גֵּרָא
Gera, the name of six Israelites
Definition
Gera is a proper name given to six different individuals in the Old Testament. The most prominent is Gera, the father of Ehud the judge from the tribe of Benjamin, who delivered Israel from Moabite oppression (Judges 3:15). Another significant figure is Gera, the father of Shimei, who cursed King David during Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 16:5, 1 Kings 2:8). The name also appears in genealogical lists for several Benjamites, including sons of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21, 1 Chronicles 8:3, 1 Chronicles 8:5) and a son of Bela (1 Chronicles 8:7). All bearers of the name are associated with the tribe of Benjamin.
Biblical Usage
The name Gera is used exclusively as a proper noun for male individuals within the tribe of Benjamin. It appears in historical narratives (Judges, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings) and genealogical records (Genesis, 1 Chronicles). Its usage is consistent, always identifying a person, with no other semantic range. Key examples include the father of the judge Ehud (Judges 3:15) and the father of David's antagonist Shimei (2 Samuel 16:5).
Etymology
The name Gera (גֵּרָא) is likely derived from the Hebrew root גֵּרָה (gērâ, H1626), meaning 'a grain' (as in a kernel of wheat or barley). As a name, it may metaphorically signify something small, valuable, or foundational, possibly reflecting hope for the child's character or destiny. It is a distinctly Hebrew name with no clear direct cognates in other Semitic languages for personal use.
Semantic Range
While the name Gera itself is not theologically loaded, the individuals bearing it are involved in significant biblical narratives that highlight God's sovereignty. Gera, father of Ehud, is part of God's provision of deliverance for Israel (Judges 3:15). Gera, father of Shimei, connects to the themes of David's suffering, forgiveness, and the consequences of cursing the Lord's anointed (2 Samuel 16:5-13, 1 Kings 2:8-9). The name's recurrence in Benjaminite genealogies underscores the importance of tribal lineage and identity in God's covenant plan.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried meaning or expressed parental hopes. A name derived from 'grain' might symbolize sustenance, blessing, or humility. The multiple Benjamites named Gera highlight the practice of reusing significant family or tribal names across generations to honor ancestors or maintain a connection to the clan's heritage.
No direct synonyms as a proper name. Related are other Benjamite names in the same genealogies: Bela (בֶּלַע, H1106) — another son of Benjamin; Becher (בֶּכֶר, H1071) — also a son of Benjamin; Ashbel (אַשְׁבֵּל, H788) — another son of Benjamin.
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 →