dual of גְּדֵרָה; double wall; Gederothajim, a place in Palestine; Gederothaim.
Transliteration:Gᵉdêrôthayim
Pronunciation:ghed-ay-ro-thah'-yim
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גְּדֵרֹתַיִם (Gᵉdêrôthayim), Strong's number `{{H1453}}`, is a dual form derived from the noun גְּדֵרָה (gederah), meaning "wall" or "enclosure." The dual ending -ayim signifies "two" or "double." Thus, the core meaning of Gᵉdêrôthayim is "double wall" or "two walls." As indicated by its primary definition, it functions as a proper noun, specifically a place name in ancient Palestine. The name likely described a prominent geographical feature or fortification of the location, suggesting a site characterized by significant defensive structures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גְּדֵרֹתַיִם (Gᵉdêrôthayim) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:36]]: "And Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages."
In this verse, Gederothaim is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Shephelah, the lowlands between the central hill country and the Philistine plain. The context is a geographical inventory, meticulously detailing the tribal inheritances. Its inclusion in this list alongside other named settlements like Gederah (`{{H1452}}`, also meaning "enclosure" or "wall") suggests it was a recognized and perhaps fortified settlement within Judah's territory. The name itself, "double wall," implies a place of considerable defensive strength, possibly due to natural topography or human construction, making it a strategic point within the tribal allocation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root from which גְּדֵרֹתַיִם (Gᵉdêrôthayim) is derived is גדר (gadar), meaning "to wall," "to build a wall," or "to fence in." This root gives rise to several related terms:
* `{{H1447}}` (gader): "a wall," "fence," or "enclosure," often referring to a protective barrier.
* `{{H1448}}` (gederah): The singular form of the base noun for Gederothaim, also meaning "an enclosure" or "wall."
* `{{H1451}}` (Geder): A place name, possibly related in meaning, though its exact etymology is debated.
* `{{H1452}}` (Gederah): Another place name, the singular form of the base word, also found in Judah's territory in [[Joshua 15:36]] and [[1 Chronicles 4:23]].
* `{{H1454}}` (Gedor): Yet another place name, also in the territory of Judah, meaning "fortification" or "enclosure."
The conceptual field surrounding these words includes ideas of protection, boundaries, separation, security, and fortification. Walls in ancient Israel served not only for defense but also to demarcate property, enclose vineyards, and define communal spaces. The dual aspect of "double wall" in Gederothaim accentuates this sense of strong enclosure or defense.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, גְּדֵרֹתַיִם (Gᵉdêrôthayim) does not carry direct theological significance in the way a theological concept or divine attribute might. Its importance lies primarily in its role within the divinely ordained allocation of land to the tribes of Israel, as recorded in the book of Joshua. The meticulous listing of cities like Gederothaim underscores the precision and intentionality of God's covenantal promises regarding the land.
However, the *concept* of "walls" and "enclosures" carries profound theological weight throughout the biblical narrative. Walls often symbolize divine protection and security (e.g., God as a "wall of fire" around His people in [[Zechariah 2:5]]). They represent the boundaries of God's covenant people, separating them from the nations (e.g., the wall of the temple, the walls of Jerusalem symbolizing God's presence and the security of His dwelling place). A "double wall" could metaphorically suggest an exceptionally strong defense, perhaps hinting at the security God provides for His people and their inheritance. While Gederothaim is a specific place, its name echoes a broader biblical understanding of divine safeguarding and the establishment of secure habitations for God's chosen people within the promised land.
### Summary
גְּדֵרֹתַיִם (Gᵉdêrôthayim), Strong's number `{{H1453}}`, literally means "double wall," derived from the Hebrew word for "wall" in its dual form. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Joshua 15:36]], as a city allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Shephelah. Its name suggests it was a place of significant fortification or natural defensive features. While a specific geographical marker, it connects to the broader biblical themes of walls as symbols of protection, boundaries, and security, reflecting God's provision and the establishment of secure habitations for His people within the promised land.
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