גִּבְעַת (giv.at)
giv.at
Gibeah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The word gib‘at is a variant form of gib‘ah, meaning simply “hill.” It appears as a proper noun for several distinct locations in the Old Testament, primarily serving as a geographic marker rather than carrying deep theological symbolism on its own. The sources identify it as a city belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, though the term can also refer to hills in Judah or Ephraim depending on the context.
With only one occurrence recorded in Joshua, this specific spelling highlights the topographical nature of ancient Israelite settlements. Many towns were named for their physical setting on elevated ground, and gib‘at reflects that practical naming convention. It functions as a straightforward place-name, distinguishing one hilltop community from another without implying a unique spiritual status beyond its location.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gibeah appears in the book of Joshua as a marker for the land inherited by the tribe of Benjamin. In this context, it simply identifies a hilltop settlement within the broader territory assigned to God's people. The text lists it among other towns and villages, showing how the ancient Israelites organized their communities around specific geographic features.
For readers today, this reference reminds us that faith is lived out in real places with real boundaries. It was not just a spiritual concept but a physical home where families gathered and worship took place. The plain naming of these locations grounds our understanding of history in tangible reality, showing God's provision for each tribe.
While the name itself does not carry heavy theological weight here, it points to the stability of God's promises regarding land and inheritance. It invites us to appreciate the historical setting of Scripture, where every hill and valley played a role in the unfolding story of Israel.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gibeah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּבְעַ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 18:28
Zelah, Eleph, the Jebusite (also called Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
This verse lists Gibeah as one of the fourteen cities belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting its role as a specific geographic marker in the tribal inheritance.