גֹּ֫מֶר (go.mer)
go.mer
Gomer
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Gomer appears in Scripture for two distinct figures separated by centuries, yet linked by identical Hebrew spelling. In Genesis 10:2, it identifies Gomer as the eldest son of Japheth and grandson of Noah. This genealogical record places him among the foundational ancestors of nations, specifically noted as the progenitor of peoples historically associated with the Cimmerians and various Celtic groups.
Centuries later, the same name designates the wife of the prophet Hosea in the eighth century BC. Unlike her ancestor, she is portrayed as unfaithful, a detail that serves a profound theological purpose. Her marital instability mirrors Israel’s spiritual adultery against God, turning a personal family dynamic into a living parable of divine covenant and human waywardness.
The name itself carries the meaning "complete" or "full." This semantic weight creates a striking contrast between the two bearers. The patriarch Gomer represents the fullness of Noah’s lineage and national origins, while Hosea’s wife embodies a broken completeness, her infidelity highlighting the fractured state of God’s people before restoration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gomer appears in Scripture for two very different people, yet both stories point to how God works through human relationships. In Genesis, Gomer is listed among the sons of Japheth, marking the beginning of new families and nations after the flood. This genealogy reminds us that God cares about every lineage and that He establishes order and community even in times of great change.
Centuries later, Hosea’s wife shares this name but lives a much harder life. Her unfaithfulness is not just a personal failure; it serves as a living picture of Israel’s distance from God. Through this painful marriage, we see that God does not ignore brokenness. Instead, He uses these real-life struggles to show His deep desire for restoration and covenant love.
Whether you are looking at ancient family trees or the complex dynamics of Hosea’s home, the message remains consistent. God is present in our origins and faithful through our failures. His love seeks to heal what is fractured, inviting us into a relationship defined by grace rather than perfection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gomer4×
- [were] Gomer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גֹּ֣מֶר2×
- גֹּ֑מֶר2×
- גֹּ֖מֶר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:2
The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
This verse establishes Gomer as a foundational ancestor, showing God’s care for the origins of nations and family lines.
-
Hosea 1:3
So he went and took Gomer the daughter of Diblaim; and she conceived, and bore him a son.
Here the name marks the beginning of a prophetic act where Hosea’s marriage becomes a tangible sign of God’s relationship with Israel.