גֵּבִים (ge.vim)
ge.vim
Gebim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Gebim refers to a specific village located just north of Jerusalem. Its Hebrew form, gebim, translates literally to "cisterns" or "trenches," suggesting that the settlement’s identity was tied to its water infrastructure or topography. The site is generally identified as lying between Anathoth and the ridge where Nob was situated.
This tiny place appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within Isaiah 10:31. The prophet uses it to mark a stage in an advancing military threat, describing how the Assyrian forces will reach Gebim before fleeing at Nob. The brevity of its scriptural record contrasts with its strategic importance in that moment of judgment.
Translators typically retain the name as Gebim rather than translating it as "cisterns," preserving its function as a geographical marker. Its single occurrence anchors the narrative flow of Isaiah’s prophecy, highlighting how even small, obscure locations played roles in the unfolding historical events described by the prophet.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Isaiah 10:31 mentions Gebim as a place where inhabitants fled for safety as Assyrian forces advanced. This brief reference reminds us that even small, obscure locations play roles in God’s unfolding plans. The name itself suggests cisterns or trenches, highlighting how water sources shaped ancient settlements.
When life feels overwhelming, like the approaching threat described in Isaiah, we can find comfort in knowing God sees every detail. He cares about specific places and people, not just grand events. This verse invites us to trust His sovereignty over history and our personal circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Gebim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/גֵּבִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 10:31
Madmenah is a fugitive. The inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety.
This verse uses Gebim as a geographical marker showing the progression of Assyrian forces, emphasizing how even small locations matter in prophetic narratives.