Boyd's Bible Dictionary: G
James P. Boyd
Table of Contents
Gaal
(contempt). Son of Ebed (Judg. 9:26-41).
Gaash
(earthquake). The hill on which Joshua was buried (Josh. 24:30; 2 Sam. 23:30).
Gaba
(Josh. 18:24; Ezra 2:26). [GEBA.]
Gabbai
(gatherer). A Benjamite family (Neh. 11:8).
Gabbatha
(elevated). The pavement on which Christ was sentenced (John 19:13).
Gabriel
(man of God). The announcing angel (Luke 1:11,19,26,38; Dan. 8:16; 9:21).
Gad
(troop). (1) Jacob’s seventh son (Gen. 30:11-13; 49:19; Num. 1:24-25). Tribe settled east of Jordan, and became a fierce, warlike people. Carried captive by Tiglath-pileser (1 Chron. 5:26). (2) A prophet and David’s seer (1 Sam. 22:5; 1 Chron. 21:9-19; 29:29; 2 Chron. 29:25).
Gadara
(walled). A city six miles S. E. of Sea of Galilee. Jesus healed the demoniac there. Now Um-keis.
Gadarenes, Gergesenes, Gerasenes
Inhabitants of Gadara
A people east of the Sea of Galilee (Matt. 8:28-34: Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-40).
Gaddi
(fortunate). One of the spies (Num. 13:11).
Gaddiel
(fortune of God). Another of the spies (Num. 13:10).
Gadi
(of Gad). Father of King Menahem (2 Kings 15:15,17).
Gaham
(browned). Son of Nahor (Gen. 22:24).
Gahar
(hiding place). His sons returned (Ezra 2:47).
Gaius, Caius
(lord). (1) Of Macedonia, a friend of Paul (Acts 19:29). (2) Of Derbe, co-worker with Paul (Acts 20:4). (3) Of Corinth, baptized by Paul (Rom. 16:23; 1 Cor. 1:14). (4) John’s third epistle addressed to Gaius.
Galaad
Greek form of Gilead
Galal
(prominence). Three Levites (1 Chron. 9:15-16; Neh. 11:17).
Galatia
(land of the Galli, Gauls). A central province of Asia Minor, and part of Paul’s missionary field (Acts 16:6; 18:23; 2 Tim. 4:10).
Galatians, Epistle to
Written by Paul to people of Galatia, A
D. 56 or 57, to strengthen their faith in the divinity of his mission, unfold his doctrine of justification by faith, and urge persistency in Christian work.
Galbanum
(fat). A gum-resin of yellowish color, and pungent, disagreeable odor when burning (Ex. 30:34).
Galeed
(heap of witness). Memorial heap of Jacob (Gen. 31:47-48).
Galilee
(circle). Originally the circuit containing the 20 towns given by Solomon to Hiram (Josh. 20:7; 1 Kings 9:11; 2 Kings 15:29). In time of Christ, one of the largest provinces of Palestine, in which he spent the greater part of his life and ministry (Luke 13:1; 23:6; John 1:43-47; Acts 1:11).
Galilee, Sea Of
[GENNESARET]
Gall
(yellow, bitter). The fluid secreted by the liver. Bitter (Job 16:13); poison (Job 20:14,25; Deut. 32:33); “hemlock” (Hos. 10:4); probably myrrh (Matt. 27:34); as in Mark 15:23; great troubles (Jer. 8:14; Acts 8:23).
Gallery
(show). An eastern veranda or portico; but panel work (Song of Sol. 1:17); or pillared walk (Ezek. 41:15).
Galley
(Isa. 33:21). [SHIP.]
Gallim
(heaps). A village of Benjamin (1 Sam. 25:44; Isa. 10:30).
Gallio
(who lives on milk). Roman proconsul of Achaia, A. D. 53 (Acts 18:12-17).
Gallows
[PUNISHMENT ]
Gamaliel
(recompense of God). (1) A prince of Manasseh (Num. 1:10; 2:20; 7:54; 10:23). (2) A learned president of the Sanhedrim, and Paul’s legal preceptor (Acts 5:34; 22:3).
