גַּ֫עַשׁ (ga.ash)
ga.ash
Gaash
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Gaash refers to a specific mountain located in the territory of Ephraim. Its name translates to "quaking," a vivid descriptor that likely alludes to the geological instability or rugged terrain of the region. In the biblical narrative, this location serves primarily as a geographical marker rather than a site of major historical events.
The word appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the books of Joshua, Judges, and Second Samuel. Its most notable function is identifying the burial place of Joshua, the leader who succeeded Moses. The text notes that he was buried on Mount Gaash in Timnath-serah (Joshua 24:30). This detail anchors the memory of his leadership to a concrete physical location within the tribal allotment of Ephraim.
While the etymology suggests a landscape characterized by shaking or tremors, the biblical usage is strictly topographical. The sources do not attribute theological symbolism to the "quaking" meaning in this context; instead, they treat it as a standard place-name identifier. The recurrence of the name in Judges and Samuel confirms its established presence in the regional geography known to the ancient audience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Mount Gaash appears in Scripture primarily as a quiet landmark rather than a stage for dramatic events. It is best known as the resting place of Joshua, the leader who guided Israel into the Promised Land. His burial on the north side of this mountain anchors his legacy to a specific spot in Ephraim’s territory.
The name itself suggests a landscape defined by shaking or tremors. While we cannot know exactly what the terrain looked like, the word paints a picture of rugged ground. This setting provides a fitting backdrop for Joshua’s final rest, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another for the people of God.
Though the mountain holds no recorded miracles, its presence reminds us that faithful service leaves a tangible mark. Joshua’s life was grounded in real places and real people. His story invites us to consider how our own lives might leave lasting impressions on those who follow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gaash4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּֽעַשׁ\׃2×
- גָֽעַשׁ\׃\ \ס1×
- גָ֔עַשׁ\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 24:30
They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.
This verse identifies Gaash as the specific location where Joshua was buried, anchoring his legacy to a physical place in Ephraim.
-
Judges 2:9
They buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.
The repetition of this burial site in Judges reinforces the historical reality of Joshua’s death and the transition to the period of the judges.
-
II Samuel 23:30
Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.
This reference links a warrior named Hiddai to the brooks of Gaash, showing the name was used to identify regional origins beyond just the mountain peak.