גִּלֹה (gi.loh)
gi.loh
Giloh
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Giloh identifies a specific city located in the mountainous region of Judah. Its name translates to "exile," a meaning that adds a layer of historical weight to its biblical appearance. The sources confirm it as a distinct settlement within the tribal territory of Judah, rather than a generic descriptor.
This town is primarily known as the hometown of Ahithophel, one of King David’s most trusted counselors. The narrative tension in 2 Samuel arises when Ahithophel joins Absalom’s rebellion, turning his intimate knowledge of the king against him. His origin from Giloh underscores the personal betrayal involved, as he was not an outsider but a local insider.
The term also appears in the form Gilonite (H1526), used to describe Ahithophel’s identity. With only two occurrences in Scripture, both centered on this political crisis, Giloh serves as a geographic anchor for one of the most dramatic family conflicts in the Old Testament. It reminds readers that even within David’s own court and community, loyalty was fractured.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Giloh is a small town in Judah, best known as the home of Ahithophel, King David’s trusted counselor. The name means “exile,” which adds a quiet weight to its story. In Scripture, Giloh appears only twice, both times tied to moments of deep personal betrayal and political crisis.
When Ahithophel joined Absalom’s rebellion, it was not just a political shift but a heartbreak for David. His closest advisor came from Giloh, a place that should have been safe ground. This reminds us that even those near us can turn away, and that loyalty is fragile. Yet God remains faithful, even when human relationships break down.
For believers today, Giloh invites reflection on trust, betrayal, and the pain of broken community. It shows how deeply personal faith struggles can be, and how God walks with us through them. We are not alone in our disappointments; He is present in the midst of them too.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ Giloh1×
- and/ Giloh1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִ/גִּלֹ֔ה1×
- וְ/גִלֹ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:51
Goshen, Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages.
This verse lists Giloh among the cities of Judah, establishing it as a real place within the tribal inheritance.
-
II Samuel 15:12
Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong, for the people increased continually with Absalom.
Here Ahithophel is called “the Gilonite” and identified as coming from Giloh, highlighting his role in David’s court and his betrayal during Absalom’s revolt.