### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Gath-Rimmôwn**, represented by `{{H1667}}`, means "wine-press of (the) pomegranate". It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. All references identify it as a specific location in Palestine, primarily in the context of tribal land distribution and cities designated for the Levites.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1667}}` is consistently listed as a city given to the Levites. It is first mentioned as part of the territory of Dan, alongside **Jehud** `{{H3055}}` and **Beneberak** `{{H1139}}` [[Joshua 19:45]]. It is then identified as one of the Levitical cities granted from the tribe of Dan, along with **Aijalon** `{{H357}}` and its **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` [[Joshua 21:24]]. A similar passage also lists **Gathrimmon** `{{H1667}}` as a city with **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` given out of the **half** `{{H4276}}` **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` [[Joshua 21:25]]. The allocation is repeated in 1 Chronicles, where **Gathrimmon** `{{H1667}}` is again paired with **Aijalon** `{{H357}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:69]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and locations provide context for the role of Gath-Rimmôwn:
* `{{H357}}` **ʼAyâlôwn** (deer-field; Ajalon): This city is listed alongside Gath-Rimmôwn as a Levitical city in both Joshua and Chronicles, indicating a close geographical or administrative connection [[Joshua 21:24]].
* `{{H8590}}` **Taʻănâk** (of uncertain derivation; Taanak or Tanak): This city is paired with Gath-Rimmôwn as one of the two cities given to the Levites from the half-tribe of Manasseh [[Joshua 21:25]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (a suburb... open country): This term is crucial to understanding Gath-Rimmôwn's function. In three of its four appearances, it is described as having "suburbs," which were pasture lands designated for the flocks of the Levites [[Joshua 21:24]].
* `{{H4294}}` **maṭṭeh** (a branch... a tribe): This word establishes the context for Gath-Rimmôwn's allocation, identifying it as belonging to specific tribes like the **tribe** of Manasseh [[Joshua 21:25]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1667}}` is primarily geographical and administrative within the structure of ancient Israel.
* **Levitical City:** Its primary role was to serve as one of the cities designated for the Levites to dwell in, complete with its surrounding pasture lands, or **suburbs** `{{H4054}}`. This is highlighted in the detailed allotments found in the book of Joshua ([[Joshua 21:24]], [[Joshua 21:25]]).
* **Dual Tribal Association:** The biblical record uniquely associates Gath-Rimmôwn with two different tribes. It is listed as a city within Dan's inheritance [[Joshua 19:45]] and as a Levitical city from Dan [[Joshua 21:24]], but also as a Levitical city from the half-tribe of **Manasseh** `{{H4519}}` [[Joshua 21:25]].
* **Geographical Marker:** It serves as a fixed point in the geography of the Promised Land, often listed with other known cities like **Aijalon** `{{H357}}` and **Tanach** `{{H8590}}`, helping to define tribal boundaries.
### Summary
In summary, **Gath-Rimmôwn** `{{H1667}}` is not a person or concept but a specific place whose name evokes imagery of agriculture ("wine-press of the pomegranate"). Its scriptural importance lies entirely in its role within the organization of Israelite territory. The biblical accounts consistently identify it as a Levitical city, a key piece in the system that provided for the priestly tribe, and note its distinct association with the land allotments of both Dan and Manasseh.
TRV