גִּבְעוֹן
Gibon, a place in Palestine
Definition
Gibon (גִּבְעוֹן) is a prominent Canaanite city in the central hill country of Palestine, best known for its inhabitants, the Gibeonites, who deceived Joshua into making a covenant with them (Joshua 9:3-15). This city became a significant Israelite cultic center, housing the tabernacle and the bronze altar during much of the monarchy period (1 Chronicles 16:39, 21:29). It was also the site of a dramatic battle where Joshua commanded the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12-14). In later history, Gibeon was associated with conflict, including the contest between the warriors of David and Ish-bosheth (2 Samuel 2:12-17) and a confrontation involving the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 41:11-12).
Biblical Usage
The name Gibeon appears 35 times, primarily in historical narratives. It is central in Joshua 9-10, detailing the Gibeonites' deception and the subsequent battle. It recurs in Samuel and Kings as a location for religious and military events (e.g., 1 Kings 3:4-5, where Solomon offers sacrifices there). Later references appear in Chronicles, Nehemiah (Nehemiah 3:7), and Jeremiah, often recalling its historical or geographical significance.
Etymology
Derived from the root גֶּבַע (gevaʿ, H1387), meaning 'hill' or 'height,' Gibeon likely means 'pertaining to a hill' or 'hilly place,' reflecting its geographical setting in the Judean hills. This connects it to other place names like Geba and Gibeah, all indicating elevated terrain.
Semantic Range
Gibon is theologically significant as the site where God honored a covenant made through deception, teaching that vows are binding (Joshua 9:19-20). It also highlights God's power in battle (Joshua 10:10-14) and served as a legitimate place of worship before the temple's construction, showing God's presence with Israel during transitions. The story underscores themes of divine faithfulness, human trickery, and the seriousness of oaths.
As a major Canaanite city-state, Gibeon was politically autonomous before submitting to Israel. Its inhabitants, the Gibeonites, were designated as 'woodcutters and water carriers' for the Israelite community (Joshua 9:21), a status reflecting a servile but protected role within ancient Near Eastern treaty structures. The city's high place was an accepted worship site before centralization in Jerusalem.
גֶּבַע (Gevaʿ, H1387) — A general term for 'hill,' from which Gibeon is derived. גִּבְעָה (Givʿah, H1389) — Another 'hill' or city name (e.g., Gibeah of Saul), often confused geographically with Gibeon. רָמָה (Ramah, H7414) — Also meaning 'height,' used for various elevated towns.
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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