גְּדֵרוֹת
Gederoth, a place in Palestine
Definition
Gederoth is a proper noun referring to a town in the lowland (Shephelah) region of the tribe of Judah. The name itself means 'walls' or 'enclosures,' likely describing its fortified nature. It is listed among the cities of Judah in Joshua 15:41 and is later mentioned in 2 Chronicles 28:18 as one of the towns captured by the Philistines during the reign of King Ahaz, indicating its strategic location near the coastal plain and its vulnerability to invasion.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exclusively as a geographical place name in the Old Testament. It appears only twice, both times in lists of cities. In Joshua 15:41, it is cataloged as part of Judah's inheritance following the conquest. In 2 Chronicles 28:18, its capture by the Philistines is recorded as part of a national crisis, highlighting the town's significance as a border settlement that was lost during a period of Judean weakness.
Etymology
Gederoth (גְּדֵרוֹת) is the plural form of the Hebrew word gᵉdêrâh (H1448), which means 'wall,' 'enclosure,' or 'sheepfold.' It derives from the root g-d-r (גדר), meaning 'to wall up' or 'to fence in.' The plural ending likely indicates a place characterized by multiple walls or enclosures, suggesting a fortified settlement.
Semantic Range
While Gederoth itself is not the focus of major theological themes, its mention in 2 Chronicles 28:18 serves a theological purpose. Its capture is presented as divine judgment against Judah for the idolatry and unfaithfulness of King Ahaz (2 Chronicles 28:19). The loss of this fortified town illustrates the tangible consequences of covenant disobedience, as God allowed enemy nations to prevail against Judah.
As a fortified town in the Judean Shephelah, Gederoth was part of a network of settlements defending the hill country from Philistine incursions from the coastal plain. Its name reflects the practical necessity of defensive walls for security. Its capture by the Philistines in the 8th century BC underscores the ongoing military and political tensions along this frontier during the divided monarchy.
Geder (H1445) — another place name meaning 'wall,' located in the hill country. Gedor (H1446) — a town name, also derived from the same root for 'wall.'
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.
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