غرف

Core meaning

Two uses under one root: to draw into the hollow of the hand the measure it holds, and the high chamber, the elevated dwelling of the reward. The text does not link the two.

Uses

1. ٱغْتَرَفَ, غُرْفَة → "to draw a scoop" : to take into the cupped hand the only water allowed.

   • «إِلَّا مَنِ ٱغْتَرَفَ غُرْفَةًۢ بِيَدِهِۦ» — "except one who draws a scoop with his hand" (2:249)

2. ٱلْغُرْفَة, غُرَف, ٱلْغُرُفَات → "the high chamber", "high chambers" : the elevated dwelling of those who believed, in tiers and built.

   • «أُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ يُجْزَوْنَ ٱلْغُرْفَةَ بِمَا صَبَرُوا۟» — "those will be recompensed with the high chamber for their patience" (25:75)
   • «لَهُمْ غُرَفٌۭ مِّن فَوْقِهَا غُرَفٌۭ مَّبْنِيَّةٌۭ» — "will have high chambers, above which other chambers are built" (39:20)

Evidence from the text

In 2:249, the trial of the river separates those who drink from those who abstain; one water only is allowed, the one taken in one's hand. The scoop is a measure: what a cupped hand holds, and nothing more.

The other uses name the dwelling of those who believed and did sound deeds: the recompense of their patience (25:75), the place where they are secure (34:37), chambers beneath which rivers flow (29:58, 39:20). In 39:20, other chambers are built above them: the chamber is always high, and it is elevation that defines it.

See also

جنن (the Garden) · علو (elevation)