plural of גֵּב; cisterns; Gebim, a place in Palestine; Gebim.
Transliteration:Gêbîym
Pronunciation:gay-beem'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1374 (Gêbîym) is the plural form of the noun גֵּב (geb), which signifies a "cistern" or "pit." Therefore, the most direct translation of Gêbîym is "cisterns" or "pits." In the biblical text, however, H1374 functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. The name itself, "Gebim," inherently carries the semantic weight of its root, suggesting a place characterized by or known for its cisterns. These were crucial structures in the arid climate of the Levant, serving as primary means for collecting and storing rainwater for human and animal consumption. Thus, the core meaning relates to water storage, while its usage as a place name points to a settlement whose existence or identity was tied to such vital infrastructure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1374 (Gêbîym) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah:
* [[Isaiah 10:31]]: "Madmenah is fled; the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee."
This solitary occurrence is within a prophetic oracle (Isaiah 10:28-32) that vividly describes the rapid and terrifying advance of the Assyrian army towards Jerusalem. The prophet lists a series of towns and villages that lie in the path of the invading force, each facing the impending devastation. Gebim is mentioned alongside other settlements like Migron, Michmash, Geba, Ramah, Gibeah of Saul, Gallim, Laishah, Anathoth, Madmenah, and Nob. The phrase "the inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee" underscores the panic and desolation caused by the Assyrian onslaught. The inclusion of Gebim in this itinerary suggests it was a recognizable, albeit likely small, settlement situated relatively close to Jerusalem, on the northern approach route. Its inhabitants' flight serves as a stark illustration of the complete disruption of normal life and the overwhelming terror experienced by the populace in the face of such a formidable military power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H1374 is its singular form, גֵּב (geb, not a distinct Strong's number but the root of H1374), which consistently refers to a "cistern" or "pit." This connection is vital for understanding the literal meaning behind the place name.
Other Hebrew words that convey similar concepts of water storage or excavation include:
* בּוֹר (bor, `{{H953}}`): This term is frequently used for a "pit," "cistern," or "dungeon." It often overlaps semantically with גֵּב, referring to an excavated hole, whether for water, imprisonment, or burial.
* בְּאֵר (be'er, `{{H875}}`): Signifies a "well" or "spring," typically implying a source of naturally occurring water, as opposed to a cistern which collects runoff.
Conceptually, H1374 connects to:
* **Water Management in Ancient Israel:** The reliance on cisterns highlights the essential role of water collection in a semi-arid land, where rainfall was seasonal and natural springs were scarce.
* **Vulnerability of Settlements:** The flight from Gebim illustrates the fragility of human habitation and the devastating impact of warfare on even seemingly humble communities.
* **Prophetic Geography:** The detailed listing of towns in Isaiah 10 provides a geographical framework for understanding the Assyrian threat and the precision of divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
While H1374 (Gêbîym) functions primarily as a geographical marker, its theological significance can be discerned through its context and inherent meaning. The name "Gebim" itself, meaning "cisterns," subtly points to the practical realities of life in ancient Israel, where the provision and storage of water were critical for survival. This underscores the land's dependence on divine provision (rain) and human ingenuity (cisterns) for sustenance.
In [[Isaiah 10:31]], Gebim's mention within the Assyrian invasion narrative carries deeper theological weight. The flight of its inhabitants is not merely a historical detail but a vivid illustration of God's sovereign judgment being executed through the Assyrian army. The terror and desolation wrought by the invaders, leading to the abandonment of even places vital for life like Gebim, serve as a powerful testament to the consequences of national sin and the inescapable nature of divine wrath. The prophet's detailed enumeration of the Assyrian advance emphasizes the certainty and proximity of this judgment upon Judah, even reaching the gates of Jerusalem. Thus, Gebim, a place named for its life-sustaining water storage, ironically becomes a symbol of emptiness and abandonment in the face of God's disciplinary hand. It reminds the reader that no place, however essential or seemingly secure, is beyond the reach of divine purpose.
### Summary
H1374 (Gêbîym) is a Hebrew plural noun meaning "cisterns," which is used exclusively in the Bible as the proper name of a specific place in ancient Palestine. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Isaiah 10:31]], where it is listed among the towns whose inhabitants flee in terror before the advancing Assyrian army on its march towards Jerusalem. The name itself reflects the vital importance of water cisterns for survival in the land. Theologically, Gebim serves as a poignant geographical detail within Isaiah's prophetic judgment against Assyria, illustrating the pervasive impact of divine judgment and the vulnerability of human settlements. The flight from Gebim symbolizes the complete disruption and desolation brought about by God's sovereign hand, even upon places designed for sustenance and life.
TRV