Games
(sports). Simple among Hebrews. Falconry (Job 41:5); foot-racing (Psa. 19:5; Eccl. 9:11); bow and sling contests (1 Sam. 20:20; Judg. 20:16; 1 Chron. 12:2); dancing (Matt. 11:16-17); joking (Prov. 26:19; Jer. 15:17).
Gammadims
(dwarfs). Perhaps watchmen (Ezek. 27:11).
Gamul
(weaned). Leader of the 22d priestly course (1 Chron. 24:17).
Garden
(yard). In Hebrew sense, enclosures for fruits, well watered (Gen. 2:10; 13:10; 21:33; Num. 24:6; Job 8:16); hedged (Isa. 5:5); walled (Prov. 24:31); protected (Isa. 1:8; Job 27:18; Mark 12:1).
Gareb
(scab). (1) One of David’s warriors (2 Sam. 23:38; 1 Chron. 11:40). (2) A hill near Jerusalem (Jer. 31:39).
Garlic
(spear leek). A bulbous plant similar to an onion and leek (Num. 11:5).
Garment
[DRESS
Garmite
A Judahite
(1 Chron. 4:19).
Garrison
(warning). In Hebrew sense, a place manned, provisioned, and fortified (1 Sam. 13:23; 2 Sam. 23:14; 1 Chron. 11:16); guards (2 Chron. 17:2; 1 Chron. 18:13).
Gashmu
(Neh. 6:6). [GESHEM ]
Gatam
(burnt valley). A duke of Edom (Gen. 36:11,16).
Gate
(opening). Those of walled cities made of wood, iron, or brass (Judg. 16:3; Deut. 3:5; Psa. 107:16; Acts 12:10); flanked by towers (2 Sam. 18:24,33); market and judgment places near (2 Sam. 15:2; 2 Kings 7:1; Job 29:7; Deut. 17:5;25. 7; Amos 5:10; Ruth 4:1-12); symbol of power (Gen. 22:17; Isa. 24:12; Matt. 16:18); the city itself (Deut. 12:12).
Gath
(wine press). A city of Philistia (Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:17); home of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4); refuge of David (1 Sam. 21:10).
Gath-hepher, Gittah-hepher
(wine press of Hepher). A town in Zebulun, now el Meshed (Josh. 19:13; 2 Kings 14:25).
Gath-rimmon
(high wine press). (1) A Levitical city of Dan (Josh. 21:24; 1 Chron. 6:69). (2) A Levite town of Manasseh (Josh. 21:25). Bileam (1 Chron. 6:70).
Gaza
(strong). Hebrew Azzah, now Ghuzzeh. A city of Philistia (Gen. 10:19); assigned to Judah (Josh. 10:41; 15:47; Judg. 1:18); scene of Samson’s exploits (Judg. 16; 1 Kings 4:24; Acts 8:26).
Gazathites
Inhabitants of Gaza
(Josh. 13:3).
Gazer
(2 Sam. 5:25; 1 Chron. 14:16). [GEZER.]
Gazez
(shearer). Son of Caleb (1 Chron. 2:46).
Gazites
Inhabitants of Gaza
(Judg. 16:2).
Gazzam
(consuming). His descendants returned (Ezra 2:48; Neh. 7:51).
Geba
(hill). Gabes (Josh. 18:24); now Jeba, 6 miles N. of Jerusalem. A Levitical city of Benjamin (Josh. 21:17; 1 Chron. 6:60; 1 Sam. 13:3; 1 Kings 15:22; 2 Kings 23:8; Isa. 10:29).
Gebal
(mountain). A maritime town of Phoenicia, near Tyre (Ezek. 27:9). Inhabitants called Giblites (Josh. 13:5).
Geber
(man). Two of Solomon’s commissaries (1 Kings 4:13,19).
Gebim
(ditches). A place near Jerusalem (Isa. 10:31).
Gecko
The fan-footed lizard of Palestine
“Ferret,” in A. V. (Lev. 11:30); “Gecko” in R. V.
Gedaliah
(God my greatness). (1) A governor of Judea (2 Kings 25:22); and friend of Jeremiah (Jer. 40:5-6; 41:2). (2) A Levite harpist (1 Chron. 25:3). (3) A priest (Ezra 10:18). (4) A persecutor of Jeremiah (Jer. 38:1). (5) Grandfather of Zephaniah (Zeph. 1:1).
