גָּד (gad)
gad
Gad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 63 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Gad, meaning "good fortune" or "troop," belongs to the seventh son of Jacob and Zilpah. Rachel named him with this hope when she declared that good luck had come, reflecting a personal sense of blessing amidst family rivalry (Genesis 30:11). This individual became the ancestor of a significant tribe that settled on the eastern side of the Jordan River in the region of Gilead.
The sources highlight two distinct figures bearing this name. Beyond the patriarch and his descendants, Gad also appears as a prophet during King David's reign. He played a key role in delivering God's judgment regarding David's census and helped organize the musical worship for the temple (1 Chronicles 29:29). The tribe itself was known for its martial strength, a trait echoed in Jacob's blessing that describes Gad as a warrior band attacking from the side (Genesis 49:19).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gad carries a sense of unexpected blessing. When Jacob’s son was born, his mother declared that good fortune had come (Genesis 30:11). This moment reminds us that God often provides grace in the middle of family tension and personal struggle. We do not control our circumstances, but we can trust that His provision arrives when we need it most.
Later, the tribe of Gad became known for its strength and loyalty. They stood ready to fight alongside their brothers, even asking to settle on the east side of the Jordan only after ensuring their fellow tribes were safe (Numbers 32). Their story shows how faithfulness involves both personal trust in God’s goodness and practical care for the community around us.
Whether you are facing a season of uncertainty or looking for ways to support others, this name points to a reliable God. He brings hope where there is none and strengthens those who walk with Him. May you find peace in knowing that His blessings are not limited by your current situation.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 63 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gad59×
- gad2×
- and/ Gad2×
- for/ Gad1×
- and/ of/ Gad1×
- <the>/ Gad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָ֖ד10×
- גָ֔ד8×
- גָּ֖ד5×
- גָּ֔ד4×
- גָ֜ד4×
- גָּ֥ד3×
- גָּ֣ד3×
- גָּ֑ד3×
- גָד֙3×
- גָ֛ד3×
- גָ֑ד3×
- גָּֽד\׃2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 30:11
Leah said, “How fortunate!” She named him Gad.
This verse captures the emotional weight of the name, showing how a mother interpreted her son's birth as a sign of divine favor during a difficult family dynamic.
-
Numbers 32:25
The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do as my lord commands.
Here Gad demonstrates communal responsibility by committing to help their brothers conquer the land before claiming their own inheritance.
-
Genesis 49:19
“A troop will press on Gad, but he will press on their heel.
Jacob’s prophecy highlights the tribe's martial strength, describing them as a warrior band that strikes from the flank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gad mean?
Who was Gad in the Bible?
What role did the tribe of Gad play in Israel's history?
Every Occurrence (63 verses across 10 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Leah said, “How fortunate!” She named him Gad.
Genesis 35:26The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram.
Genesis 46:16The sons of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.
Genesis 49:19“A troop will press on Gad, but he will press on their heel.