by reduplication from גָּדַד (in the sense of cutting) cleft; Gudgodah, a place in the Desert; Gudgodah.
Transliteration:Gudgôdâh
Pronunciation:gud-go'-daw
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word גֻּדְגֹּדָה (Gudgôdâh, `{{H1412}}`) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its core meaning is derived from the reduplicated form of the root גָּדַד (gadad), which signifies "to cut," "to gash," or "to make incisions." The reduplication often intensifies the meaning or denotes a characteristic state, suggesting something deeply or repeatedly "cut." Thus, the base definition of Gudgôdâh is "cleft." This implies a geographical feature such as a ravine, a deep fissure, a gully, or a significant geological depression in the landscape. The semantic range is therefore strictly topographical, denoting a specific type of rugged terrain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גֻּדְגֹּדָה (Gudgôdâh, `{{H1412}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[Deuteronomy 10:7]]. This verse is part of Moses' recounting of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, specifically listing a sequence of encampments: "From Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water."
The context is a retrospective summary of the wilderness wanderings, emphasizing God's faithfulness in leading His people. As a place name, Gudgodah marks a specific point in this arduous journey. The description "cleft" aligns well with the desert topography, which is often characterized by wadis and rocky ravines. The subsequent mention of "Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water," suggests that Gudgodah was either immediately adjacent to, or a transitional point leading towards, an area of vital water sources. This sequence highlights the divine provision in leading Israel through desolate regions to places of refreshment.
A parallel account in [[Numbers 33:32-33]] mentions "Hor-Hagidgad" (חֹר הַגִּדְגָּד), which is linguistically related, deriving from the same root גָּדַד (gadad) and meaning "Hollow of Gidgad" or "Cave of Gidgad." This strong etymological and contextual link suggests that Gudgodah and Hor-Hagidgad likely refer to the same location or very similar geographical features in the same vicinity, reinforcing the meaning of a depression or cleft in the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root גָּדַד (gadad, `{{H1413}}` or `{{H1414}}`). This root carries the core meaning of "to cut," "to gash," or "to make incisions." It appears in various forms and contexts in the Hebrew Bible:
* In its verbal form, it can describe the pagan practice of self-mutilation or gashing oneself ([[1 Kings 18:28]], [[Jeremiah 48:37]]).
* It can also relate to "cutting off" or "forming a troop" (e.g., גְּדוּד, gedud, `{{H1416}}`, meaning "a troop" or "band," perhaps from the idea of cutting off a section to form a group).
Beyond the direct root, the concept of a "cleft" relates to other Hebrew terms for topographical features common in the desert:
* נַחַל (nachal, `{{H5158}}`): a wadi or torrent-valley, often dry but prone to flash floods.
* עֵמֶק (emek, `{{H6010}}`): a valley or plain.
* גַּיְא (gai, `{{H1516}}`): a ravine or deep valley.
The broader concept of the wilderness (מִדְבָּר, midbar, `{{H4057}}`) is also crucial, as Gudgodah is a specific, named point within this vast and challenging landscape. The detailed naming of such a feature underscores the Israelites' intimate experience of the terrain and the divine chronicler's precision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Gudgodah, though it is a singular occurrence, is interwoven with the larger narrative of the Exodus and wilderness wanderings.
1. **Divine Guidance and Providence:** The very fact that a specific "cleft" in the desert is named and recorded in the divine itinerary highlights God's meticulous guidance. He led His people not vaguely through the wilderness, but from one precisely known point to another. The sequence from a "cleft" (Gudgodah) to a "land of brooks of water" (Jotbathah) powerfully illustrates God's providential care, leading His people through difficult, arid places to sources of life and refreshment.
2. **Remembering God's Faithfulness:** Moses' recounting of these specific locations in [[Deuteronomy]] serves as a pedagogical tool for the new generation entering the Promised Land. Each named stop, even one as seemingly minor as a "cleft," becomes a tangible reminder of God's enduring faithfulness and sustenance through forty years of trials. It underscores that every stage of their journey was under divine supervision.
3. **Symbolism of the Wilderness Journey:** The wilderness itself is a profound theological symbol of testing, purification, and absolute dependence on God. A "cleft" can metaphorically represent the challenging, broken, or seemingly impassable phases of life. God leads His people *through* such difficult "clefts," not around them, demonstrating His power to sustain them even in the most rugged and unyielding environments. It speaks to the divine ability to make a way where there seems to be no way.
4. **God's Sovereignty Over Creation:** The precise naming of a specific geographical feature like a "cleft" also subtly underscores God's intimate knowledge of and sovereignty over His creation, down to the very contours of the earth.
### Summary
גֻּדְגֹּדָה (Gudgôdâh, `{{H1412}}`) is a unique Hebrew place name found only in [[Deuteronomy 10:7]]. Derived from the root גָּדַד (gadad, `{{H1413}}` or `{{H1414}}`), meaning "to cut" or "to gash," its reduplicated form signifies a "cleft" or deep fissure in the landscape. This topographical designation likely refers to a specific ravine, gully, or hollow that served as a significant landmark during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Its parallel in [[Numbers 33:32]] as Hor-Hagidgad reinforces this understanding of a distinctive geological feature. Theologically, Gudgodah stands as a testament to God's precise and faithful guidance and provision for Israel, leading them through the challenging "clefts" of the desert to places of sustenance. It highlights divine sovereignty over creation and serves as a powerful reminder of God's sustaining presence even in the most arduous and seemingly inhospitable environments, transforming places of difficulty into markers of His enduring care.
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