גַּת־רִמּוֹן
Gath-Rimmon, a place in Palestine
Definition
Gath-Rimmon is a compound place name meaning 'winepress of the pomegranate.' It refers to two distinct Levitical cities in ancient Israel, both designated for the tribe of Levi. One was located in the territory of Dan (Joshua 19:45) and the other in the territory of Manasseh west of the Jordan (Joshua 21:24-25). As a Levitical city, it was a place where the priestly tribe lived and served, receiving support from the surrounding tribes.
Biblical Usage
The name Gath-Rimmon appears four times in the Old Testament, exclusively in lists detailing the allotment of cities to the tribes of Israel. It is used in the context of territorial assignments in the books of Joshua and 1 Chronicles. In Joshua 19:45, it is listed as a city within the inheritance of Dan. In Joshua 21:24-25 and its parallel in 1 Chronicles 6:69, it is specifically noted as one of the cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Manasseh.
Etymology
The name is a compound of two Hebrew words: גַּת (Gath, H1660), meaning 'winepress,' and רִמּוֹן (Rimmôn, H7416), meaning 'pomegranate.' It is a descriptive toponym, likely indicating a location known for pomegranate cultivation and wine production. Similar compound names with 'Gath-' (like Gath-Hepher) appear elsewhere, often signifying a prominent or fortified place.
Semantic Range
As a Levitical city, Gath-Rimmon highlights the practical fulfillment of God's provision for the priestly tribe, who received no large tribal territory (Joshua 13:14, 33). Its inclusion in the tribal allotments underscores the theme of God faithfully providing for those set apart for His service. Understanding its role enriches the reading of texts about Israel's settlement by showing how the Levites were integrated into the life of the nation.
Place names in ancient Israel were often descriptive of local geography, agriculture, or notable features. A 'winepress of the pomegranate' suggests this was a fertile area where pomegranates, a valuable fruit, were processed. The assignment of such productive cities to the Levites, who were dependent on agricultural tithes, was a practical means of economic support for Israel's religious leadership.
עִיר (ʿîr, H5892) — A generic term for 'city,' whereas Gath-Rimmon is a specific city name. עִיר הַלְוִיִּם (ʿîr haləwîyim) — The phrase for 'Levitical city,' describing Gath-Rimmon's primary function.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →