גֵּרוּת (ge.rut)
ge.rut
Geruth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun geruth appears only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 41:17. It refers to a lodging place or inn, describing where the remnant of Judah’s people stayed after fleeing to Egypt. The term captures the physical reality of temporary shelter for travelers.
Its root relates to the concept of dwelling or staying, distinct from permanent residence. In this single instance, it highlights the precarious nature of the community’s journey. They were not settling but passing through, relying on transient accommodations as they moved toward their destination.
This rare usage underscores the instability of the post-exilic period. The people were in a state of displacement, finding rest only in places meant for short stays. The word serves as a quiet marker of their uncertain status, far from home and seeking safety in foreign lands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word geruth appears just once in Scripture, marking a specific lodging place for those fleeing danger. In Jeremiah 41:17, it describes where the remnant of Judah stayed before heading to Egypt. This term highlights the temporary nature of their shelter, reminding us that life often involves periods of transition rather than permanent settlement.
When we feel displaced or unsure of our next step, this word offers a quiet comfort. It acknowledges that staying in a geruth is not failure but part of a journey toward safety. God meets us in these transient moments, providing rest even when our circumstances are unstable and uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- at/ Geruth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/גֵר֣וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 41:17
They departed and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt
This is the only occurrence of the word, describing the specific lodging place where the remnant stayed before entering Egypt.