גְּדֵרָה (ge.de.rah)
ge.de.rah
Gederah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The noun gederah refers to a fortified wall or enclosure, and it serves as the proper name for a specific town in the territory of Judah. Its meaning is rooted in the idea of protection and boundary, describing a place that is secured against outside threats. In the biblical text, this word identifies one of the cities listed within the lowland region assigned to the tribe of Judah.
Although the name appears only twice in Scripture—once in the land allocation records of Joshua 15:36 and again in the genealogical lists of 1 Chronicles 2:44—it carries significant geographical weight. The sources highlight that Gederah was part of the Shephelah, the foothills between the coastal plain and the Judean highlands. This location suggests a settlement designed for defense, fitting its literal meaning as a "wall" or walled city.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gederah comes from a Hebrew word meaning a wall or enclosure. In ancient times, such walls provided safety and defined boundaries for communities living in vulnerable regions. This simple concept reminds us that God cares about our need for security and stability in daily life.
When we read about places like Gederah in the Bible, we see how God ordered history and geography with purpose. These were not just random locations but part of a larger plan where people could live, work, and worship safely. It reflects His desire to establish order and protection for His people.
For us today, this word invites reflection on the spiritual walls that surround our faith. Just as physical walls once protected towns, God’s presence offers a secure foundation for our hearts. We can trust in His care, knowing He provides both shelter and direction in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Gederah1×
- and/ <the>/ Gederah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/גְדֵרָ֑ה1×
- וְ/הַ/גְּדֵרָ֖ה1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:36
Shaaraim, Adithaim and Gederah (or Gederothaim); fourteen cities with their villages.
This verse lists Gederah among the cities allotted to Judah, showing its role as a defined part of God's promised inheritance.
-
I Chronicles 4:23
These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah; they lived there with the king for his work.
Here Gederah is linked with potters serving the king, highlighting how even specialized trades were established within secure communities.