Γεδεών (Gedeōn)
Gedeōn
Gideon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Gedeōn refers to Gideon, a prominent judge in Israel who led his people to deliverance from the Midianites. His Hebrew root means "cutter down," an image that fits his military strategy of whittling away a vastly superior enemy force through unconventional tactics rather than direct confrontation.
In the New Testament, this name appears only once, in Hebrews 11:32. The author uses Gideon as a brief example within a larger list of heroes who conquered kingdoms and administered justice. By including him among those who "through faith" achieved great things, the text highlights his reliance on divine strength despite his own initial hesitation.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as Gideon, preserving its identity across Greek and English Bibles. The single occurrence serves to anchor the reader in the historical narrative of Judges while emphasizing that faith, not military might, was the true source of Israel’s victory under his leadership.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gideon appears in Hebrews 11:32 as one name among many in the great chapter of faith. The writer does not dwell on his battles or his flaws but simply lists him alongside judges and prophets who trusted God. This brief mention reminds us that faith is not about perfection but about reliance on divine strength.
His story, found earlier in Judges, shows a man who doubted yet obeyed. He led a small army to victory not through military power but through trust in God’s direction. In the same way, our daily lives may feel overwhelming, yet we are called to step forward in faith, knowing that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes.
When you face challenges that seem too large to handle, remember Gideon’s example. He did not rely on his own strength but on God’s promise. This offers hope: your faithfulness, however small it feels, matters deeply to God and can bring deliverance in ways we cannot foresee.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gideon,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Γεδεών,1×
Key Verses
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Hebrews 11:32
What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets—
This verse lists Gideon among the heroes of faith, highlighting his role as an example of trusting God despite initial hesitation.