probably from גַּלְעֵד; Gilad, a region East of the Jordan; also the name of three Israelites; Gilead, Gileadite.
Transliteration:Gilʻâd
Pronunciation:ghil-awd'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גִּלְעָד (Gilʻâd), Strong's number `{{H1568}}`, primarily refers to a significant geographical region located east of the Jordan River. Its etymology is closely linked to גַּלְעֵד (galʻêd, `{{H1567}}`), meaning "heap of witness" or "mound of testimony," a name given to the cairn erected by Jacob and Laban as a covenant marker in [[Genesis 31:47-48]]. This etymological connection imbues the place with a foundational significance related to covenant and divine witness. Beyond its geographical designation, גִּלְעָד also serves as a personal name for several individuals in the biblical narrative and, by extension, refers to the descendants of one such individual, the "Gileadites." Thus, its semantic range encompasses a physical territory, an ancestral lineage, and a symbolic marker of divine oversight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The region of Gilead is extensively mentioned throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the historical books. It was the inheritance of the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, who chose to settle east of the Jordan ([[Numbers 32:1-42]]). Its fertile pastures made it suitable for livestock, and it was renowned for its "balm," a medicinal substance ([[Jeremiah 8:22]], [[Jeremiah 46:11]]). Geographically, Gilead formed a crucial borderland, often contested by neighboring peoples like the Ammonites and Arameans, leading to numerous conflicts (e.g., [[Judges 11:1-33]] with Jephthah, [[2 Samuel 10:6-19]]). It served as a place of refuge for King David during Absalom's rebellion ([[2 Samuel 17:27-29]]). The prophet Elijah is introduced as "Elijah the Tishbite, of the settlers of Gilead" ([[1 Kings 17:1]]), highlighting its association with rugged, prophetic figures.
As a personal name, גִּלְעָד appears for:
1. A grandson of Manasseh, whose descendants, the Gileadites, formed a prominent clan within the tribe of Manasseh ([[Numbers 26:29-30]]).
2. The father of Jephthah, the judge ([[Judges 11:1]]).
3. A Gadite, son of Michael ([[1 Chronicles 5:14]]).
The prominence of the region often overshadows the personal names, but they underscore the deep connection between the land and its people.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is גַּלְעֵד (galʻêd, `{{H1567}}`), which is the direct etymological root, signifying "heap of witness." This term is a compound of גַּל (gal, `{{H1530}}`), meaning "heap" or "mound," and עֵד (ʻêd, `{{H5794}}`), meaning "witness." This etymological connection is crucial for understanding the foundational meaning of Gilead.
Other related concepts include:
* **Tribal Inheritance:** The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh's half-tribe, whose settlement in Gilead defined their identity and role within Israel.
* **Borderland:** Its strategic location east of the Jordan often made it a frontier, subject to invasion and conflict, particularly with Ammon and Aram.
* **Balm of Gilead:** A potent symbol of healing and restoration, though often lamented by Jeremiah as unavailable or ineffective for Israel's spiritual wounds ([[Jeremiah 8:22]]).
* **Refuge:** A place of safety, as exemplified by David's flight there.
* **Covenant:** The foundational narrative of Jacob and Laban's covenant at Galeed ([[Genesis 31:47-49]]) ties the very name of the region to the concept of agreements witnessed by God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גִּלְעָד is multifaceted.
Firstly, its very name, derived from "heap of witness," serves as a perpetual reminder of God's presence as a witness to human covenants and His faithfulness in upholding them. The covenant between Jacob and Laban, established at Galeed, prefigures God's watchful eye over His people and their promises.
Secondly, Gilead represents a vital part of the promised land, emphasizing God's provision of territory for His people, even beyond the Jordan. However, its position as a frontier also highlights the challenges and responsibilities of possessing the land, often requiring faith and courage in the face of external threats.
Thirdly, the "balm of Gilead" ([[Jeremiah 8:22]]) becomes a powerful metaphor for divine healing and restoration. In Jeremiah's lament, the absence of healing for Israel's spiritual wounds underscores their deep rebellion, yet the very existence of the balm points to God's inherent capacity and desire to heal. This imagery is often invoked to symbolize hope for spiritual and physical restoration.
Finally, Gilead's association with figures like Jephthah and Elijah, who operated with a rugged independence and strong faith, suggests a place where God raised up leaders for specific purposes, often in challenging circumstances. It embodies a complex interplay of physical geography, tribal identity, and divine purpose within the unfolding narrative of Israel.
### Summary
גִּלְעָד (Gilʻâd, `{{H1568}}`) is a rich biblical term, primarily denoting a significant region east of the Jordan River, whose name is rooted in גַּלְעֵד (galʻêd, `{{H1567}}`), meaning "heap of witness." This etymology underscores its foundational theological link to covenant and divine oversight. The region was the inheritance of the eastern tribes of Israel, known for its pastures, strategic importance as a borderland, and the famed "balm of Gilead." Beyond geography, it also served as a personal name for several Israelites. Theologically, Gilead represents God's faithful witness to covenants, His provision of land, and His capacity for healing and restoration, even when such healing is tragically rejected. Its history reflects the challenges and triumphs of Israel's frontier existence, making it a powerful symbol of both divine promise and human struggle.
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