גִּבְּתוֹן (gib.b.ton)
gib.b.ton
Gibbethon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Gibbethon comes from a Hebrew root meaning "mound" or "height," pointing to its physical character as a fortified hilltop settlement. In the biblical record, it is identified as a Philistine city located within the territory allocated to the tribe of Dan.
Although it appears in only five verses, primarily in Joshua and 1 Kings, the text highlights a unique administrative detail: this specific town was assigned not just to Dan, but also to the Kohathite Levites. This shared allocation suggests Gibbethon served as an important religious or administrative center for the priestly class within that region.
The sources note that its exact archaeological site remains unknown, leaving its precise location a matter of scholarly debate. Nevertheless, its mention underscores the complex territorial arrangements between Israelite tribes and neighboring Philistine communities during the period of the judges and early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Gibbethon is a name that appears in the Bible not as a place of great spiritual revelation, but as a setting for human ambition and conflict. It was a fortified hilltop town, likely shared between the tribe of Dan and the Kohathite Levites. This detail suggests it held some administrative or religious importance in its time, yet its history is marked by war rather than worship.
In 1 Kings, we see this location become the stage for Baasha’s coup against King Nadab. Soldiers were encamped at Gibbethon during a siege when rebellion broke out. The name reminds us that even places with sacred assignments can become centers of political strife. It shows how quickly loyalty can shift when power is involved.
For your faith, this word offers a quiet warning about the fragility of human institutions. No matter how well-placed or important a position seems, it stands on shifting ground. Trusting in God’s enduring promises provides a stability that no fortified city can offer. His kingdom remains firm while earthly strongholds rise and fall.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gibbethon3×
- from/ Gibbethon1×
- at/ Gibbethon1×
- and/ Gibbethon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִּבְּת֖וֹן2×
- מִֽ/גִּבְּת֑וֹן1×
- וְ/גִבְּת֖וֹן1×
- גִּבְּתֽוֹן\׃1×
- בְּ/גִבְּת֖וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 15:27
Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha struck him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel were besieging Gibbethon.
This verse identifies Gibbethon as the specific location where Baasha assassinated King Nadab, highlighting its role in a violent political transition.
-
I Kings 16:15
In the twenty-seventh year of Asa king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.
Here the text notes that the Israelite army was encamped at Gibbethon during a siege against the Philistines when Zimri seized power.
-
Joshua 21:23
Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its pasture lands, Gibbethon with its pasture lands,
This passage assigns Gibbethon to the Kohathite Levites, indicating its special administrative or religious function within the tribe of Dan's territory.