### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gibʻônîy**, represented by `{{H1393}}`, is a patrial term for a **Gibeonite**, or an inhabitant of Gibon. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This identifier is primarily used to designate a specific non-Israelite people group whose history becomes deeply intertwined with Israel's, particularly concerning matters of covenant, sin, and justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, the **Gibeonites** `{{H1393}}` are central to a dramatic account of national consequence. They are identified not as children of Israel, but as a "remnant of the Amorites" [[2 Samuel 21:2]]. A famine during David's reign is attributed to King Saul, who "slew the Gibeonites" in violation of an oath Israel had made to them [[2 Samuel 21:1]]. When David seeks to make atonement, the **Gibeonites** refuse silver or gold, instead demanding the execution of Saul's sons, which is carried out ([[2 Samuel 21:3-4]], [[2 Samuel 21:9]]). Elsewhere, a **Gibeonite** is listed as one of the mighty men [[1 Chronicles 12:4]], and another is noted for helping repair the wall of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for understanding the Gibeonites:
* `{{H1391}}` **Gibʻôwn** (hilly; Gibon, a place in Palestine; Gibeon): This is the city from which the Gibeonites get their name. **Gibeon** was a "great city" whose men were "mighty" [[Joshua 10:2]], and it was a significant site where the LORD appeared to Solomon [[1 Kings 3:5]].
* `{{H567}}` **ʼĔmôrîy** (an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes; Amorite): This word defines the ancestry of the Gibeonites. Scripture explicitly states they are of the "remnant of the **Amorites**" [[2 Samuel 21:2]], distinguishing them from the surrounding Israelite tribes.
* `{{H3499}}` **yether** (an overhanging, i.e. (by implication) an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope (as hanging free); [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with.): This term describes the Gibeonites as a **remnant** of their people [[2 Samuel 21:2]], highlighting their status as survivors. The word is also used to describe the **residue** of people after a judgment [[Zechariah 14:2]].
### Theological Significance
The story of the **Gibeonites** `{{H1393}}` carries significant thematic weight concerning divine law and human responsibility.
* **Covenantal Integrity:** The narrative demonstrates the severe consequences of breaking an oath. Saul's decision to slay the Gibeonites, to whom Israel "had sworn," brought a famine upon the entire nation years later [[2 Samuel 21:2]].
* **National Atonement:** The famine is presented as a corporate problem stemming from the sin of a past leader. David's question, "wherewith shall I make the atonement" [[2 Samuel 21:3]], shows the need for national repentance to restore divine favor.
* **Justice over Wealth:** The Gibeonites' rejection of "silver nor gold" in favor of justice against Saul's "bloody house" underscores a biblical theme where restitution for life cannot be made with material wealth ([[2 Samuel 21:1]], [[2 Samuel 21:4]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1393}}` **Gibʻônîy** is far more than a simple demographic label. It identifies a people whose story serves as a powerful testament to the permanence of oaths, the reality of corporate sin, and the unyielding demand for justice. Through their interaction with Saul and David, the **Gibeonites** become a pivotal example of how Israel's relationship with other nations was governed by covenant and accountability before the LORD.
TRV