Gerah is a Hebrew punctuation mark, that is pronounced /ɡɛˈrɑ, ɡɪˈrɑ/ in an American English accent, but in Hebrew is pronounced more like /ɡɛˈʁa, ɡɪˈʁa/. It is used to indicate a pause in a sentence or to separate words or phrases. Gerah is written with the Hebrew letter gimel and a small vertical line above it. In Hebrew, punctuation marks are often used as vowels, and this is why gerah is sometimes spelled with an "h" at the end in English.
The term "Gerah" has a specific cultural and biblical background. Its etymology traces back to Hebrew, referring to a unit of measure used in ancient Israel. In biblical context, Gerah represents a small unit of weight mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily used for valuing precious metals and measuring grain or spices.
In its literal sense, Gerah is the Hebrew word for "bean," pointing towards the small size and weight it represents. In terms of measurement, it is equivalent to 1/20th of a Shekel, another ancient unit of weight. A Gerah is thus considered a tiny fraction of a larger unit, illustrating its minimal value when used as a measuring instrument.
Alongside its historical significance, Gerah serves as a metaphorical reference in religious and philosophical discussions. It symbolizes the concept of minute contributions or tiny components that, when combined, create a greater whole. Its symbolism extends beyond weight measurement, representing a minuscule part contributing to a grander purpose or larger outcome.
In contemporary contexts, Gerah may be used to metaphorically convey the significance of even the smallest actions, emphasizing their cumulative impact. It serves as a reminder that individual efforts, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can add up and contribute to a greater goal or result. Thus, the term Gerah encompasses both a historical measurement unit and a symbolic connotation, allowing its interpretation to extend into various realms of life beyond its original Hebrew significance.
A Hebrew coin, equal to 1 1/2d. nearly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Gerah" has its origins in the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, "Gerah" (גרה) translates to "bean" or "small seed". The term is typically used as a unit of weight and is equivalent to 1/20th of a Shekel, which was an ancient unit of weight used in the biblical times.