from גָּדַע; feller (i.e. warrior); Gidon, an Israelite; Gideon.
Transliteration:Gidʻôwn
Pronunciation:ghid-ohn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʻôwn), transliterated as Gideon, is a proper noun derived from the root גָּדַע (gadaʻ), which means "to cut off," "to hew down," or "to fell." Consequently, the name Gideon carries the semantic weight of "feller" or "one who cuts down." This etymological connection strongly implies the role of a warrior or a destroyer, someone who brings down adversaries or obstacles. While primarily a personal name, its root meaning is highly significant, foreshadowing the character's future actions and divine commission.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Gideon appears extensively throughout the book of Judges, primarily in chapters 6 through 8, where he is the central figure in Israel's deliverance from Midianite oppression. His story begins with his call by the Angel of the LORD while he was threshing wheat in secret, hiding from the Midianites [[Judges 6:11]]. Initially hesitant and seeking signs, Gideon, also known as Jerubbaal (meaning "let Baal contend against him") [[Judges 6:32]], demonstrates a blend of fear and faith.
His divine commission to "cut off" or "fell" the Midianite oppressors is remarkably consistent with his name's meaning. God drastically reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 to a mere 300 men, ensuring that the victory would be clearly attributed to divine power rather than human strength or numbers [[Judges 7:2-7]]. This small, unconventional force, armed with trumpets, jars, and torches, routed the vast Midianite army, fulfilling the prophetic implication of Gideon's name as a "feller" of enemies [[Judges 7:19-22]].
Following this decisive victory, Gideon refused the people's offer to make him king, asserting that "the LORD will rule over you" [[Judges 8:23]]. However, his subsequent action of creating an ephod from the spoils of war became a snare to Israel, leading to idolatry [[Judges 8:27]]. Despite this later misstep, his primary role as a divinely appointed deliverer, whose name aptly described his mission to "fell" the oppressors, remains central to his biblical portrayal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to גִּדְעוֹן (Gidʻôwn) is its root verb, גָּדַע (gadaʻ) `{{H1438}}`, meaning "to cut off," "to hew down," or "to fell." This root is used in various contexts in the Old Testament to describe the cutting down of trees, the severing of limbs, or the destruction of enemies and idols. For instance, it describes the cutting down of Asherah poles [[Judges 6:25]], an act Gideon himself performed, further connecting his name to his actions.
The narrative of Gideon also connects to broader biblical themes:
* **Divine Calling of the Unlikely:** Similar to Moses [[Exodus 3:11]] or David [[1 Samuel 16:7]], Gideon, initially perceived as the "least in Manasseh" [[Judges 6:15]], is chosen by God to accomplish a great work, highlighting God's ability to use the weak to shame the strong.
* **Reliance on God's Power:** The reduction of Gideon's army emphasizes the theological principle that victory comes from God alone, not from human might or numbers, a theme echoed in passages like [[Zechariah 4:6]].
* **The Cycle of Judges:** Gideon's story fits within the recurring pattern in the Book of Judges: Israel's sin, God's judgment through oppression, Israel's cry for help, and God's raising up a deliverer.
* **Faith and Doubt:** Gideon's repeated requests for signs (the fleece) illustrate the human struggle between faith and doubt, a relatable aspect for believers.
### Theological Significance
Gideon's story, and by extension the meaning of his name, serves as a powerful theological illustration of God's sovereignty and His method of working through human weakness. The name "Gideon," meaning "feller" or "warrior," is not merely descriptive of his future actions but is imbued with prophetic significance by God's choice of him. It underscores that God equips those He calls, enabling them to "fell" obstacles and enemies that are humanly insurmountable.
The dramatic reduction of Gideon's army is perhaps the most profound theological lesson. It demonstrates God's insistence that His glory not be shared with human strength. The victory over Midian was unmistakably divine, showcasing that "salvation belongs to the LORD" [[Psalm 3:8]]. This narrative reinforces the principle that God often chooses the humble and the fearful to demonstrate His power, ensuring that all praise redounds to Him alone.
Furthermore, Gideon's narrative highlights the ongoing struggle with idolatry in Israel. While Gideon himself "felled" the altar of Baal, his later creation of the ephod became a new source of spiritual stumbling for Israel, reminding future generations that even divinely appointed leaders can inadvertently lead to spiritual compromise. Despite this, Gideon is remembered in the "faith hall of fame" in [[Hebrews 11:32]], testifying to his ultimate trust and obedience in God's call, particularly in the face of overwhelming odds.
### Summary
Gideon (גִּדְעוֹן, Gidʻôwn, `{{H1439}}`), meaning "feller" or "warrior," is the name of a prominent judge in Israel whose story is recounted in Judges 6-8. His name perfectly encapsulates his divinely appointed mission to "fell" the Midianite oppressors, a task accomplished not through human might but through God's miraculous intervention. The narrative powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, His ability to use the weak and hesitant to achieve mighty victories, and the critical importance of relying solely on divine power. While Gideon's later actions with the ephod serve as a cautionary note regarding the enduring struggle against idolatry, his legacy remains one of faith and God's faithfulness in delivering His people.
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