> We have here two very similar roots:
>
> GDD in the verbal form always in hitpael referring to cutting
> out parts of the body as self mutilation. It is my
> understanding that in ancient societies self mutilation was
> rather common, from taking out strips of skin to make scars
> to cutting off fingers and toes as a form of mourning.
> I understand the word GDWD referring to a squad of soldiers
> from the idea of cutting them out from the main army and
> sending them out. Once it is used in Psalm 65:11 to refer to
> a clod of dirt cut out during plowing.
>
> GDDH in plural is used once, again referring to cutting out
> to make scars.