feminine from גָּבַהּ; hillock; Jogbehah, a place East of the Jordan; Jogbehah.
Transliteration:Yogbᵉhâh
Pronunciation:yog-beh-haw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3011}}` (Yogbᵉhâh) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H1361}}` (גָּבַהּ, *gabah*), meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lofty." Linguistically, `{{H3011}}` thus carries the core meaning of a "high place" or "hillock." As a proper noun, it designates a specific geographical location, a settlement situated on or near an elevated piece of ground. The name itself speaks to the topographical feature that likely characterized the area, distinguishing it as a site of elevation within its surrounding landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Jogbehah `{{H3011}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Numbers:
* **[[Numbers 32:35]]**: "And Atroth-shophan, and Jaazer, and Jogbehah, and Beth-nimrah, and Beth-haran, fortified cities: and folds for sheep."
In this solitary occurrence, Jogbehah is listed among the cities rebuilt and fortified by the tribe of Gad after the conquest of the Transjordanian territories. The context is the allocation and settlement of land east of the Jordan River. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half the tribe of Manasseh, requested this territory, and Moses granted it to them on the condition that they would assist the other tribes in conquering the land west of the Jordan. Jogbehah is specifically mentioned as one of the cities rebuilt by the Gadites, indicating its strategic importance or established presence within their allotted inheritance. Its inclusion in this list underscores its reality as a tangible geographical marker within the emerging tribal boundaries of Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H3011}}` is its root, `{{H1361}}` (גָּבַהּ, *gabah*), which signifies height or elevation. This root is widely used throughout the Old Testament, often to describe:
* **Physical height**: Mountains, trees, or structures.
* **Exaltation**: God's exalted nature, or the exalting of a king or nation.
* **Pride/Arrogance**: The negative connotation of human haughtiness or self-exaltation (e.g., [[Proverbs 16:18]]).
While Jogbehah itself is a geographical name and not directly associated with the theological nuances of "high places" (בָּמָה, *bamah*) used for worship, its etymological link to "height" places it within the broader biblical understanding of elevated locations. Other related concepts include:
* **Tribal Allotment**: The division of the land among the Israelite tribes, a key theme in Numbers and Joshua.
* **Conquest and Settlement**: The process by which Israel took possession of the Promised Land.
* **Transjordan**: The region east of the Jordan River, significant for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, the theological significance of Jogbehah `{{H3011}}` is primarily indirect and contextual. It serves as a tangible marker within the narrative of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
1. **Fulfillment of Promise**: The mention of Jogbehah as a city rebuilt by Gad testifies to the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Abraham's descendants ([[Genesis 12:7]]). It is part of the concrete reality of Israel's inheritance.
2. **Divine Providence in Allotment**: The meticulous detailing of cities and territories in Numbers 32 reflects God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the settlement of His people. Even seemingly minor geographical points like Jogbehah are part of a larger divine plan for the nation of Israel.
3. **Identity and Belonging**: For the tribe of Gad, Jogbehah represented a piece of their divinely allotted heritage, contributing to their identity and sense of belonging within the larger community of Israel. It was a place where they could establish their homes and livelihoods under God's blessing.
4. **Contrast with Idolatrous High Places**: While the name means "high place," Jogbehah is distinct from the "high places" (בָּמָה) that became centers of idolatrous worship in later Israelite history. Jogbehah is simply a descriptive geographical name for a settlement, devoid of any negative cultic association in its biblical context.
### Summary
Jogbehah `{{H3011}}` is a Hebrew proper noun meaning "hillock" or "high place," derived from the root `{{H1361}}` (to be high). It appears once in the Bible, in [[Numbers 32:35]], as a city rebuilt and fortified by the tribe of Gad in the Transjordanian territory. Its significance lies in its role as a concrete geographical marker within the divinely ordained tribal allotments, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promise of land to Israel. Though its name denotes elevation, it carries no negative cultic connotations of idolatrous "high places," serving instead as a testament to God's precise provision and the establishment of His people in their inheritance.
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