גַּת (gat)
gat
Gath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew word gat primarily means a winepress, specifically the sunken trough where grapes were trodden to release their juice. This agricultural term became the proper name for one of the five major cities of the Philistines, as well as other towns like Gath-hepher and Gath-rimmon. The connection is literal: these places were named for their function in producing wine, a staple of ancient life.
In the biblical narrative, Gath stands out as the hometown of Goliath, the giant defeated by David (1 Samuel 17). It appears frequently in historical books, often marking the shifting borders between Israel and its neighbors. The city’s name evokes both the labor of harvest and the tension of border conflicts.
Translators consistently render gat as "Gath" when referring to the place, preserving its identity as a specific location rather than a generic object. This proper noun usage highlights how everyday tools and structures shaped the geography and memory of ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gath appears throughout Scripture as a symbol of opposition, yet it also marks places where God’s people found unexpected refuge or victory. When David fled from Saul, he sought safety in Gath, living among those who once threatened him. This shows that even in hostile territory, God can provide for His servants, turning a place of danger into a temporary home. It reminds us that our current circumstances do not define our final destination.
Later, the story shifts to triumph. The giant Goliath came from Gath, but he fell before the Lord’s anointed. This contrast highlights a key truth: no matter how large the obstacle or how strong the enemy, God’s power is greater. The walls of Gath were eventually broken down by King Uzziah, showing that human strength and divine favor often align in unexpected ways.
For your faith, this word invites trust in God’s protection during uncertain times. Whether you are facing a 'Goliath' or seeking shelter in unfamiliar places, remember that God is with you. His presence turns fear into courage and exile into preparation for future purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gath14×
- in/ Gath6×
- from/ Gath4×
- at/ Gath2×
- for/ Gath1×
- [are] in/ Gath1×
- Gath/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/גַ֑ת4×
- גַּ֥ת2×
- גַּ֖ת2×
- גַּ֑ת2×
- גַת֙2×
- מִ/גַּת֙1×
- מִ/גַּֽת\׃1×
- מִ/גַּ֔ת1×
- מִ/גַּ֑ת1×
- לְ/גַ֥ת1×
- גַּֽת\׃1×
- גַּ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 17:4
A champion out of the camp of the Philistines named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span went out.
This verse identifies Goliath as 'of Gath,' establishing the city as the source of Israel’s most formidable earthly threat and setting the stage for David’s faith-driven victory.
-
I Samuel 27:3
David lived with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife.
Here, David lives in Gath under King Achish, showing how God used a place of exile to preserve David’s life while he waited for his time to reign.
-
II Samuel 15:18
All his servants passed on beside him; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came after him from Gath, passed on before the king.
The 'Gittites' who followed David into exile demonstrate that loyalty and service to God can cross cultural and national boundaries, even among Philistine mercenaries.
-
I Chronicles 20:6
There was again war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, who had twenty-four fingers and toes, six on each hand and six on each foot; and he also was born to the giant.
This war at Gath against a giant with twenty-four digits reinforces the theme that God delivers His people from seemingly impossible odds through His servants.