Gedeon
Greek form of Gideon
(Heb. 11:32).
Geder
(wall). Its king was conquered by Joshua (Josh. 12:13).
Gederah
(sheepfold). A town in lowlands of Judah (Josh. 15:36).
Gederathite
Inhabitant of Gederah
(1 Chron. 12:4).
Gederite
Inhabitant of Geder
(1 Chron. 27:28).
Gederoth
(sheepfolds). A city in lowlands of Judah (Josh. 15:41; 2 Chron. 28:18).
Gederothaim
(two sheepfolds). A town in lowlands of Judah (Josh. 15:36).
Gedor
(wall). (1) A hill town of Judah (Josh. 15:58). (2) A town of Benjamin (1 Chron. 12:7). (3) (1 Chron. 4:39), probably Gerar. (4) An ancestor of Saul (1 Chron. 8:31).
Gehazi
(valley of vision). Messenger of Elisha (2 Kings 4:12-37; 5:20-27; 8:4).
Gehenna
[HINNOM
Geliloth
(circuit). A landmark of Benjamin (Josh. 18:17).
Gemalli
(camel driver). Father of Ammiel (Num. 13:12).
Gemariah
(perfected by God). (1) Son of Shaphan (Jer. 36:10-27). (2) Messenger of King Hezekiah (Jer. 29:3-4).
Gems
[STONES, PRECIOUS
Genealogy
(birth record). In Hebrew, “book of generations” (Gen. 5; 10; 1 Chron. 1-8; 9:1; Matt. 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38).
Generation
(begotten). In plural, the genealogical register (Gen. 2:4; 5:1; Matt. 1:1); family history (Gen. 6:9; 25:12); men of the existing age (Lev. 3:17; Isa. 53:8; Matt. 24:34; Acts 2:40).
Genesis
(beginning). First book of the Bible and Pentateuch. Chapters 1-11. give history of Creation, Adam, Deluge, Noah, first inhabitants, Babel. Balance devoted to history of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Covers a period of nearly 2500 years. Authorship attributed to Moses.
Gennesaret
(garden of the prince). (1) Land of, the small crescent country N. W. of Sea of Galilee (Matt. 14:34; Mark 6:53). (2) Lake of, “Sea of Chinnereth,” in O. T. (Num. 34:11; Josh. 12:3); and “Sea of Galilee,” in N. T.; enlargement of Jordan river; 13 miles long, 6 wide, 700 below bed of ocean. “Lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1); “Sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1); “the sea” (Matt. 4:15).
Gennesareth
[GENNESARET
Gentiles
(nations). In O. T. sense, all peoples not Jewish (Gen. 10:5; 14:1; Neh. 5:8). In N. T., Greeks and Romans seem to type Gentiles (Luke 2:32; Acts 26:17-20; Rom. 1:14-16; 9:24). “Isles of the Gentiles” (Gen. 10:5), supposed to embrace Asia Minor and Europe.
Genubath
(theft). An Edomite (1 Kings 11:20).
Gera
(grain). (1) A Benjamite (Gen. 46:21; 1 Chron. 8:3-7). (2) Father of Ehud (Judg. 3:15). (3) Father of Shimei (2 Sam. 16:5; 19:16; 1 Kings 2:8).
Gerah
One twentieth of a shekel; about 3 cents
(Ex. 30:13).
Gerar
(halting place). A town of Philistia (Gen. 10:19; 20:1; 26:26; 2 Chron. 14:13-14).
Gerasenes
For Gadarenes
(Luke 8:26, R. V.)
Gergesenes
(Matt. 8:28). [GADARENES, GERASENES.]
Gerizim
(cutters). The mountain of blessings in Ephraim (Deut. 11:29; 27:12-26; 28).
Gershom
(exile). (1) Son of Moses (Ex. 2:22; 18:3). (2) A priest (Ezra 8:2).
Gershon
(exile). Eldest son of Levi (Gen. 46:11; Ex. 6:16: 1 Chron. 6:1). Founder of the Gershonites. Given thirteen cities in Canaan (Josh. 21:6). Gershom (1 Chron. 6:62-71).
Gerzites
Dwellers south of Palestine
(1 Sam. 27:8 marg.).
Gesham
(filthy). A descendant of Caleb (1 Chron. 2:47).
