The Hebrew word Girgâshîy, represented by H1622, identifies a Girgashite, one of the native tribes of Canaan. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. The term is a patrial name, meaning it denotes an inhabitant of a specific, though unstated, place. The Girgashites are consistently listed among the peoples inhabiting the land promised to Israel.
In the biblical narrative, H1622 appears almost exclusively in lists of Canaanite nations. These lists serve to define the inhabitants of the land God covenanted to give to the seed of Abraham (Genesis 15:21, Nehemiah 9:8). The Girgashites are specifically named among the seven nations "greater and mightier" than Israel that God would cast out before them Deuteronomy 7:1. This act of driving them out was a sign to Israel that the "living God is among" them Joshua 3:10. They were also among the peoples who fought against Israel after the crossing of the Jordan, whom God delivered into Israel's hand Joshua 24:11.
Several related words and peoples provide context for the role of the Girgashites:
- H2850 Chittîy (Hittite): A descendant of Cheth, the Hittites are another of the prominent Canaanite tribes consistently listed alongside the Girgashites as inhabitants of the promised land Deuteronomy 7:1.
- H567 ʼĔmôrîy (Amorite): The Amorites are described as mountaineers and are one of the most frequently mentioned Canaanitish tribes, often appearing in the same lists as the Girgashites Genesis 10:16.
- H2983 Yᵉbûwçîy (Jebusite): An inhabitant of Jebus, the Jebusites are another of the native tribes whose land was part of the covenant promise and who are genealogically listed with the Girgashites 1 Chronicles 1:14.
- H3423 yârash (to occupy): This root word is crucial to understanding the fate of the Girgashites. It means to occupy by driving out previous tenants and is used to describe God's promise to "without fail drive out" the Girgashites and other tribes from before Israel Joshua 3:10.
- H5394 nâshal (to pluck off): This verb, meaning to eject or divest, is used to describe how God would cast out the seven nations, including the Girgashites, from the land before Israel Deuteronomy 7:1.
The theological significance of H1622 is found in its role within the larger story of God's actions toward Israel.
- Covenant Fulfillment: The inclusion of the Girgashites in the list of nations whose land would be given to Abraham's seed is a key part of God's covenant promise. Their eventual displacement is presented as a fulfillment of God's righteous words Nehemiah 9:8.
- God's Sovereignty: The Girgashites are part of a group of seven nations described as "greater and mightier" than Israel Deuteronomy 7:1. Their removal was not due to Israel's strength but was a direct act of God, demonstrating His power to drive out established peoples Joshua 3:10.
- Divine Inheritance: The story of the Girgashites is fundamentally about displacement and inheritance. God's action to cast out these tribes was the means by which Israel could possess the land He had promised them Deuteronomy 7:1.
In summary, H1622 Girgâshîy is not a term with deep standalone meaning but is significant for its consistent role as one of the Canaanite tribes. The Girgashites represent the pre-existing inhabitants of the promised land. Their narrative function is to serve as a subject of God's power and faithfulness, demonstrating His ability to fulfill His covenant promises to Israel by dispossessing nations "greater and mightier" so that His people could inherit the land.
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