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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Gath-ha-Chêpher**, represented by `{{H1662}}`, means "wine-press of (the) well". Appearing 2 times in 2 verses, it is identified as a place in Palestine, with the abridged form **Gittahhepher** also being used.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1662}}` is first mentioned as a boundary marker in [[Joshua 19:13]], where the border passes on along the east to Gittahhepher. Its most notable appearance is in [[2 Kings 14:25]], where it is identified as the hometown of the prophet Jonah, the son of Amittai. This verse records that the LORD restored the coast of Israel according to the word He spoke through His servant Jonah, who was from Gathhepher.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this location:
* `{{H3124}}` **Yôwnâh** (Jonah): This is the prophet who came from Gath-ha-Chêpher. The town is primarily known as his birthplace, linking the location directly to his prophetic ministry [[2 Kings 14:25]].
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, coast): This word is used to describe the "coast" of Israel that was restored through the word spoken by Jonah of Gathhepher [[2 Kings 14:25]]. It reinforces the role of `{{H1662}}` as a geographical marker.
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): This term defines the identity of Jonah, the famous resident of Gath-ha-Chêpher, establishing the town as the origin of a man inspired by God [[2 Kings 14:25]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1662}}` is primarily geographical and historical, tying prophecy to a specific place.
* **Prophetic Origin:** It is the designated hometown of Jonah, the servant `{{H5650}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. This grounds the account of his ministry and the "word" `{{H1697}}` of God he delivered in a tangible, named location [[2 Kings 14:25]].
* **Geographical Landmark:** The name serves as a precise point of reference in Israel's geography. It functions as part of a border description that "passeth on along" `{{H5674}}` to the east `{{H4217}}` in the book of Joshua [[Joshua 19:13]].
* **Part of a Divine Restoration:** The prophecy delivered by Jonah of Gathhepher concerns the restoration of Israel's coast `{{H1366}}` from the entering of Hamath `{{H2574}}` to the sea of the plain `{{H6160}}`, marking it as a key site in a significant act of God [[2 Kings 14:25]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1662}}` is a specific town in Palestine whose name, "wine-press of (the) well," points to its agricultural setting. While only mentioned twice, it holds importance as both a boundary marker in the allotment of land and, more significantly, as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. Its presence in Scripture connects the divine word and major historical events to a real-world location within the land of Israel.
TRV