feminine active participle of גָּעָה; lowing; Goah, a place near Jerusalem; Goath.
Transliteration:Gôʻâh
Pronunciation:go-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word Gôʻâh (`{{H1601}}`) is a feminine active participle derived from the verbal root גָּעָה (gaʻah, `{{H1600}}`). The root primarily signifies "to low," "to bellow," or "to cry out" like an animal, particularly cattle. As a participle, Gôʻâh literally means "lowing" or "bellowing." However, in its sole biblical occurrence, it functions as a proper noun, "Goah," referring to a specific geographical location near Jerusalem. The connection between the literal meaning of "lowing" and the place name suggests a potential etymological origin, perhaps indicating an area known for its livestock or the sounds they made, or possibly even a place associated with a mournful cry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Gôʻâh (`{{H1601}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Jeremiah:
* [[Jeremiah 31:39]]: "And the measuring line shall go out farther, straight to the hill Gareb, and then turn to Goah."
The context of this verse is a profound prophetic passage (Jeremiah 31:38-40) detailing the future restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem. Jeremiah describes the expanded and sanctified boundaries of the city in the eschatological era. Goah is listed as a specific landmark, indicating a point on the extended perimeter of the future Jerusalem. While its precise location remains a subject of scholarly debate, it is generally believed to be situated to the southwest or west of ancient Jerusalem, possibly in the vicinity of the Valley of Hinnom, given its mention alongside "the whole valley of the dead bodies and the ashes" ([[Jeremiah 31:40]]). The inclusion of Goah within these prophetic boundaries signifies its incorporation into the holy, renewed city, implying a purification and consecration of areas that might have previously been considered peripheral or even defiled.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root word:** The primary related term is the verbal root גָּעָה (gaʻah, `{{H1600}}`), from which Gôʻâh is derived. This connection to the sound of "lowing" or "bellowing" highlights the potential origin of the place name.
* **Topographical Markers:** In [[Jeremiah 31:38-40]], Goah is mentioned alongside other specific geographical features that delineate Jerusalem's future boundaries, such as the "Tower of Hananel," the "Gate of the Corner," the "Hill Gareb," the "Kidron Valley," and the "Horse Gate." These terms collectively paint a detailed picture of the city's expanded extent.
* **Prophetic Geography:** The use of precise place names in prophetic visions (e.g., in Ezekiel's temple vision or Zechariah's prophecies) serves to ground the eschatological hope in a tangible, albeit divinely transformed, reality.
* **Sanctification:** The overarching concept in [[Jeremiah 31:40]] that the entire expanded area, including Goah, "shall be holy to the Lord," is crucial. This emphasizes the divine act of consecration that will transform all aspects of the restored land and people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of "Goah" primarily stems from its unique role as a boundary marker in Jeremiah's prophecy of Jerusalem's restoration. Its inclusion in the expanded and sanctified city of the future underscores God's comprehensive plan for redemption and renewal. The prophecy in [[Jeremiah 31]] speaks of a New Covenant, a profound spiritual transformation, and a re-establishment of the relationship between God and His people. The physical expansion and sanctification of Jerusalem, encompassing areas like Goah—which might have been considered ordinary, peripheral, or even associated with uncleanness (given its proximity to the "valley of dead bodies and ashes," often identified with the Valley of Hinnom, a place of idolatry and defilement)—symbolizes the radical breadth and depth of God's redemptive work. It signifies that God's presence and holiness will permeate and sanctify even the furthest reaches and previously defiled parts of His people's domain. Goah, therefore, represents the all-encompassing nature of God's grace and the complete transformation wrought by His divine purpose, leaving no part untouched by His covenant presence.
### Summary
Gôʻâh (`{{H1601}}`), transliterated as "Goah," is a unique Hebrew proper noun appearing only once in the biblical text. While its etymological root points to the sound of "lowing" or "bellowing," its significance lies in its singular occurrence in [[Jeremiah 31:39]]. There, Goah functions as a precise geographical landmark, delineating the expanded and sanctified boundaries of the rebuilt Jerusalem in the prophetic vision of the future. Its inclusion within the holy city emphasizes God's comprehensive plan for restoration, wherein even previously peripheral or potentially defiled areas are brought under divine consecration. Thus, Goah stands as a powerful symbol of the thoroughness of God's redemptive work, encompassing and sanctifying all that belongs to His renewed covenant people.
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