Bible Dictionary
SCURVY
Scurvy originally referred broadly to a scaly skin condition that could be scraped away, such as dandruff. The biblical source also discusses Gareb as a hill near Jerusalem and as the name of one of David’s warriors.
Definition
Scurvy, in its etymological sense, refers to a scaly condition of the skin that can be scraped away, such as dandruff. The supplied material also discusses Gareb, a place-name and a personal name.
Biblical Usage
The biblical material associated with the entry names Gareb as a hill near Jerusalem and as one of David’s warriors. The supplied text does not connect the skin condition itself with a specific biblical passage.
Historical Background
Gareb was probably a hill near the southeastern corner of Jerusalem, named from the bare roughness of its slope. Another hill of that name was mentioned near Shiloh in the Talmud.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The name "Gareb" is used in Jer 31:39 as the placename of a hill at or near the southeastern corner of Jerusalem, probably from the bare roughness of the surface of its slope at the southern end of the Wady er-Rababi. Another hill of this name is mentioned near Shiloh in the Talmud, and the name is given to one of David's warriors (2Sa 23:38).</p><p>Scurvy etymologically means any condition of scaliness of skin which can be scraped off, such as dandruff.</p><p>Alexander Macalister</p>