Original Word: גַּרְזֶן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: garzen
Pronunciation: gar-ZEN
Phonetic Spelling: (gar-zen')
KJV: ax
NASB: axe
Word Origin: [from H1629 (גָּרַז - To cut)]

1. an axe

ax

From garaz; an axe -- ax.

see HEBREW garaz

Word Origin
from garaz
Definition
an axe
NASB Translation
axe (4).

גַּרְזֶן noun masculine^{Isaiah 10:15} axe (pick, pick-axe, 3 t. in SI; on formative compare Sta^294a Ges^{§ 85}, xi. 54) — Deuteronomy 19:5; Deuteronomy 20:19; Isaiah 10:15; 1 Kings 6:7 (Co conjecture also Ezekiel 31:11).

Literal function and cultural background

The word denotes a hand-held axe or hatchet, forged of iron and fitted to a wooden handle. In ancient Israel such a tool was indispensable for felling trees, splitting timber, and shaping stone by percussion. Woodcutters, builders, and soldiers all employed it. Because iron heads were costly, the loss or misuse of an axe could prove fatal to livelihood or, as Deuteronomy 19:5 shows, even to life.

Occurrences in Scripture

• Deuteronomy 19:5 portrays an accidental killing: “When a man goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to chop down a tree, and the iron head flies off the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies… ”. The passage establishes asylum procedures, illustrating how common work implements could become instruments of death and thereby require legal protection for the innocent.
• Deuteronomy 20:19 restricts siege practices: Israel may cut trees to build siegeworks, yet fruit trees must be spared. The same tool that clears timber is restrained by covenant ethics, teaching stewardship even in warfare.
• 1 Kings 6:7 notes that “the temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer, chisel, or any iron tool was heard in the house while it was being built”. By implication, the axe’s absence within the sanctuary emphasized reverence; noisy shaping occurred off-site, keeping the worship environment peaceful.
• Isaiah 10:15 rebukes Assyrian arrogance: “Does an axe lift itself above the one who swings it?”. The prophet reminds the empire that it is only a tool in Yahweh’s hand, underscoring divine sovereignty over nations.

Theological and symbolic significance

1. Instrument of providence: Whether sparing fruit trees (Deuteronomy 20:19) or carving cedar for Solomon’s Temple, the axe serves God’s larger purposes. The same tool can build or destroy; the moral outcome lies in the wielder’s intent under divine law.
2. Metaphor of divine agency: Isaiah 10:15 transforms the axe into a symbol of human agency subordinated to God. Empires may seem powerful, yet they remain mere implements of His will.
3. Warning against presumption: The flying axe head (Deuteronomy 19:5) shows how unintended harm arises when ordinary labor ignores caution. Scripture balances human responsibility with gracious provision for refuge.
4. Precedent for judgment imagery: John the Baptist later declares, “The axe lies ready at the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10), building on the earlier symbolism to announce imminent judgment and the call to repentance.

Lessons for ministry and discipleship

• Humility in service: Leaders and nations alike must remember they are tools, not the Master. Effectiveness flows from submission to God’s hand (Isaiah 10:15).
• Ethical labor: Whether constructing temples or conducting warfare, believers must apply covenant principles to work, conserving resources and valuing life (Deuteronomy 20:19).
• Safety and accountability: The accidental death law (Deuteronomy 19:5) commends diligence and foresight in daily tasks, anticipating modern concerns for workplace safety.
• Value of quiet worship: The silent construction of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 6:7) encourages thoughtful preparation so that gathered worship centers on reverence rather than distraction.

Christological and prophetic reflections

The axe motif culminates in the Baptist’s proclamation, pointing to Jesus Christ, who separates fruitful from barren trees. The earlier texts prepare the theological ground: God’s instrument brings both mercy (provision of refuge) and judgment (cutting down arrogance). In Christ the final Arbiter appears, wielding perfect justice and offering gracious refuge to all who repent and believe.

בַגַּרְזֶן֙ בגרזן גַּרְזֶ֔ן גרזן הַגַּרְזֶ֔ן הגרזן וְהַגַּרְזֶן֙ והגרזן ḇag·gar·zen ḇaggarzen gar·zen garzen hag·gar·zen haggarzen vaggarZen vehaggarZen wə·hag·gar·zen wəhaggarzenInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts