or (abridged) גִּתָּה־חֵפֶר; from גַּת and חָפַר with the article inserted; wine-press of (the) well; Gath-Chepher, a place in Palestine; Gath-kephr, Gittah-kephr.
Transliteration:Gath-ha-Chêpher
Pronunciation:gath-hah-khay'-fer
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1662}}` (Gath-ha-Chêpher) is a compound proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. Its etymology provides insight into its likely physical characteristics. The name is derived from two primary components: `{{H1660}}` (גַּת, *gath*), meaning "winepress," and `{{H2658}}` (חָפַר, *chaphar*), which can mean "to dig" or "a well/pit." The definite article "ha-" (הַ) is inserted between the two, yielding the literal translation "winepress of the well" or "winepress of digging." This suggests a place known for both agricultural production, specifically viticulture, and the presence of a significant water source, perhaps an excavated well. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this singular geographical identity, serving primarily as a locator within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1662}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of 2 Kings:
* [[2 Kings 14:25]] states, "He restored the territory of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke through his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher."
This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant, as it identifies Gath-hepher as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. The context is the reign of Jeroboam II, during which Israel experienced a period of territorial expansion and relative prosperity. The verse attributes this success to the prophetic word of Jonah, thereby anchoring the prophet historically and geographically. Gath-hepher was located in the tribal territory of Zebulun, within the northern kingdom of Israel. Its mention here grounds Jonah's ministry in a tangible, identifiable place, affirming his historical existence as a prophet within Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H1662}}` connect it to broader biblical themes:
* **`{{H1660}}` (Gath):** This element links Gath-hepher to other places bearing the name "Gath," most notably Gath of the Philistines (`{{H1661}}`), a major Philistine city. However, it is crucial to distinguish `{{H1662}}` as a separate, distinct location within Israelite territory, not to be confused with the Philistine city. The presence of "winepress" in its name suggests agricultural activity, a common feature of ancient Israelite life.
* **`{{H2658}}` (Chaphar):** This root signifies "to dig" or "a well." Wells were vital for survival in the arid ancient Near East, representing sources of life, sustenance, and often, conflict (e.g., Isaac and the Philistines over wells in Genesis). Its inclusion in the place name points to the importance of water resources at this site.
* **Prophetic Lineage:** The most significant connection is to the prophet Jonah (`{{H3399}}`). Gath-hepher is inextricably linked to Jonah's identity and ministry. This connection highlights how God raises up His messengers from specific, often humble, origins.
* **Territorial Boundaries:** The mention in [[2 Kings 14:25]] places Gath-hepher within the historical geography of Israel, specifically the restored borders of Jeroboam II's reign. This contributes to the overall picture of Israel's territorial history.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1662}}` primarily stems from its association with the prophet Jonah.
* **Divine Election and Sovereignty:** Gath-hepher, a seemingly obscure town in Zebulun, was divinely chosen as the birthplace and home of a prophet tasked with a monumental mission to Nineveh. This underscores God's sovereign choice of individuals from all walks of life and from any location to fulfill His purposes. It demonstrates that God's plan is not limited to prominent cities or powerful families, but extends to the humble and the geographically remote.
* **Historical Veracity of Scripture:** The specific mention of Jonah's hometown in [[2 Kings 14:25]] lends historical credibility and grounded reality to the prophetic narrative. It roots the story of Jonah, with its extraordinary events, in a verifiable geographical context, affirming the historical nature of biblical revelation.
* **God's Knowledge of All Places:** The fact that the biblical record preserves the specific origin of Jonah from Gath-hepher speaks to God's intimate knowledge and involvement with every place and every person, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant from a human perspective. Gath-hepher was not overlooked by the divine plan.
* **God's Use of the Unlikely:** Jonah himself was a reluctant prophet, yet God used him. His origin from a place named "winepress of the well" might subtly hint at a place of common, agricultural life, from which God called a man for an uncommon task.
### Summary
`{{H1662}}`, Gath-ha-Chêpher, means "winepress of the well," a compound Hebrew place name that points to a locale known for both viticulture and a water source. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 14:25]] identifies it as the hometown of the prophet Jonah, son of Amittai. This specific geographical anchor grounds Jonah's prophetic ministry in historical reality, affirming the biblical narrative's veracity. Theologically, Gath-hepher's significance lies in illustrating God's sovereign choice of individuals from specific, often unassuming, places to fulfill His divine purposes, highlighting His intimate knowledge of all creation and His use of the seemingly ordinary in His grand redemptive plan.
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