the same as גִּבְעָה; Gibah; the name of three places in Palestine; Gibeah, the hill.
Transliteration:Gibʻâh
Pronunciation:ghib-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1390}}` *Gibʻâh* (גִּבְעָה) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating specific geographical locations. Its core meaning is derived directly from the common noun `{{H1389}}` *gibʻah* (גִּבְעָה), which signifies "hill" or "height." Thus, the name *Gibʻâh* inherently describes a place characterized by its elevated topography. The semantic range of `{{H1390}}` is therefore limited to these named locations, each bearing the descriptive appellation "the hill." The definition explicitly notes that it refers to "the name of three places in Palestine."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name *Gibʻâh* appears numerous times in the Hebrew Bible, referring to at least three distinct locations, though the most prominent is Gibeah of Benjamin.
1. **Gibeah of Benjamin:** This is by far the most frequently mentioned and theologically significant "Gibeah."
* It is infamous as the setting for the horrific events recounted in [[Judges 19]] and [[Judges 20]], involving the Levite's concubine and the subsequent tribal war that nearly annihilated the tribe of Benjamin. This narrative portrays a profound moral and social breakdown in Israel during the period of the Judges, highlighting the chaos when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([[Judges 21:25]]).
* Gibeah of Benjamin was also the hometown and early capital of Israel's first king, Saul ([[1 Samuel 10:26]], [[1 Samuel 11:4]], [[1 Samuel 15:34]]). It is sometimes specifically called "Gibeah of Saul" ([[1 Samuel 11:4]], [[Isaiah 10:29]]). This connection imbues the place with historical significance related to the establishment of the monarchy, yet also carries the shadow of Saul's eventual rejection.
* Prophetically, Gibeah of Benjamin is referenced as a symbol of Israel's deep-seated sin and apostasy. Hosea laments, "They have sunk deep in corruption as in the days of Gibeah" ([[Hosea 9:9]]), and again, "From the days of Gibeah you have sinned, O Israel" ([[Hosea 10:9]]), underscoring its enduring association with profound moral failure.
2. **Gibeah of Judah:** This location is mentioned only once in the biblical text, as one of the cities in the hill country of Judah, listed among the inheritance of the tribe of Judah ([[Joshua 15:57]]). Its mention here is purely geographical, without any associated narrative.
3. **Gibeah of Phinehas:** Located in the hill country of Ephraim, this Gibeah is where Eleazar, the son of Aaron, was buried ([[Joshua 24:33]]). It is sometimes transliterated as "Gibeath-Phinehas," but the root is identical to `{{H1390}}`. Its significance lies in its role as a burial place for a prominent priestly figure, indicating its sacred association.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to `{{H1390}}` *Gibʻâh* is the common noun `{{H1389}}` *gibʻah* (גִּבְעָה), meaning "hill" or "height," from which the proper noun is directly derived. This connection emphasizes the topographical nature of the named places. The root verb underlying these terms is `{{H1387}}` *gābaʻ* (גָּבַע), meaning "to be high, elevated."
Conceptually, *Gibʻâh* is intrinsically linked to:
* **Topography:** The significance of hills in ancient Israel, often serving as natural fortifications, lookout points, or sites for worship (both legitimate and illegitimate).
* **The Tribe of Benjamin:** Specifically, the most prominent Gibeah is inextricably tied to this tribe, particularly through the catastrophic events of Judges 19-21.
* **King Saul:** His personal and political origins are rooted in Gibeah of Benjamin, making it a key site in the early monarchy.
* **Moral Decay and Societal Chaos:** The narrative of the Levite's concubine at Gibeah serves as a stark illustration of the depths of depravity and the breakdown of order in the absence of righteous governance and adherence to divine law.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Gibʻâh*, particularly Gibeah of Benjamin, is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Symbol of Israel's Spiritual and Moral Decline:** The events at Gibeah in the book of Judges stand as a chilling testament to the spiritual and moral abyss into which Israel had fallen. It portrays a society where hospitality was violated, justice perverted, and unspeakable acts of violence and sexual depravity occurred. This narrative serves as a powerful warning against the consequences of idolatry, lawlessness, and the abandonment of God's covenant. It underscores the desperate need for divine intervention and righteous leadership.
2. **Consequences of Unchecked Sin:** The civil war that erupted in response to the atrocities at Gibeah, leading to the near-annihilation of Benjamin, vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of unaddressed sin, both individually and corporately. It reveals how a single act of wickedness can unleash a torrent of violence and destruction, impacting an entire nation.
3. **Prophetic Admonition:** The prophets, particularly Hosea, invoke Gibeah as a byword for Israel's historical and ongoing rebellion against God. By recalling "the days of Gibeah" ([[Hosea 9:9]], [[Hosea 10:9]]), they remind the people of their persistent sinfulness and warn of impending divine judgment if they do not repent.
4. **The Need for a Righteous King:** The narrative of Gibeah, concluding with the lament "in those days there was no king in Israel," implicitly points to the necessity of a divinely appointed and righteous monarch to establish order, administer justice, and lead the people in obedience to God. This foreshadows the eventual establishment of the Davidic monarchy and, ultimately, the reign of Christ, the true King who brings perfect order and righteousness.
### Summary
`{{H1390}}` *Gibʻâh* is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "the hill," derived from the common noun `{{H1389}}`. It refers to at least three distinct locations in ancient Palestine, with Gibeah of Benjamin being the most prominent. This Gibeah is infamous as the setting for the moral depravity and civil war recounted in [[Judges 19]]-[[Judges 21]], symbolizing Israel's profound spiritual and societal decline in the absence of righteous leadership. It was also the hometown of King Saul and is frequently referenced by prophets as a byword for Israel's sinfulness. Theologically, *Gibʻâh* serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked sin, the urgent need for divine order, and the ultimate necessity of a righteous King to guide God's people.
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