patrial from גְּדֵרָה; a Gederathite, or inhabitant of Gederah; Gederathite.
Transliteration:Gᵉdêrâthîy
Pronunciation:ghed-ay-raw-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1452}}`, transliterated as *Gᵉdêrâthîy*, is a gentilic noun, specifically a patrial adjective. Its core meaning denotes an inhabitant or native of the town named Gederah. The term is derived directly from the place name `{{H1449}}` (Gederah), which itself means "a sheepfold" or "an enclosure." Thus, a Gederathite is literally "one from the place of the sheepfold." The semantic range of `{{H1452}}` is therefore quite narrow, confined strictly to geographical origin and identification. It carries no inherent moral, social, or theological connotations beyond its function as a descriptor of a person's hometown. Its primary purpose is to distinguish an individual by their association with this particular locale, much like "Nazarene" or "Bethlehemite."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1452}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 1 Chronicles:
* [[1 Chronicles 12:4]]: "And Jediael, and Joha his brother, the Tizite; Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite; Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite; Jediael the Gederathite; Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of Jeroham of Gedor."
In this passage, Jediael is identified as "the Gederathite." The context is a detailed list of the valiant men who came to David at Ziklag while he was still fleeing from Saul. This chapter highlights the diverse origins of David's loyal supporters, drawing individuals from various tribes and towns across Israel and even beyond (like Ithmah the Moabite). The inclusion of "Jediael the Gederathite" underscores the broad appeal of David's leadership and the widespread recognition of his legitimacy, even in a period of political instability. Gederah itself is mentioned elsewhere (e.g., [[Joshua 15:36]]) as a town in the Shephelah, the low foothills of Judah, indicating its location within the tribal territory of Judah. The identification of Jediael by his hometown serves to place him geographically and perhaps tribally, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the support David received.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the place name `{{H1449}}` (Gederah), from which `{{H1452}}` is derived. This root גדר (gadar) fundamentally means "to wall, to build a wall, to fence in," and by extension, "to enclose" or "to protect." This root is also found in other related place names such as `{{H1447}}` (Gedor) and `{{H1448}}` (Geder), emphasizing the concept of an enclosed or fortified place.
Conceptually, `{{H1452}}` belongs to a broader category of "gentilic" or "patrial" terms in the biblical text. These terms are crucial for identifying individuals by their place of origin, tribe, or family. Examples include "Bethlehemite," "Nazarene," "Giladite," or "Jebusite." Such designations were vital in ancient Israelite society for establishing identity, lineage, tribal affiliation, and sometimes even social status or historical context. They reflect a worldview where an individual's identity was deeply intertwined with their community and geographical roots. The use of such terms allows the biblical narrative to ground its characters within specific historical and geographical realities, making their stories more concrete and relatable.
### Theological Significance
While `{{H1452}}` is a purely geographical descriptor, its presence in the biblical record, particularly in the context of David's mighty men, carries subtle theological implications. Firstly, it speaks to God's providential ordering of individuals within specific geographical and historical contexts. Jediael the Gederathite was not an anonymous figure but a man from a particular town, called by God's providence to serve in a pivotal moment in Israel's history. This highlights the biblical principle that God uses specific people from specific places to accomplish His divine purposes.
Secondly, the inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds and locales, like the Gederathite, among David's loyal followers foreshadows the unifying nature of God's kingdom. Just as David gathered men from various towns and tribes to establish his earthly kingdom, God's ultimate spiritual kingdom draws people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([[Revelation 5:9]]). The Gederathite, though a minor detail, contributes to the rich tapestry of God's work, demonstrating that no location or background is too insignificant for God to raise up instruments for His will. It underscores the divine attention to detail in the formation of His covenant people and the establishment of His kingdom.
### Summary
`{{H1452}}`, *Gᵉdêrâthîy*, signifies an "inhabitant of Gederah," a town whose name means "sheepfold" or "enclosure." This gentilic term is found only once in the Hebrew Bible, identifying Jediael as "the Gederathite" among the valiant men who joined David at Ziklag ([[1 Chronicles 12:4]]). Its primary function is to denote geographical origin and affiliation, placing Jediael within a specific historical and communal context. While semantically narrow, its inclusion underscores the diverse origins of those who rallied to David, reflecting the unifying power of his leadership and, by extension, God's providential gathering of people from various backgrounds for His purposes. The term, like other gentilics, highlights the importance of place and identity in the biblical narrative, affirming that even seemingly minor geographical designations contribute to the detailed and divinely orchestrated tapestry of sacred history.
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