גֵּישָׁן

Geshan, an Israelite

Definition

Geshān is a proper name of an individual mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible. He is identified as a descendant of Judah through Caleb and his concubine Maacah, specifically listed as a son of Jahdai in 1 Chronicles 2:47. The name appears within a genealogical list, and no narrative or further details about his life or actions are provided. As a proper name, its meaning is derived from its etymological root rather than from a narrative context.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in 1 Chronicles 2:47 within a genealogical record of the tribe of Judah. It functions solely as a personal name, identifying one individual in a list of descendants. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts, as it is a hapax legomenon (a word occurring only once).

Etymology

The name Geshān (גֵּישָׁן) is derived from the same root as the Hebrew noun גּוּשׁ (gûsh, H1487), meaning 'a lump' or 'a mass.' This suggests the name's original meaning is something like 'lumpish' or 'corpulent.' It is a descriptive name, likely referring to a physical characteristic at birth, which was a common practice in ancient Hebrew naming conventions.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive. Geshān, meaning 'lumpish,' likely described a physical trait of the child at birth, such as being sturdy or thick-set. This practice reflects a worldview where a name could encapsulate identity or destiny. While the name itself carries no direct theological weight, its inclusion in the Judahite genealogy underscores the biblical emphasis on lineage, covenant continuity, and the meticulous recording of God's people.

Word Details

Scripture References