The Hebrew name Gêrâʼ, represented by H1617, is defined as "a grain; Gera, the name of six Israelites; Gera." It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The name functions primarily as a genealogical marker to identify several individuals, almost exclusively within the tribe of Benjamin.
In the biblical narrative, H1617 appears in several key family lines. Most notably, Gera is the father of Shimei, a man from the house of Saul who cursed King David during his flight from Jerusalem 2 Samuel 16:5. This same Shimei, son of Gera, later sought David's forgiveness 2 Samuel 19:18. The name is also connected to a hero of Israel; the LORD raised up Ehud, the son of Gera, as a deliverer for the children of Israel Judges 3:15. In genealogies, Gera is listed as a son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21 and as a son of Benjamin's firstborn, Bela 1 Chronicles 8:3. Another Gera is mentioned as a clan leader who removed families and begat sons 1 Chronicles 8:7.
Several related words help establish the context surrounding the individuals named Gera:
- H1121 bên (son): This word is essential for understanding Gera's place in scripture, as he is almost always identified either as the son of a patriarch like Benjamin or as the father of a notable son like Ehud or Shimei (Judges 3:15, 2 Samuel 16:5).
- H1144 Binyâmîyn (Benjamin): The name Gera is intrinsically linked to the tribe of Benjamin. He is listed as a direct son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21, and his most prominent descendants are identified as Benjamites.
- H1145 Ben-yᵉmîynîy (Benjamite): This term, meaning a descendant of Benjamin, is used to specify the tribal identity of both Ehud and Shimei, the two most famous sons of a man named Gera (Judges 3:15, 1 Kings 2:8).
- H8096 Shimʻîy (Shimei): As the son of Gera, Shimei is a significant figure in the narrative of King David, representing the lingering loyalties to the house of Saul 2 Samuel 19:16.
- H164 ʼÊhûwd (Ehud): A celebrated deliverer of Israel who is identified as the son of Gera Judges 3:15. His story provides a heroic counterpoint to the contentious actions of Shimei, another son of Gera.
The narrative significance of H1617 is found in the contrasting characters who share this lineage.
- A Divided Legacy: The name Gera is connected to both a national hero and a royal antagonist. On one hand, Ehud son of Gera was a deliverer raised up by the LORD to save Israel from Moabite oppression Judges 3:15. On the other, Shimei son of Gera was a man who cursed the LORD's anointed king with a grievous curse 1 Kings 2:8.
- Tribal Identity: The consistent identification of Gera's descendants as Benjamites is significant. The tribe of Benjamin produced Israel's first king, Saul, and figures like Shimei highlight the political tensions that persisted after the kingdom was transferred to David of Judah 2 Samuel 16:5.
- Genealogical Anchor: In its various appearances, the name Gera serves to anchor individuals within the broader family of Israel. It establishes clear lines of descent from the patriarch Benjamin Genesis 46:21 and marks the heads of smaller family units within the tribe (1 Chronicles 8:3, 1 Chronicles 8:7).
In summary, H1617 Gêrâʼ is a personal name used to identify several men from the tribe of Benjamin. While not a word with deep theological meaning in itself, its importance lies in its genealogical function and the powerful stories attached to its bearers. The name connects to both the celebrated deliverer Ehud and the divisive Shimei, illustrating how a single lineage can produce individuals of vastly different character and allegiance within the history of Israel.
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