Overview:
Gittah-hepher, also known as Gath-hepher, is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. It is primarily recognized as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. The name "Gittah-hepher" translates to "winepress of the digging" or "winepress of the well," indicating a place associated with agricultural activity, particularly viticulture.

Biblical References:
Gittah-hepher is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the territorial allotment to the tribe of Zebulun. In Joshua 19:13 , the text states: "From there it went eastward to Gath-hepher and Eth-kazin; it extended to Rimmon and turned toward Neah." This passage situates Gittah-hepher within the boundaries of Zebulun's inheritance in the Promised Land.

The most notable biblical figure associated with Gittah-hepher is the prophet Jonah. In 2 Kings 14:25 , it is recorded: "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." This verse identifies Jonah as a native of Gittah-hepher, linking the location to his prophetic ministry.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Gittah-hepher is traditionally identified with the modern site of el-Meshed, located near Nazareth in the Lower Galilee region of Israel. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that this area was inhabited during the biblical period, supporting its identification as the ancient Gittah-hepher.

The location's mention in the context of Zebulun's territory aligns with the broader geographical descriptions found in the Old Testament. Zebulun's inheritance was situated in the northern part of Israel, an area known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity, which is consistent with the meaning of the name Gittah-hepher.

Theological Significance:
Gittah-hepher's primary theological significance lies in its association with Jonah, a prophet whose account is pivotal in the biblical narrative. Jonah's mission to Nineveh, as recounted in the Book of Jonah, underscores themes of repentance, divine mercy, and the universality of God's concern for all nations. The mention of Jonah's origin in Gittah-hepher serves to root his account in a specific historical and geographical context, emphasizing the reality of his prophetic mission.

The reference to Gittah-hepher in the context of Israel's territorial boundaries also highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel. The detailed descriptions of land allotments in the Book of Joshua reflect the faithfulness of God in providing for His people and establishing them in the land He promised to their ancestors.

Cultural and Religious Impact:
Gittah-hepher, as the hometown of Jonah, holds a place of interest in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Jonah is recognized as a prophet in all three Abrahamic faiths, and his account is often cited in discussions of obedience, repentance, and God's compassion.

In Christian tradition, Jonah's experience in the belly of the great fish is seen as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus Himself refers to the "sign of Jonah" in the Gospels, drawing a parallel between Jonah's three days in the fish and His own three days in the tomb (Matthew 12:39-41).

Conclusion:
While Gittah-hepher is a relatively minor location in the biblical narrative, its association with the prophet Jonah elevates its significance. As a part of the tribal inheritance of Zebulun, it serves as a testament to the historical and theological richness of the biblical text, offering insights into the life and ministry of one of Israel's notable prophets.Gittah-Hepher

digging; a wine-press

(Joshua 19:13). See GATH-HEPHER. GITTAH-HEPHER

git-a-he'-fer (gittah chepher): the King James Version (Joshua 19:13) for Gath-hepher. Gittah is correctly Gath with the Hebrew letter, he ("h") locale, meaning "toward Gath."

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... 9. We learn from 2 Kings 14:25 that Jonah, the son of Amittai, was of Gath-hepher,
which is undoubtedly the same as Gittah-hepher, a town of the tribe of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

Gittahhepher (1 Occurrence)
...GITTAH-HEPHER. git-a-he'-fer (gittah chepher): the King James Version (Joshua
19:13) for Gath-hepher. ... Multi-Version Concordance Gittahhepher (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/gittahhepher.htm - 7k

Gittah-hepher (1 Occurrence)
Gittah-hepher. Gittahhepher, Gittah-hepher. Gittaim . Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Joshua 19:13). ... Gittahhepher, Gittah-hepher. Gittaim . Reference Bible.
/g/gittah-hepher.htm - 7k

Gispa (1 Occurrence)

/g/gispa.htm - 6k

Gathhepher (1 Occurrence)
... 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 ...
/g/gathhepher.htm - 8k

Gittaim (2 Occurrences)

/g/gittaim.htm - 7k

Gath-hepher (2 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/g/gath-hepher.htm - 8k

Ittah-kazin (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:13 And from thence passeth along on the east to Gittah-hepher, to
Ittah-kazin, and goeth out to Remmon-methoar to Neah; (WBS YLT). ...
/i/ittah-kazin.htm - 7k

Ittahkazin (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:13 And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher,
to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah; (KJV). ...
/i/ittahkazin.htm - 7k

Remmonmethoar (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:13 And from thence passeth on along on the east to Gittahhepher,
to Ittahkazin, and goeth out to Remmonmethoar to Neah; (KJV). ...
/r/remmonmethoar.htm - 7k

Remmon-methoar (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:13 And from thence passeth along on the east to Gittah-hepher, to
Ittah-kazin, and goeth out to Remmon-methoar to Neah; (WBS). ...
/r/remmon-methoar.htm - 7k

Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org

Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org

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