גְּדֵרוֹת (ge.de.rot)
ge.de.rot
Gederoth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Gederoth, derived from the Hebrew root for walls or fences, designates a specific settlement in the lowland region of Judah. Its literal meaning evokes an enclosed or fortified place, suggesting a community defined by its boundaries or protective structures. This etymological link provides a concrete image of the town’s character within the broader landscape of ancient Israel.
Scripture records Gederoth primarily in two contexts: as part of the territorial inheritance assigned to the tribe of Judah in Joshua 15:36, and among the cities restored by Nehemiah in II Chronicles 26:9. In these passages, it appears alongside other named locations, anchoring the narrative in real geography rather than abstract theology. The word itself does not carry metaphorical weight in these instances; it functions strictly as a proper noun identifying a physical place.
Because the term occurs so rarely, its significance lies in its historical specificity rather than linguistic depth. It reminds readers that the biblical account is grounded in actual towns and lands. The name’s simple meaning—walls—serves as a quiet marker of human settlement and order in the fertile plains of Judah.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gederoth comes from a Hebrew root meaning walls or fences. It points to a real town in ancient Judah, likely known for its protective boundaries. In Joshua 15:41, it is listed among the cities given to the tribe of Judah. This shows that God’s promises were fulfilled in specific places with real people and structures.
Later, II Chronicles 28:18 records how Philistines took Gederoth during a time of invasion. The loss of this walled city highlights the vulnerability of the community when protection failed. Yet, these brief mentions remind us that Scripture is grounded in history. God was present in ordinary towns, not just in grand temples.
For your faith, this word invites you to see God’s care in the details of daily life. Whether you are in a season of safety or uncertainty, remember that He knows every place and person. His presence is not limited by walls or borders.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Gederoth1×
- <the>/ Gederoth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/גְדֵר֕וֹת1×
- הַ/גְּדֵר֗וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:41
Gederoth, Beth Dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.
This verse lists Gederoth as part of Judah’s inheritance, showing God’s faithful provision of land to His people.
-
II Chronicles 28:18
The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and also Gimzo and its villages; and they lived there.
Here, the Philistines capture Gederoth, illustrating the consequences of spiritual failure and national vulnerability.