Introduction:
Gathhepher, also spelled Gath-hepher, is a biblical town mentioned in the Old Testament. It holds significance primarily as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. The name "Gathhepher" is thought to mean "winepress of the well" or "winepress of the digging," reflecting the agricultural nature of the region.

Biblical References:
Gathhepher is mentioned explicitly in the Book of 2 Kings and the Book of Joshua. In 2 Kings 14:25, it is identified as the birthplace of Jonah, the son of Amittai, a prophet who played a significant role in the narrative of the repentance of Nineveh. The verse states: "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher" (2 Kings 14:25).

In Joshua 19:13, Gathhepher is listed as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun: "From there it went eastward to Gath-hepher and Eth-kazin; it extended to Rimmon and turned toward Neah" (Joshua 19:13). This situates Gathhepher within the northern kingdom of Israel, in the region that would later be known as Galilee.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Gathhepher is traditionally identified with the modern site of el-Meshed, located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of Nazareth in present-day Israel. This location is consistent with the biblical description of the tribal allotments and the historical geography of ancient Israel.

The town's mention in the context of Jonah's prophetic ministry underscores its importance in the biblical narrative. Jonah's mission to Nineveh, as recounted in the Book of Jonah, highlights themes of repentance and God's mercy, and Gathhepher's association with Jonah connects it to these broader theological themes.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is limited archaeological evidence directly linked to Gathhepher, the identification with el-Meshed is supported by historical and geographical considerations. The region is known for its ancient settlements and agricultural activity, which aligns with the etymological meaning of the town's name.

Theological Significance:
Gathhepher's primary theological significance lies in its connection to Jonah. As the prophet's hometown, it serves as a reminder of God's call to individuals from diverse and sometimes obscure backgrounds to fulfill His purposes. Jonah's account, beginning in Gathhepher, illustrates the reach of God's compassion and the call to obedience, even when the task seems daunting or contrary to personal desires.

Conclusion:
Gathhepher, though a minor location in the biblical narrative, is integral to understanding the life and mission of Jonah. Its mention in the Scriptures provides insight into the historical and geographical context of the prophetic ministry in ancient Israel.Wine-press of the well, a town of Lower Galilee, about 5 miles from Nazareth; the birthplace of Jonah (2 Kings 14:25); the same as Gittah-hepher (Joshua 19:13). It has been identified with the modern el-Meshed, a village on the top of a rocky hill. Here the supposed tomb of Jonah, Neby Yunas, is still pointed out. GATH-HEPHER

gath-he'-fer (gath ha-chepher, "winepress of the pit"):

A town on the boundary of Zebulun (Joshua 19:13; the King James Version in error, "Gittah-hapher"), the birthplace of the prophet Jonah (2 Kings 14:25). Jerome (Commentary on Jonah) speaks of Geth as an inconsiderable village, about 2 miles from Sepphoris on the Tiberias road, where the tomb of Jonah was shown. Benjamin of Tudela says that Jonah the son of Amittai the prophet was buried "in the mountain" near Sepphoris (Bohn, Early Travels in Palestine, 88). These indications agree with the local tradition which identifies Gath-hepher with el-Meshhed, a village with ancient ruins on a height North of the road as one goes to Tiberias, about 2 miles from Nazareth, and half a mile from Kefr Kennah.

W. Ewing

Gathhepher (1 Occurrence)
... from Kefr Kennah. W. Ewing. Multi-Version Concordance Gathhepher (1 Occurrence).
2 Kings 14:25 He restored the coast of Israel from ...
/g/gathhepher.htm - 8k

Gath-hepher (2 Occurrences)
Gath-hepher. Gathhepher, Gath-hepher. Gath-he'pher . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS). Gathhepher, Gath-hepher. Gath-he'pher . ...
/g/gath-hepher.htm - 8k

Gathers (27 Occurrences)

/g/gathers.htm - 14k

Coast (70 Occurrences)
... according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his
servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher. ...
/c/coast.htm - 31k

Entering (124 Occurrences)
... according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his
servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher. ...
/e/entering.htm - 37k

Plain (113 Occurrences)
... according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his
servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher. ...
/p/plain.htm - 71k

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