or (fully) גְּדוֹר; from גָּדַר; inclosure; Gedor, a place in Palestine; also the name of three Israelites; Gedor.
Transliteration:Gᵉdôr
Pronunciation:ghed-ore'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1446}}` (Gᵉdôr) is a proper noun derived from the verb `{{H1443}}` (gadar), which means "to wall up, build a wall, fence, or enclose." Consequently, the foundational meaning of `{{H1446}}` is "inclosure," "a fenced place," or "a walled area." This etymological root is crucial for understanding the significance of the places and individuals bearing this name. As a proper noun, `{{H1446}}` refers to both a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine and the names of several Israelites, with its semantic range thus limited to these identifications while retaining the underlying concept of an enclosed or protected space.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H1446}}` appears in the Old Testament in two primary capacities: as a place name and as a personal name.
**As a Place Name:**
* **[[Joshua 15:58]]**: Gedor is listed as one of the cities in the hill country of Judah, specifically within the district of Hebron, alongside places like Halhul and Beth-zur. This situates Gedor in a strategically important region, where fortified settlements would have been common. Its name, "inclosure," suggests a naturally defensible or purposefully fortified site.
* **[[1 Chronicles 4:39]]**: This verse describes Simeonites seeking pasture for their flocks, migrating "to the entrance of Gedor" in search of suitable grazing land. This indicates that Gedor, or its vicinity, was known for its pasturage, possibly implying an enclosed or protected area for livestock, consistent with the root meaning.
* **[[1 Chronicles 12:7]]**: Among the mighty men who joined David at Ziklag are "Joelah and Zebadiah the sons of Jeroham of Gedor." This suggests that Gedor was a recognized settlement capable of supplying skilled warriors, further underscoring its significance as a populated and perhaps fortified place.
**As a Personal Name:**
* **[[1 Chronicles 4:4]]**: Gedor is identified as a descendant of Judah: "Penuel, the father of Gedor, and Ezer, the father of Hushah." Here, Gedor is presented as the son of Penuel, placing him within the genealogies of the tribe of Judah.
* **[[1 Chronicles 8:31]] and [[1 Chronicles 9:37]]**: Gedor is listed as a son of Jeiel, a prominent figure in the tribe of Benjamin, and a forefather of King Saul. These parallel passages confirm Gedor as a distinct individual within the Benjamite lineage.
The contexts reveal Gedor as a place of strategic importance within Judah, potentially offering security or rich resources, and as a name borne by individuals within significant tribal genealogies, connecting them to the heritage and identity of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relationship for `{{H1446}}` is its root verb, `{{H1443}}` (gadar), "to wall up, build a wall, fence, or enclose." This root gives rise to several related nouns that reinforce the concept of boundaries and protection:
* `{{H1444}}` (gader): This noun specifically means "a wall, fence, or hedge" (e.g., [[Numbers 22:24]], [[Proverbs 24:31]]). It often denotes a protective barrier around a field, vineyard, or property.
* `{{H1447}}` (gaderah): Similar to `{{H1444}}`, this noun also translates to "a wall" or "fence," often in the context of enclosures for flocks or vineyards (e.g., [[Ezekiel 42:12]]).
Conceptually, `{{H1446}}` and its cognates evoke themes of:
* **Security and Protection:** The very act of building a wall or fence implies defense against external threats, whether from wild animals, invaders, or rival groups.
* **Boundaries and Separation:** Enclosures define limits, distinguishing what is inside from what is outside, thereby establishing order, ownership, and identity.
* **Cultivation and Stewardship:** Walls and hedges were essential for protecting agricultural lands, particularly vineyards ([[Isaiah 5:2]], [[Mark 12:1]]), symbolizing careful cultivation and management.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1446}}` itself is a proper noun, its etymological root and related terms carry profound theological implications within the biblical narrative.
* **Divine Protection and Sovereignty:** The imagery of a "wall" or "hedge" is frequently employed to describe God's providential care and protection over His people. For instance, God is depicted as a "wall of fire" around Jerusalem ([[Zechariah 2:5]]) or as having placed a "hedge" around Job and his possessions ([[Job 1:10]]), signifying His sovereign control and safeguarding. The concept of an "enclosure" can thus be seen as a metaphor for God's covenant faithfulness in preserving His elect.
* **Order and Holiness:** The establishment of boundaries, as implied by "enclosure," is a recurring theme in God's interaction with humanity. From the boundaries set for the sea ([[Job 38:8-11]]) to the detailed specifications for the Tabernacle and its courts, God establishes order and distinguishes between the holy and the common. The "wall" can represent the divine demarcation that sets apart His people for His purposes.
* **Vulnerability and Judgment:** Conversely, the removal or breach of a "hedge" or "wall" signifies vulnerability, exposure to danger, and divine judgment. When God "breaks down the wall" of His vineyard ([[Isaiah 5:5]]), it symbolizes the removal of His protection due to Israel's unfaithfulness, leading to desolation. This underscores the conditional nature of divine protection based on covenant obedience.
* **The Name "Gedor":** As a proper name, Gedor, the "enclosure," may have subtly conveyed a sense of security, heritage, or perhaps the aspiration for protection for those who bore the name or lived in the place. It serves as a reminder of the tangible aspects of security and belonging in ancient Israelite society, often reflecting a deeper spiritual reality.
### Summary
`{{H1446}}` (Gᵉdôr) is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "inclosure," derived from the verb `{{H1443}}` (gadar), "to wall up or fence." It refers to both a significant town in the hill country of Judah, known for its strategic location and pastures ([[Joshua 15:58]], [[1 Chronicles 4:39]], [[1 Chronicles 12:7]]), and to two distinct individuals in Israelite genealogies: a descendant of Judah ([[1 Chronicles 4:4]]) and a Benjamite ([[1 Chronicles 8:31]], [[1 Chronicles 9:37]]). The underlying concept of "enclosure" is reinforced by related terms like `{{H1444}}` (gader) and `{{H1447}}` (gaderah), which denote walls and fences. Theologically, the root concept points to profound themes of divine protection and sovereignty, the establishment of sacred boundaries and order, and the consequences of their removal in judgment. While Gedor is a proper noun, its etymological depth enriches our understanding of security, belonging, and God's providential care in the biblical narrative.
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