of uncertain derivation; Gimzo, a place in Palestine; Gimzo.
Transliteration:Gimzôw
Pronunciation:ghim-zo'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּמְזוֹ (Gimzôw), transliterated as Gimzo, refers exclusively to a specific geographical location in ancient Judah. Its etymological derivation is explicitly stated as "of uncertain derivation" in the base definition, meaning its name does not inherently carry a discernible semantic meaning from its linguistic roots. As a proper noun, Gimzo's "meaning" is tied solely to its identity as a place. It designates a town in the Shephelah (lowlands) or Negeb (south) region of Judah, indicating its position within the historical and geographical landscape of ancient Israel. Unlike common nouns or verbs, Gimzo possesses no broader semantic range; its significance is derived entirely from its historical context and the events associated with it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The town of Gimzo (`{{H1579}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in [[2 Chronicles 28:18]]. This solitary mention occurs within the historical account of King Ahaz's reign over Judah, a period marked by profound apostasy and national distress. The verse states: "For the Philistines also had invaded the cities of the Shephelah and the Negeb of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco with its villages, Timnah with its villages, and Gimzo with its villages; and they settled there."
The context reveals that Gimzo was one of several Judahite cities captured by the Philistines. This invasion was a direct consequence of King Ahaz's unfaithfulness to Yahweh, as detailed in the preceding verses of [[2 Chronicles 28]], where Ahaz is depicted engaging in idolatry and even sacrificing his own sons. The Philistine incursion, along with attacks from Aram and Israel, is presented as a form of divine judgment upon Judah. The phrase "with its villages" (וּבְנֹתֶיהָ) indicates that Gimzo was not merely an isolated settlement but a central town with dependent surrounding communities, suggesting a certain level of regional importance or population. Its inclusion in a list of captured cities like Beth Shemesh and Aijalon, strategically important towns in the Shephelah, underscores the severity of Judah's territorial loss and the extent of their vulnerability during this period.
### Related Words & Concepts
Given that גִּמְזוֹ (Gimzôw) is a proper noun of uncertain derivation, there are no linguistically related Hebrew words in the sense of shared roots or morphological connections. Its relatedness lies primarily in its geographical, historical, and thematic associations within the biblical narrative.
Conceptually, Gimzo is related to:
* **Geographical Regions:** The "Shephelah" and "Negeb of Judah," which define its general location and strategic vulnerability.
* **Neighboring Cities:** Other towns captured in the same Philistine invasion, such as Beth Shemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco, and Timnah. These collective losses paint a picture of widespread territorial erosion.
* **Historical Figures:** King Ahaz of Judah, whose reign and unfaithfulness directly precipitated the events in which Gimzo is mentioned.
* **Foreign Powers:** The Philistines, the specific invaders who captured Gimzo and other Judahite towns.
* **Thematic Concepts:** "Invasion," "territorial loss," "divine judgment," "apostasy," and "consequences of unfaithfulness." These broader theological themes provide the backdrop for Gimzo's singular appearance.
### Theological Significance
While Gimzo itself, as a mere place name, carries no intrinsic theological meaning, its mention in [[2 Chronicles 28:18]] is profoundly significant within the larger theological narrative of the Chronicler. The capture of Gimzo and other cities by the Philistines serves as a tangible manifestation of God's disciplinary judgment upon Judah. This judgment is directly linked to the egregious apostasy of King Ahaz, who "did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done" ([[2 Chronicles 28:1]]).
The loss of territory, including Gimzo, illustrates the principle of covenant curses for disobedience, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 28:47-48]]). When Judah turned away from Yahweh to worship foreign gods and engage in detestable practices, their divine protection was withdrawn, leaving them vulnerable to their enemies. Gimzo becomes a specific, concrete example of this vulnerability and the painful consequences of national unfaithfulness. Its inclusion emphasizes the reality of God's active involvement in history, bringing both blessing and judgment according to the covenant. The plight of Gimzo thus underscores the critical importance of covenant loyalty and the severe repercussions of idolatry and rebellion against the Lord.
### Summary
Gimzo (`{{H1579}}`, גִּמְזוֹ) is a proper noun referring to a town in the Shephelah or Negeb region of ancient Judah, whose etymological derivation remains uncertain. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[2 Chronicles 28:18]], where it is listed among the Judahite cities captured by the Philistines during the reign of the idolatrous King Ahaz. This event serves as a concrete illustration of divine judgment and the consequences of Judah's unfaithfulness to God. The loss of Gimzo, along with its surrounding villages, highlights the severe territorial and national distress experienced by Judah due to their covenant breaking. Thus, while Gimzo itself is merely a geographical marker, its presence in the biblical text powerfully underscores the theological themes of divine discipline, the repercussions of apostasy, and the tangible impact of turning away from the Lord.
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