the same as גְּדֵרָה; (with the article) Gederah, a place in Palestine; Gederah, hedges.
Transliteration:Gᵉdêrâh
Pronunciation:ghed-ay-raw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1449 (Gᵉdêrâh) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Israel. Its core meaning, however, is deeply rooted in the common Hebrew noun `{{H1447}}` (gĕdērāh), which signifies "a wall," "a hedge," or "an enclosure." This etymological connection suggests that the place named Gederah likely derived its appellation from a prominent feature of its landscape, such as defensive walls, agricultural hedges, or a naturally enclosed topography. The underlying verbal root is `{{H1443}}` (gāḏar), meaning "to wall up," "to build a wall," or "to fence in." Thus, the semantic range of Gederah, while specifically denoting a place, implicitly carries connotations of demarcation, protection, and ordered boundaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The proper noun H1449 (Gederah) appears in the Hebrew Bible in a single primary context, functioning exclusively as a city name:
* [[Joshua 15:36]]: "And Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages."
* In this passage, Gederah is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah within their inheritance. Specifically, it is situated in the Shephelah, the lowlands between the Judean mountains and the Philistine plain. The inclusion of Gederah within this list of cities underscores its existence as a recognized settlement during the period of Israelite conquest and settlement. Its mention alongside other specific towns provides crucial geographical data for understanding the tribal boundaries and the distribution of population in ancient Judah. The context is purely geographical and administrative, detailing the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel regarding the land.
It is important to note that while the Strong's definition mentions "hedges" as a meaning, this refers to the common noun from which the place name is derived (`{{H1447}}`), not a direct translation of H1449 itself in its biblical occurrences. H1449 consistently refers to the proper noun, the place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H1449 (Gederah) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* `{{H1447}}` (gĕdērāh): This is the common noun for "wall," "hedge," or "enclosure." It is the direct linguistic ancestor of the place name Gederah, providing its foundational meaning.
* `{{H1448}}` (gāḏēr): Similar to `{{H1447}}`, this noun also means "wall" or "fence."
* `{{H1443}}` (gāḏar): The verbal root "to wall up," "to build a wall," "to enclose," or "to fence." This verb describes the action that results in a gĕdērāh.
* `{{H1450}}` (Gederoth): A related place name, plural of Gederah, also located in the tribal territory of Judah ([[Joshua 15:41]], [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]). Its plural form suggests multiple enclosures or walled areas.
* `{{H1451}}` (Gederothaim): A dual form of Gederah, appearing with Gederah in [[Joshua 15:36]], possibly indicating a pair of Gederah-like settlements or a specific region.
These related terms collectively highlight the significant role of walls, hedges, and enclosures in ancient Israelite life, whether for defense, agriculture, or the demarcation of property.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating a specific city, Gederah itself does not carry intrinsic theological significance beyond its role as part of the divinely promised land to Israel. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Judah ([[Joshua 15:36]]) underscores the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, providing them with a secure inheritance.
However, the underlying etymological meaning of "hedge" or "wall" (`{{H1447}}`) resonates with profound theological concepts throughout Scripture:
* **Divine Protection:** God is often depicted as a "hedge" or "wall" of protection around His people. For instance, in [[Job 1:10]], Satan acknowledges that God has "made a hedge around him [Job] and around his house and around all that he has, on every side." This imagery conveys God's sovereign safeguarding and providential care over those who belong to Him.
* **Separation and Holiness:** Walls and hedges also signify separation and boundaries. In a theological sense, this can represent God's setting apart of His people for holiness, or the necessary distinction between the sacred and the profane.
* **Security and Provision:** The concept of an enclosure speaks to security, a place of safety and provision. This can be metaphorically applied to the security found in God's covenant and His unwavering presence with His people.
* **Order and Stewardship:** The act of building walls or hedges implies the establishment of order, the demarcation of property, and responsible stewardship of resources, reflecting principles of divine order in creation and human society.
Thus, while Gederah is a geographical marker, its name evokes a rich tapestry of biblical themes concerning divine providence, protection, and the ordered nature of God's creation and covenant.
### Summary
H1449 (Gederah) is a Hebrew proper noun designating a city located in the Shephelah region, part of the tribal inheritance of Judah, as recorded in [[Joshua 15:36]]. The name Gederah is derived from the common Hebrew word `{{H1447}}`, meaning "hedge" or "wall," suggesting that the city was characterized by such structures or was situated in an enclosed area. While the city itself serves primarily as a geographical reference point in the biblical narrative, its etymological root connects it to broader theological concepts. These include the divine provision and protection of God for His people, often symbolized by a "hedge" or "wall," and the establishment of boundaries that signify order, security, and separation for sacred purposes. The study of Gederah thus offers a glimpse into the physical landscape of ancient Israel and subtly points to the overarching themes of God's faithful presence and providential care.
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