גִּבְעֹנִי (giv.o.ni)
giv.o.ni
Gibeonite
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The noun giv‘oni refers to a resident of Gibeon, a prominent city in central Israel located just west of Jerusalem. The term is a demonym formed from the place name Gib‘on, meaning "little hill" or "hilly place." It identifies people by their geographic origin rather than by ethnic lineage alone, marking them as inhabitants of this specific strategic highland town.
These individuals appear in Scripture during critical transitions in Israel’s history. They are first known for their clever treaty with Joshua, which secured their survival despite their deception (Joshua 9). Later, they feature prominently in the narrative of King David, particularly regarding the bloodguilt incurred by Saul against them and the subsequent resolution involving seven of their descendants (2 Samuel 21:1-9). They also appear in post-exilic lists of families returning from Babylon (Nehemiah 7:26; 1 Chronicles 8:30).
The word underscores the complex political and social landscape of ancient Israel, where treaties with local Canaanite populations shaped national identity. The Gibeonites’ story highlights themes of covenant faithfulness, justice, and the long-term consequences of actions taken by leaders like Saul.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term Gibeonite identifies a resident of Gibeon, a strategic town in central Israel. These people appear during critical transitions in Israel’s history, most notably through their treaty with Joshua and later conflicts under King David. Their story highlights the weight of promises made to others, even those outside Israel’s immediate lineage.
When Saul broke this ancient agreement, it caused deep unrest that lasted generations. David sought to restore justice by honoring the covenant, showing that faithfulness to God includes keeping our word to neighbors. This reminds us that integrity matters deeply in how we treat people from different backgrounds.
In post-exilic lists, Gibeonites are remembered among those returning from exile. Their presence shows that God’s people include diverse groups united by shared purpose. We can find encouragement in knowing that covenant loyalty and justice reflect God’s own character, inviting us to live with honesty and respect toward all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Gibeonites4×
- the/ Gibeonite2×
- and/ the/ Gibeonites1×
- <to> the/ Gibeonites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗ים2×
- לַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֖ים1×
- וְ/הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֞ים1×
- הַ/גִּבְעוֹנִ֛י1×
- הַ/גִּבְעֹנִֽים\׃1×
- הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֗י1×
- הַ/גִּבְעֹנִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 21:1
There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh said, “It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.”
This verse links a national famine directly to Saul’s violation of the covenant protecting the Gibeonites, showing how broken promises affect the whole community.
-
II Samuel 21:3
and David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless Yahweh’s inheritance?”
David asks the Gibeonites what restitution looks like, demonstrating a willingness to listen and make things right rather than imposing his own solution.
-
I Chronicles 12:4
Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty and a leader of the thirty; Jeremiah; Jahaziel; Johanan; Jozabad the Gederathite;
Ishmaiah the Gibeonite is listed among David’s mighty men, illustrating how those once viewed as outsiders became valued leaders in Israel’s army.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gibeonite mean?
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Every Occurrence (7 verses across 3 books)
II Samuel 5 verses
There was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh…
II Samuel 21:2The king called the Gibeonites and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the…
II Samuel 21:3and David said to the Gibeonites, “What should I do for you? And with what should I make atonement, that you may bless…
II Samuel 21:4The Gibeonites said to him, “It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saul or his house; neither is it for us…
II Samuel 21:9He delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites; and they hanged them on the mountain before Yahweh, and all seven…