Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Gederah" is derived from the Hebrew word "גְּדֵרָה" (Gederah), which means "a wall" or "an enclosure." This etymology suggests a place that was likely fortified or enclosed, indicating its strategic or protective significance in ancient times.Biblical References: Gederah is mentioned in the Old Testament as a town in the territory of Judah. It is specifically referenced in the Book of Joshua: "Zenan, Hadashah, Migdal-gad, Dilean, Mizpeh, Joktheel, Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon, Cabbon, Lahmas, Kitlish, Gederoth, Beth-dagon, Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities, along with their villages" (Joshua 15:37-41). This passage lists Gederah among the cities in the Shephelah, the lowland region of Judah. Historical and Geographical Context: Gederah was situated in the Shephelah, a region characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys, which served as a buffer zone between the coastal plains and the central highlands of Judah. This area was significant for agriculture and trade, contributing to the economic stability of the tribe of Judah. The strategic location of Gederah would have made it an important site for defense against Philistine incursions from the west. Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Gederah is not definitively identified today, it is generally associated with the archaeological site of Khirbet Judraya, located southwest of modern-day Jerusalem. Excavations in the region have uncovered remains that suggest a settlement with defensive structures, consistent with the meaning of its name. Cultural and Religious Significance: As a town within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, Gederah would have been part of the cultural and religious life of the Israelites. The towns in this region were often centers of agricultural production, and their inhabitants would have participated in the religious festivals and practices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. The mention of Gederah in the biblical text underscores its role within the broader narrative of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land. Related Biblical Themes: The mention of Gederah in the context of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel highlights the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham. The division of the land among the tribes is a testament to the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing themes of inheritance, divine provision, and the establishment of a nation under God's sovereignty. Conclusion: Gederah, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, represents a piece of the larger mosaic of Israel's history in the land of Canaan. Its inclusion in the list of towns allotted to Judah reflects the historical and theological significance of the land as a gift from God to His chosen people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Gederah(a sheepfold), a town of Judah in the lowland country, (Joshua 15:36) apparently in its eastern part. No town bearing this name has, however, been yet discovered in this hitherto little-explored district. ATS Bible Dictionary GederahA city in the plain of Judah, Joshua 15:36, probably the same with the preceding Geder, and with Beth-Gader, 1 Chronicles 2:51. It would thence seem to have pertained to the family of Caleb. Easton's Bible Dictionary The fortress; a fortified place, a town in the plain (shephelah) of Judah (Joshua 15:36). This is a very common Canaanite and Phoenician name. It is the feminine form of Geder (12:13); the plural form is Gederoth (15:41). This place has by some been identified with Jedireh, a ruin 9 miles from Lydda, toward Eleutheropolis, and 4 miles north of Sur'ah (Zorah), in the valley of Elah. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GEDERAH; GEDERATHITEge-de'-ra, ge-de'-ra-thit (ha-gedherah, "the enclosed place"): A town in the Shephelah of Judah, named with Socoh, Azekah, Shaaraim and Adithaim (Joshua 15:36). In 1 Chronicles 4:23 the Revised Version (British and American) reads, "the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah," for the King James Version, "those that dwelt among plants and hedges." It is probably represented by Khirbet Jadireh, about 3 miles Southwest of Gezer. "Gederathite," applied to Jozabad (1 Chronicles 12:4), probably meant an inhabitant of this place. Strong's Hebrew 1449. Gederah -- "wall," a city in Judah... 1448, 1449. Gederah. 1450 . "wall," a city in Judah. Transliteration: Gederah Phonetic Spelling: (ghed-ay-raw') Short Definition: Gederah. ... /hebrew/1449.htm - 6k 1448. gederah -- a wall 1452. Gederathi -- inhab. of Gederah 1453. Gederothayim -- "double wall," a place in Judah Library The King's Potters Thesaurus Gederah (2 Occurrences)... Elah. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GEDERAH; GEDERATHITE. ge-de ... place. Multi-Version Concordance Gederah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15 ... /g/gederah.htm - 8k Netaim (1 Occurrence) Gederathite (1 Occurrence) Gederothaim (1 Occurrence) Gede'rah (2 Occurrences) Gedera (1 Occurrence) Unwalled (39 Occurrences) Gedor (7 Occurrences) Gederotha'im (1 Occurrence) Geder (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Gederah (2 Occurrences)Joshua 15:36 1 Chronicles 4:23 Subtopics Gederah: A City in the Plain of Judah Related Terms |