background Israel’s law code was uniquely structured to guard against systemic גֵּזֶל. Land could not be sold in perpetuity (Leviticus 25:23), employers were forbidden to delay wages (Deuteronomy 24:14-15), and judges were warned against partiality (Exodus 23:6-8). In the Ancient Near East, where might often made right, these statutes distinguished Israel as a society under divine scrutiny. Covenantal and Theological Significance 1. Violation of Imago Dei: Robbery affronts God because it devalues the victim who bears His image. Wisdom Literature Perspective Ecclesiastes warns that גֵּזֶל often flows downward through layers of authority, revealing human institutions’ inability to secure lasting equity. Yet the book counsels faith in the God who “will bring every deed into judgment” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). The wisdom tradition therefore calls believers to persevere in righteousness even when robbery seems entrenched. Prophetic Denunciations Ezekiel’s use of גֵּזֶל underscores personal accountability. The chapter contrasts a righteous son who “does not oppress anyone” (Ezekiel 18:16) with the father who dies for his own גֵּזֶל. The prophet dismantles Israel’s fatalism—each soul stands or falls by its response to divine law, not by ancestral fate. Continuity into the New Testament Though the exact Hebrew term does not appear, its concept saturates the apostolic writings. John the Baptist commands tax collectors, “Collect no more than you are authorized” (Luke 3:13). Paul lists “thieves” among those excluded from the kingdom unless they repent (1 Corinthians 6:10). Zacchaeus demonstrates genuine conversion by four-fold restitution (Luke 19:8), echoing Exodus 22:1. In Jesus Christ the pattern of restitution reaches climax: He, though sinless, pays the ultimate cost for human robbery against God. Practical Ministry Application • Personal Integrity: Believers must examine business practices, wage policies, and use of power to ensure they do not participate in modern forms of גֵּזֶל. Eternal Perspective Revelation depicts a New Jerusalem where nothing unclean or deceitful enters (Revelation 21:27). The final kingdom eradicates גֵּזֶל—no more seized inheritances, exploited laborers, or corrupt tribunals. Every instance of robbery, from petty theft to state-sponsored plunder, is ultimately judged or redeemed at the cross. Until that consummation, Scripture calls God’s people to live as countercultural witnesses, embodying justice that reflects His own character. Forms and Transliterations גֵּ֣זֶל גזל וְגֵ֨זֶל וגזל gê·zel Gezel gêzel veGezel wə·ḡê·zel wəḡêzelLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ecclesiastes 5:8 HEB: עֹ֣שֶׁק רָ֠שׁ וְגֵ֨זֶל מִשְׁפָּ֤ט וָצֶ֙דֶק֙ KJV: of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment INT: oppression of the poor and violent of justice and righteousness Ezekiel 18:18 2 Occurrences |
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