גְּדֵרָה

(with the article) Gederah, a place in Palestine

Definition

Gederah (גְּדֵרָה) is a proper noun referring to a specific town in the territory of Judah, mentioned in Joshua 15:36. The name itself means 'a walled enclosure' or 'a sheepfold,' derived from the common noun for a wall or hedge. In its single biblical occurrence, it is listed among the cities in the Shephelah (lowland) region of Judah, indicating it was a fortified or enclosed settlement. No other distinct meanings or usages are attested for this place name in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, specifically in Joshua 15:36, within a list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. It appears in a geographical context, identifying Gederah as one of many towns in the Shephelah district. There are no patterns of usage beyond this singular, locative reference in a conquest narrative.

Etymology

Gederah is the feminine form of the noun גְּדֵרָה (gᵉdêrâh, H1448), which means 'wall,' 'enclosure,' or 'hedge.' It comes from the root גדר (gdr), meaning 'to wall up' or 'to fence in.' As a place name, it essentially means 'the enclosure' or 'the fortified place,' describing a settlement likely characterized by defensive walls or hedges.

Semantic Range

As a place name, Gederah reflects the common ancient Near Eastern practice of naming settlements after geographical features. A town named 'the enclosure' suggests it was a walled or fortified village, important for defense and community life in the contested foothills of Judah. This distinguishes it from an unwalled, open village.

גְּדֵר (Geder, H1445) — A similar place name, also meaning 'wall' or 'enclosure,' but referring to a different city (e.g., Joshua 12:13).

Word Details

Scripture References