Who was Pedahzur in the Bible?

Pedahzur was the father of Gamaliel, who served as the leader of the tribe of Manasseh during the Israelites' wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt. He is mentioned only in the context of his son's leadership role (Numbers 1:10, 2:20).

What is the significance of Pedahzur?

His significance comes entirely from his son, Gamaliel, whom Moses appointed as a tribal leader. Pedahzur's name, which means 'the Rock has redeemed,' is preserved in the biblical record to establish Gamaliel's lineage and authority within the tribe of Manasseh.

What key events involved Pedahzur's family?

While no events directly involve Pedahzur, his son Gamaliel led the tribe of Manasseh during the census (Numbers 1:10), the camp's organization (Numbers 2:20), and brought the tribe's offerings for the dedication of the altar (Numbers 7:54).

Pedahzur

Old TestamentEgypt & WildernessMaleLeaderFather

Pedahzur, father of Gamaliel, the leader from the tribe of Manasseh during the wilderness wanderings.

Pedahzur

Biography

Pedahzur was an Israelite from the tribe of Manasseh who lived during the wilderness period following the Exodus from Egypt. He is known primarily as the father of Gamaliel, who served as the designated leader and representative of the tribe of Manasseh during the wilderness wanderings. Gamaliel son of Pedahzur appears prominently in the book of Numbers: he was numbered among the tribal chiefs who assisted Moses with the first census (Numbers 1:10), he presented offerings on behalf of Manasseh at the dedication of the tabernacle (Numbers 7:54-59), and he commanded the division of Manasseh during Israel's marches through the wilderness (Numbers 10:23). Pedahzur's name, meaning "the Rock has redeemed," reflects a deep theological conviction about God's saving character and His identification as Israel's Rock.

Significance

Though Pedahzur himself does not perform recorded actions in Scripture, his significance lies in the legacy he produced and the faith his name embodies. By naming his son Gamaliel ("God is my reward") and bearing the name "the Rock has redeemed" himself, Pedahzur represents a household rooted in trust in God's redemptive power. His son's prominent leadership role over Manasseh during the critical wilderness period suggests Pedahzur raised his family within the covenant community's values. The repeated patronymic identification "Gamaliel son of Pedahzur" throughout Numbers underscores the biblical emphasis on generational faithfulness, reminding readers that leadership in God's people often emerges from families that cultivate devotion across generations.

Authority Records

Wikidata

ChildGamaliel

Verse Appearances (5)

Numbers

Numbers 1:10 Numbers 2:20 Numbers 7:54 Numbers 7:59 Numbers 10:23

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Wikidata contributors (n.d.) Wikidata. Available at: https://www.wikidata.org. [CC0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources