probably from נָגַן (in the sense of treading out grapes); a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them); (wine-) press (fat).
Transliteration:gath
Pronunciation:gath
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1660 (גַּת, *gath*) primarily signifies a "wine-press" or "wine vat." This refers to the complete installation used for extracting juice from grapes, typically comprising an upper treading floor where grapes are crushed by foot, and a lower collection vat into which the juice flows. The base definition suggests a probable derivation from נָגַן (nagan), implying the action of "treading out" or "beating down," which is the core function performed within a gath. While its meaning is quite specific to this agricultural apparatus, its semantic range is limited, focusing on the physical structure and its immediate purpose in viticulture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H1660 appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, illustrating its significance in ancient Israelite life:
* **Agricultural Utility:** The gath is consistently presented as a vital part of the agricultural landscape. In [[Judges 6:11]], Gideon is found threshing wheat *in the wine-press* to hide it from the Midianites, highlighting its secluded or fortified nature, often carved into rock. This demonstrates the practical, multi-purpose use of such structures in times of need.
* **Symbol of Provision and Harvest:** The wine-press is a key indicator of a successful harvest and divine blessing. [[Deuteronomy 16:13]] links the Feast of Booths (Sukkot) to the ingathering from the threshing floor and the gath, symbolizing the culmination of God's provision and the abundance of the land. Similarly, [[Numbers 18:27]] references tithes from the wine-press as a measure of agricultural bounty.
* **Geographical Names:** Perhaps its most frequent appearance is as an element in place names, indicating regions known for viticulture. Examples include Gath of the Philistines ([[1 Samuel 5:8]]), Gath-hepher ([[Joshua 19:13]]), and Gittaim ([[2 Samuel 4:3]]). These names directly incorporate the term for "wine-press," underscoring the economic and cultural importance of wine production in these areas.
* **Action of Treading:** While H1660 refers to the *structure*, the action performed within it—treading grapes—is a powerful biblical image. Although other terms like `{{H3342}}` (*yeqev*) or `{{H6333}}` (purah) are often used for the *metaphorical* wine-press of judgment, the gath provides the concrete basis for understanding the intensity of such actions, as seen in contexts like [[Isaiah 63:2]] and [[Lamentations 1:15]] where the act of treading is described.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H3342}}` יֶקֶב (*yeqev*):** This is another prominent Hebrew term for "wine-press." While often used interchangeably with H1660 (*gath*), yeqev can sometimes more specifically denote the *vat* or *trough* where the juice collects, whereas gath might encompass the entire pressing installation, including the treading floor. Both terms are essential for understanding ancient wine production.
* **`{{H1661}}` גִּתִּית (*gittith*):** A derivative of H1660, this term appears in the titles of several Psalms (e.g., [[Psalm 8:1]]). Its precise meaning is debated, but it is often understood as a musical instrument, a tune, or a style associated with Gath or the wine-press itself.
* **`{{H6333}}` פּוּרָה (*purah*):** This word refers to a "wine-press," particularly in prophetic contexts where it serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and the treading of wrath, as vividly depicted in [[Isaiah 63:3]].
* **Wine (יַיִן, `{{H3196}}` *yayin*):** The primary product of the gath. The production of wine was a significant agricultural activity, and yayin held both practical and symbolic importance in Israelite society and worship.
* **Oil Press (בֵּית הַבַּד, *beit habbad*):** While distinct in purpose, the technology and architectural principles for extracting liquids from agricultural produce (grapes for wine, olives for oil) shared commonalities, reflecting the ingenuity of ancient agrarian societies.
### Theological Significance
The gath carries several layers of theological significance:
* **Divine Provision and Blessing:** The flourishing wine-press was a tangible sign of God's blessing and faithfulness to His covenant. An abundant harvest from the gath symbolized prosperity and the fruitfulness of the land, directly attributed to God's benevolent hand ([[Deuteronomy 16:13]]). Conversely, a lack of produce from the wine-press could signify divine judgment or a curse ([[Joel 1:17]]).
* **Human Labor and Stewardship:** The operation of the gath required significant human effort and skill. It underscores the biblical principle of human stewardship over creation and the necessity of diligent labor in partnership with God's provision to bring forth sustenance.
* **Sacred Economy:** The wine produced from the gath was not only for daily consumption but also played a crucial role in Israelite worship, used in libations and various offerings ([[Numbers 15:5-10]]). This elevates the humble agricultural structure to a place within the sacred economy of the covenant.
* **Metaphorical Basis for Judgment:** While H1660 itself is more concrete, the *action* of treading grapes in a gath provides the foundational imagery for the powerful biblical metaphor of divine judgment. The crushing and squeezing of grapes become a vivid symbol for the outpouring of God's wrath upon His enemies, as seen in prophetic visions where nations are "trodden" in the wine-press of God's fury (e.g., [[Isaiah 63:3]], [[Revelation 14:19-20]]). The gath, therefore, serves as the physical referent that makes such metaphorical language comprehensible and impactful.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1660 (גַּת, *gath*) denotes a "wine-press" or "wine vat," a fundamental agricultural installation in ancient Israel. Its core meaning is tied to the physical structure used for treading grapes and collecting their juice. Biblically, the gath appears in contexts related to agricultural production, divine blessing and provision, and is incorporated into various geographical names. It stands in close relation to `{{H3342}}` (*yeqev*), another term for a wine-press. Theologically, the gath symbolizes God's faithfulness in providing for His people, highlights the importance of human labor and stewardship, and serves as the concrete basis for the powerful biblical metaphor of divine judgment, where the treading of grapes represents the outpouring of wrath. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the agrarian foundation of ancient Israelite society and the profound connection between daily life, labor, and divine providence.
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