גּוֹלָן (go.lan)
go.lan
Golan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun go lan refers to Golan, a specific town located in the region of Bashan on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Belonging to the tribe of Manasseh, it is identified in the biblical text as one of the designated cities of refuge. These cities provided sanctuary for individuals who had accidentally caused another’s death, offering protection from avengers until a fair judgment could be made.
Lexical sources suggest the name may relate to concepts of captivity or rejoicing, though its primary function in Scripture is geographical and legal rather than etymological. The word appears only three times, consistently linking this location to the broader system of asylum established for accidental killers. Its mention underscores the structured approach to justice and mercy found in the laws given in Deuteronomy and Joshua.
By naming Golan alongside other cities like Kedesh and Shechem, the text highlights that safety was not limited to the central tribes but extended into the territories east of the Jordan. This distribution ensured that those seeking refuge had accessible locations regardless of their specific tribal inheritance. The word itself serves as a marker for this important legal provision in the land’s settlement.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Golan appears in Scripture as a specific town in Bashan, set apart as one of the cities of refuge. This was not just a random settlement but a place where those who had accidentally caused death could find safety from revenge until their case was heard. The law provided this protection to ensure justice was tempered with mercy, recognizing that human error happens and that life is precious.
For believers today, this detail reminds us that God’s laws are designed to protect the vulnerable and uphold fairness. Even in ancient times, the system acknowledged the complexity of human actions and provided a way out for those who did not intend harm. It shows a God who values both truth and compassion, offering a safe haven when mistakes lead to unintended consequences.
Knowing that such places existed helps us understand the care built into biblical justice. It invites us to trust in a system where innocence is protected and guilt is determined fairly. This historical marker points to a broader theme of God’s provision for safety and order in the lives of His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Golan3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גּוֹלָ֥ן2×
- גּוֹלָ֤ן1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 4:43
Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.
This verse lists Golan as the refuge city for the Manassites, establishing its role in the broader legal framework before the Israelites entered Canaan.
-
Joshua 20:8
Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.
Here Golan is formally assigned to the tribe of Manasseh, confirming its status as a designated sanctuary for accidental killers east of the Jordan.
-
Joshua 21:27
They gave to the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh Golan in Bashan with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, and Be Eshterah with its pasture lands: two cities.
This passage specifies that Golan was given to the Levites along with pasture lands, integrating the city of refuge into the priestly inheritance and community structure.