patrial from עַזָּה; an Azzathite or inhabitant of Azzah; Gazathite, Gazite.
Transliteration:ʻAzzâthîy
Pronunciation:az-zaw-thee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5841}}` (ʻAzzâthîy) is a gentilic or patrial noun, signifying an individual originating from the city of Gaza. It is directly derived from the place name `{{H5804}}` (ʻAzzâh), which is the ancient city of Gaza. Therefore, `{{H5841}}` literally translates to "of Gaza," or more commonly, "a Gazathite" or "Gazite." Its semantic range is strictly geographical and ethnic, serving to identify a person's affiliation with this prominent Philistine city. The word itself carries no inherent moral or theological judgment, but rather functions as a descriptor of origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5841}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily in the context of identifying the inhabitants of Gaza as a distinct people group. Its most significant occurrence is found in [[Joshua 13:3]]. Here, the "Gazathites" are explicitly listed among the "five lords of the Philistines," alongside the Ashdodites, Ashkelonites, Gittites, and Ekronites. This verse describes the extent of the land that remained to be conquered by the Israelites after the initial campaigns under Joshua. The inclusion of the Gazathites in this list underscores their identity as a powerful, organized, and unconquered entity within the promised land, posing an ongoing challenge to Israel's full possession of their inheritance. The context highlights the strategic importance of Gaza as a Philistine stronghold and its inhabitants as a formidable presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related term is `{{H5804}}` (ʻAzzâh), the city of Gaza itself, which forms the root of `{{H5841}}`. Understanding the history and significance of Gaza is crucial for comprehending the people referred to as Gazathites.
Furthermore, `{{H5841}}` is inextricably linked to the broader concept of the Philistines (`{{H6430}}`). The Gazathites were one of the five major city-states of the Philistine confederacy, often referred to as the Philistine "pentapolis." Therefore, any study of the Gazathites must consider their identity as a component of this larger, formidable enemy of Israel.
Other related concepts include the "Canaanites" (`{{H3669}}`), as the Philistines, though distinct in origin, occupied territory that was part of the broader Canaanite land. The concept of "unpossessed land" is also vital, as the continued presence of the Gazathites and other Philistine groups signifies Israel's incomplete obedience to God's command to fully dispossess the land's inhabitants.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5841}}` lies primarily in its representation of a persistent, un-dispossessed presence within the land promised to Israel. The mention of the "Gazathites" in [[Joshua 13:3]] serves as a stark reminder of Israel's partial obedience and the subsequent consequences. God had commanded Israel to utterly drive out the inhabitants of Canaan, but their failure to do so, particularly concerning powerful entities like the Philistines from Gaza, led to centuries of conflict, oppression, and a recurring struggle for national and spiritual purity.
The Gazathites, as part of the Philistine confederacy, symbolize a powerful, ungodly presence that continually challenged Israel's covenant faithfulness. Their continued existence within the land highlights the tension between God's promise and human failure. Moreover, the city of Gaza and its inhabitants become subjects of divine judgment in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Amos 1:6-7]], [[Zephaniah 2:4]], [[Zechariah 9:5]]), underscoring God's ultimate sovereignty over all nations, even those who resisted His people. Thus, the "Gazathite" represents a people destined for divine reckoning due to their wickedness and opposition to God's redemptive purposes.
### Summary
`{{H5841}}` (ʻAzzâthîy) designates an "inhabitant of Gaza," a "Gazathite." Its primary biblical reference in [[Joshua 13:3]] identifies them as one of the five principal lords of the Philistines, whose territory remained unconquered by Israel. This term is intrinsically linked to the city of `{{H5804}}` (Gaza) and the broader `{{H6430}}` (Philistine) identity. Theologically, the presence of the Gazathites signifies Israel's incomplete obedience in dispossessing the land, leading to future conflict and serving as a constant reminder of the consequences of disobedience. They represent an enduring, hostile presence within the Promised Land, ultimately subject to divine judgment as depicted in prophetic literature. The term thus serves as a geographical identifier with profound implications for covenant faithfulness and divine sovereignty.
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