Original Word: גֶּרֶם
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: gerem
Pronunciation: gheh'-rem
Phonetic Spelling: (gheh'-rem)
KJV: bone, strong, top
NASB: bare, bone, bones, limbs, strong
Word Origin: [from H1633 (גָּרַם - To cause)]

1. a bone (as the skeleton of the body)
2. (hence) self, i.e. (figuratively) very

bone, strong

From garam; a bone (as the skeleton of the body); hence, self, i.e. (figuratively) very -- bone, strong, top.

see HEBREW garam

Word Origin
from garam
Definition
a bone, strength
NASB Translation
bare (1), bone (1), bones (1), limbs (1), strong (1).

גֶּ֫רֶם noun [masculine] bone, strength, self (?) (Arabic body, Aramaic גְּרַם, bone, self) — absolute גָּ֑רֶם Genesis 49:14 2t.; construct גֶּרֶם 2 Kings 9:13; suffix גְּרָמָיו Job 40:18;

1 bone Proverbs 17:22 (collective) Proverbs 25:15; of behemoth (hippopotamus) Job 40:18 ("" עצם q. v.)

2 strength Genesis 49:14 חֲמֹר גָּ֑רֶם strong ass (literally bony, so VB).

3 self (compare עצם), 2 Kings 9:13 גֶּרֶם הַמַּעֲלוֺת so Ges Ew Ke, but text dubious, see conjectures in Klo.

[גְּרַם] noun [masculine] bone (Biblical Hebrew גֶּ֫רֶם; Christian-Palestinian Aramaic Schulth^{Lex. 46}); — plural suffix גַּרְמֵיהוֺן Daniel 6:25.

Range of Meaning and Literary Settings

The noun גֶּרֶם appears only five times in Scripture and always in poetic or elevated prose. In each setting it refers to the foundational framework of a thing—either the literal bones of a creature or the stripped-down structure of an object. The rarity of the word lends weight to its usage, calling attention to hidden strength, underlying reality, or uncompromising hardness.

Physical Strength and Endurance

Genesis 49:14 presents Issachar as “a strong donkey” (literally “a donkey of bones”), highlighting the tribe’s capacity for labor. Jacob’s blessing pictures a beast whose skeletal frame is the surest sign of stamina. Far from demeaning, the phrase extols an internal robustness that equips God’s people for long obedience and humble service.

Job 40:18 employs גֶּרֶם in the magnificent description of Behemoth: “His bones are tubes of bronze; his limbs like rods of iron”. The imagery magnifies created strength while still placing it under the sovereignty of the Creator, underscoring that even the mightiest creature remains subject to the One who formed its frame.

Royal and Prophetic Allusions

In 2 Kings 9:13 the courtiers lay their garments “on the bare steps” before Jehu. The writer chooses גֶּרֶם to depict steps stripped to their skeletal core, an apt backdrop for an anointed yet ruthless king. The narrative contrasts Jehu’s temporary authority with the enduring throne of David; the bare bones beneath his feet hint at the unstable foundation of any kingdom not fully aligned with the purposes of God.

Wisdom on Inner Health

Proverbs treats גֶּרֶם as the invisible indicator of a person’s condition.

• Proverbs 17:22: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
• Proverbs 25:15: “Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.”

Together they affirm that what lies beneath the surface—attitude, spirit, words—determines resilience or ruin. Joy nourishes the very framework of life, whereas sustained discouragement saps vitality. Patience and gentleness, seemingly soft virtues, can overcome the hardest resistance. The sayings invite believers to measure ministry not merely by outward action but by the inner health that only the Spirit can supply.

Theological and Redemptive Threads

While גֶּרֶם never appears in direct messianic prophecy, the concept of bones as the locus of hidden strength echoes in Psalms that foresee the suffering yet unbroken Christ (Psalm 34:20; John 19:36). The underlying theme is preservation within affliction—a foundation that remains intact so that redemption can be accomplished.

Ministry Application

1. Pastoral care: Proverbs 17:22 encourages cultivating joy as a preventative against spiritual exhaustion.
2. Leadership: Proverbs 25:15 offers a model for gentle but persistent persuasion, vital for teaching, counseling, and conflict resolution.
3. Discipleship: Genesis 49:14 challenges believers toward steady, load-bearing service, reminding the Church that hidden strength, not public acclaim, sustains Kingdom work.
4. Apologetics: Job 40:18 illustrates the greatness of creation, supplying a platform to exalt the Creator over the creature.
5. Cultural engagement: 2 Kings 9:13 warns against trusting in political structures whose foundations may be little more than exposed bone.

Devotional Reflection

Lord, fortify the unseen framework of our lives. Grant us the joy that revives the bones, the patience that persuades, and the humble strength that bears Your yoke with gladness.

גְּ֝רָמָ֗יו גֶּ֣רֶם גָּ֑רֶם גָּֽרֶם׃ גרם גרם׃ גרמיו gā·rem Garem gārem gə·rā·māw ge·rem geraMav gərāmāw geremInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts