from גָּמַר; completion; Gomer, the name of a son of Japheth and of his descendants; also of a Hebrewess; Gomer.
Transliteration:Gômer
Pronunciation:go'-mer
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גֹּמֶר (Gômer, `{{H1586}}`) is a proper noun derived from the verb גָּמַר (gamár, `{{H1584}}`), which carries the core meaning "to complete," "to finish," or "to bring to an end." Consequently, the name גֹּמֶר inherently suggests "completion" or "fullness." While its etymological root points to a state of being finished or perfected, in its biblical occurrences, גֹּמֶר functions exclusively as an onomastic identifier, referring to specific individuals or their descendants, rather than an abstract concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
גֹּמֶר appears in the biblical text in two primary contexts:
1. **Gomer, Son of Japheth:** He is listed as the firstborn son of Japheth, son of Noah, in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:2]], [[1 Chronicles 1:5]]). His descendants are traditionally identified with the Cimmerians, an ancient people who inhabited regions north of the Black Sea and later migrated into Asia Minor. This identification is supported by their inclusion in the prophetic vision of [[Ezekiel 38:6]], where Gomer, along with Togarmah, Meshech, and Tubal, is part of the formidable coalition from the "uttermost parts of the north" that will gather against Israel in the eschatological conflict. In this context, Gomer represents a distinct people group within the broader tapestry of nations, playing a role in God's sovereign plan for history.
2. **Gomer, Wife of Hosea:** She is introduced in [[Hosea 1:3]] as "Gomer daughter of Diblaim," whom the prophet Hosea is commanded by Yahweh to marry. This marriage, and the subsequent birth of their children, serves as a profound living parable illustrating Israel's spiritual adultery and unfaithfulness to their covenant with God. Gomer's actions, particularly her eventual unfaithfulness and need for redemption (implied in [[Hosea 3:1-3]]), mirror the nation's departure from Yahweh. While the name's meaning ("completion") is not explicitly expounded in relation to her character, it could subtly allude to the "fullness" of Israel's apostasy, or perhaps, paradoxically, the "completion" of God's redemptive plan that must encompass even such profound unfaithfulness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for גֹּמֶר is its root verb, גָּמַר (`{{H1584}}`), meaning "to complete," "to finish," or "to perfect." Other Hebrew terms that convey similar semantic ranges of completion, wholeness, or fulfillment include:
* כָּלָה (kālāh, `{{H3615}}`): "to complete," "to finish," often with an emphasis on termination or consumption.
* תָּמַם (tāmam, `{{H8552}}`): "to be complete," "to be finished," "to be perfect," implying wholeness and integrity.
* שָׁלֵם (shālēm, `{{H7999}}`): "to be complete," "to be sound," "to be at peace," often in the context of covenant fulfillment or peace offerings.
In the context of the Table of Nations, Gomer is related to other Japhetic peoples such as Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras ([[Genesis 10:2]]). In the prophetic context of Ezekiel, Gomer is associated with other northern nations like Togarmah (`{{H8425}}`), Meshech (`{{H4850}}`), and Tubal (`{{H8422}}`), all of whom are part of the eschatological forces arrayed against God's people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of גֹּמֶר is multifaceted, stemming from its dual appearances:
1. **In the Table of Nations and Prophecy:** Gomer's inclusion in [[Genesis 10]] underscores God's providential ordering of humanity after the flood, demonstrating His sovereignty over all peoples and their geographical distribution. The subsequent mention in [[Ezekiel 38:6]] highlights that even distant Gentile nations, seemingly outside the direct covenantal focus, are ultimately under divine control and will play a role in the unfolding of God's ultimate plan for Israel and the world. The "completion" implied by the name could subtly point to the *fullness* of the Gentile world being brought into God's historical narrative, or the *completion* of a specific phase of prophetic judgment.
2. **In the Book of Hosea:** Gomer's role as the prophet's unfaithful wife is profoundly theological. She serves as a living metaphor for Israel's spiritual harlotry against Yahweh, vividly portraying the nation's covenant breaking through idolatry and pursuit of other gods ([[Hosea 1:2]]). Yet, Hosea's continued love for Gomer, and his ultimate act of redeeming her ([[Hosea 3:1-3]]), powerfully illustrates God's steadfast love (חֶסֶד, *hesed*) for His unfaithful people. Despite Israel's complete spiritual defection, God's commitment to His covenant remains, promising ultimate restoration and "completion" of His redemptive purposes. The name גֹּמֶר thus speaks to both the "completion" of human sinfulness and the "completion" of divine grace that overcomes it.
### Summary
The Hebrew proper noun גֹּמֶר (Gômer, `{{H1586}}`), derived from the root meaning "to complete" or "to finish," holds significant, albeit distinct, theological weight in the biblical narrative. It identifies Gomer, the first son of Japheth, whose descendants are listed in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10:2]]) and later appear as a formidable northern power in Ezekiel's prophecy ([[Ezekiel 38:6]]), underscoring God's sovereign oversight of all nations. More poignantly, גֹּמֶר names the wife of the prophet Hosea ([[Hosea 1:3]]), whose life becomes a divinely ordained allegory for Israel's profound spiritual infidelity and Yahweh's enduring, redemptive love. While the etymological sense of "completion" is not explicitly elaborated in these narratives, it resonates subtly with themes of the full measure of human fallenness and the ultimate "completion" of God's covenantal and salvific purposes despite such unfaithfulness. Thus, גֹּמֶר bridges historical genealogy, prophetic eschatology, and deeply personal covenant theology within the Old Testament.
TRV