from the same as גְּבִיעַ, a hillock; Geba, a place in Palestine; Gaba, Geba, Gibeah.
Transliteration:Gebaʻ
Pronunciation:gheh'-bah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גֶּבַע (Gebaʻ), Strong's number `{{H1387}}`, derives from a root associated with גְּבִיעַ (Gabiya, `{{H1375}}`), meaning "cup" or "bowl." This etymological connection suggests a "rounded" or "hollowed" shape, which aptly describes a "hillock" or "eminence," as indicated in its base definition. Primarily, `{{H1387}}` functions as a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. While its core meaning points to a topographical feature, its primary usage in the biblical text is as the name of a town, Geba (also transliterated as Gaba or, less commonly, Gibeah, though distinct from the more common Gibeah, `{{H1390}}`). The semantic range is therefore narrow, centered on this particular place, which was likely named for its elevated position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Geba (`{{H1387}}`) is mentioned numerous times throughout the Hebrew Bible, primarily in historical and prophetic books, underscoring its consistent significance. It was a city within the tribal territory of Benjamin ([[Joshua 18:24]]) and was designated as a Levitical city for the priests ([[Joshua 21:17]], [[1 Chronicles 6:60]]). This highlights its importance not only geographically but also religiously and administratively within Israel.
Geba's strategic location made it a frequent site of military action and a key border town. Jonathan, son of Saul, famously struck the Philistine garrison in Geba, sparking a major conflict ([[1 Samuel 13:3]], [[1 Samuel 13:16]]). King Asa of Judah later fortified Geba along with Mizpah, using materials from Ramah, to secure his northern border against Israel ([[1 Kings 15:22]], [[2 Chronicles 16:6]]). Its strategic value is further emphasized when King Josiah's reforms are described as extending "from Geba to Beersheba" ([[2 Kings 23:8]]), signifying the full north-south extent of Judah.
In the prophetic literature, Geba appears in Isaiah's depiction of the Assyrian advance toward Jerusalem ([[Isaiah 10:29]]), illustrating its position as a gateway to the capital. Later, in Zechariah's eschatological vision, Geba is mentioned in a description of the transformed land: "All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem" ([[Zechariah 14:10]]). This imagery suggests a radical topographical alteration, symbolizing a new era under divine rule.
Following the Babylonian exile, Geba was among the towns reoccupied by the returning exiles ([[Nehemiah 7:30]], [[Nehemiah 11:31]]), indicating its continued relevance in the post-exilic community.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is גְּבִיעַ (Gabiya, `{{H1375}}`), from which `{{H1387}}` is derived, meaning "cup" or "bowl," and by extension, a "rounded hillock." This etymological link underscores the topographical nature of the place name.
Another closely related term, though a distinct Strong's number, is גִּבְעָה (Gibʻah, `{{H1390}}`), which generally means "hill" or "hillock." While `{{H1387}}` specifically refers to the town of Geba, and `{{H1390}}` to the more general term "hill" or a place named "Gibeah" (e.g., Gibeah of Benjamin, Gibeah of Saul), the shared root signifies their common association with elevated terrain. Understanding this distinction is crucial to avoid confusion between the specific town of Geba and other places named "Gibeah."
Concepts related to Geba include:
* **Border Towns:** Places like Geba often marked the boundaries between tribal territories or kingdoms.
* **Strategic Fortifications:** Its elevated position made it ideal for military garrisons and defensive structures.
* **Levitical Cities:** Its designation as a priestly city connects it to the religious and administrative structure of Israel.
* **Geographical Markers:** Geba frequently serves as a reference point to define the extent of a region or a journey.
### Theological Significance
Geba's repeated appearance in the biblical narrative imbues it with several layers of theological significance:
Firstly, as a **Levitical city**, Geba embodies the divine allocation of land and the establishment of a priestly presence throughout Israel. This reflects God's covenant faithfulness in providing for His people and ensuring the accessibility of religious instruction and service.
Secondly, Geba's role as a **strategic military location** highlights God's sovereign involvement in the history of His people. Battles fought at Geba, such as Jonathan's victory over the Philistines, demonstrate God's ability to use human agency and even specific geographical features to orchestrate deliverances and fulfill His purposes. The fortification of Geba by King Asa illustrates the human response of trusting in God's protection, even while employing military prudence.
Thirdly, its use as a **geographical marker** ("from Geba to Beersheba" or "from Geba to Rimmon") signifies the extent of God's dominion over the land of Israel, the reach of a king's authority, or the scope of God's transformative work. In the prophetic vision of Zechariah, the topographical transformation involving Geba points to a future, radical reshaping of the earth under God's universal reign, where obstacles are removed and the land is prepared for His glory.
Finally, Geba's inclusion in narratives of **return from exile** emphasizes God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their promised land, re-establishing their presence in significant locations that tied them to their heritage and covenant identity.
### Summary
Geba (`{{H1387}}`) is a significant proper noun in the Hebrew Bible, referring to a town in the tribal territory of Benjamin, named for its characteristic as a "hillock" (from the root associated with `{{H1375}}`). Its numerous biblical occurrences underscore its strategic importance as a border town and military stronghold, notably in the conflicts of Saul's reign and Asa's fortifications. As a Levitical city, it also held religious and administrative significance. Theologically, Geba exemplifies God's sovereign use of geography in fulfilling His covenant promises, orchestrating historical events, and defining the extent of His dominion. Its appearance in prophetic literature further points to God's ultimate judgment and future restoration, making it a powerful symbol of divine intervention in the landscape and destiny of His people.
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