גֵּרוּת

גֵּרוּת

a (temporary) residence

Definition

The Hebrew noun גֵּרוּת (gêrûwth) refers specifically to a temporary dwelling place or sojourning residence. It denotes a place where one lives as a foreigner or temporary inhabitant, not a permanent home. This concept is closely tied to the experience of living as a stranger or alien in a land. Its sole biblical occurrence is in Jeremiah 41:17, where it describes the lodging place of the fleeing remnant near Bethlehem.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Jeremiah 41:17. The context is the aftermath of Gedaliah's assassination, where Johanan and the remnant of Judah, fearing Babylonian reprisal, 'dwelt as sojourners' (ESV) at Geruth Chimham near Bethlehem. This usage perfectly captures the word's sense of a temporary, insecure residence during a time of political upheaval and exile.

Etymology

Derived from the root verb גּוּר (gûr, H1481), meaning 'to sojourn,' 'to dwell as a foreigner,' or 'to be a temporary resident.' The noun form גֵּרוּת directly expresses the state or condition of such temporary dwelling. It is related to the common noun גֵּר (gēr, H1616), meaning 'sojourner' or 'resident alien.'

Semantic Range

This word, though used only once, is theologically significant as it encapsulates the experience of impermanence and alienation central to parts of Israel's story. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God's people as 'sojourners' or 'temporary residents' on earth (e.g., 1 Chronicles 29:15, Psalm 39:12, Hebrews 11:13). Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of Jeremiah 41:17 by highlighting the precarious, transitional state of Judah's remnant, mirroring the spiritual reality of seeking a permanent, secure dwelling with God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a temporary residence or sojourning place was distinct from a permanent ancestral home. It implied a lack of land rights, social vulnerability, and dependence on the goodwill of the local population. This status was common for refugees, displaced persons, and traveling groups. The location 'Geruth Chimham' (Jeremiah 41:17) was likely a known caravan stop or lodging area for travelers, not a settled village. מָגוּר (mâgûwr, H4033) — a dwelling place, often temporary or for a sojourner; more common. מִשְׁכָּן (mishkân, H4908) — a tabernacle or dwelling, often with a sacred or portable connotation. תּוֹשָׁב (tôshâv, H8453) — a resident alien or settler, focusing on the person's status rather than the dwelling place.

Word Details