Geshem, Gashmu
(rain). A scoffing Arabian (Neh. 2:19; 6:1-2).
Geshur
(bridge). A province of Syria peopled by Geshuri or Geshurites (Deut. 3:14; Josh. 13:11; 2 Sam. 3:3; 15:8; 1 Chron. 2:23).
Geshuri
(Deut. 3:14; Josh. 13:2). [GESHUR.]
Geshurites
Besides above, a people of Arabia and Philistia
(Josh. 13:11; 1 Sam. 27:8).
Gether
(fear). Son of Aram (Gen. 10:23; 1 Chron. 1:17).
Gethsemane
(oil press). Scene of Christ’s agony and betrayal, at the foot of Olivet, near Jerusalem (Matt. 26:36-56; Mark 14:26-52; Luke 22:39-49; John 18:1-13).
Geuel
(majesty of God). The Gadite spy (Num. 13:15).
Gezer
(steep). Gazer, Gazara, Gazers, and Gad. A Levitical city (Josh. 10:33; 12:12; 16:3; 21:21); whose native people remained (Judg. 1:29).
Gezrites
[GERZITES
Ghost
(that terrifies). The spirit (Matt. 27:50).
Giah
(waterfall). A hill near Ammah (2 Sam. 2:24).
Giants
(sons of Gaea). Huge men—Nephilim, Gibborim (Gen. 6:4); Rephaim (Gen. 14:5); Emim, Anakim, Zuzim (Num. 13:28-33; Deut. 3:11; 1 Sam. 17:4).
Gibbar
(huge). His children returned (Ezra 2:20).
Gibbethon
(high). A Levitical town of Dan (Josh. 19:44; 21:23; 1 Kings 15:27; 16:17).
Gibea
(hill). A Judahite (1 Chron. 2:49).
Gibeah
(hill). (1) A town of Judah (Josh. 15:57). (2) Place where the ark was left (2 Sam. 6:3-4. (3) A place in Benjamin (Judg. 19:12-15; 20:19-25; 1 Sam. 13:2). (4) Saul’s birthplace (1 Sam. 10:26; 11:4; 15:34; 22:6; 23:19; Isa. 10:29). (5) Probably Geba (Judg. 20:31).
Gibeath
(Josh. 18:28). [GIBEAH, 3.]
Gibeon
(lofty hill). A Hivite city of Canaan, given to Levites (Josh. 9:3-15; 10:12-13; 21:17; 2 Sam. 2:12-24; 20:8-10). Tabernacle set up there (1 Chron. 16:39; 1 Kings 3:4-5; 9:2; 2 Chron. 1:3,13; Jer. 41:12-16).
Gibeonites
Inhabitants of Gibeon
(2 Sam. 21:1-9).
Giblites
(Josh. 13:5). [GEBAL.]
Giddalti
(trained up). Son of Heman, and leader of 22d musical course (1 Chron. 25:4).
Giddel
(great). His children returned (Ezra 2:47,56).
Gideon
(destroyer). The powerful warrior of Manasseh, and judge of Israel for 40 years (Judg. 6-8).
Gideoni
(destroyer). A Benjamite (Num. 1:11).
Gidom
(desolation). A place near Rimmon (Judg. 20:45).
Gier Eagle
(sacred eagle). An unclean bird of prey; probably the Egyptian vulture (Lev. 11:18: Deut. 14:17).
Gift
(given). A common way of showing esteem and confidence and securing favors (Gen. 32:13-15; 45:22-23). Kings were donees (1 Kings 4:21; 2 Chron. 17:5). Not to give, a mark of contempt (1 Sam. 10:27). Cattle given (Gen. 32:13); garments (2 Kings 5:23); money (2 Sam. 18:11); perfumes (Matt. 2:11).
Gihon
(stream). (1) Second river of Paradise (Gen. 2:13). (2) A spot, or pool, near Jerusalem (1 Kings 1:33-38; 2 Chron. 32:30; 33:14).
Gilalai
(weighty). A musician (Neh. 12:36).
Gilboa
(fountain). The mountain range east of Esdraelon and overlooking Jezreel (1 Sam. 28:4; 31:1; 2 Sam. 1:6).
Gilead
(rocky). (1) Mount and Land of Gilead, east of Jordan (Gen. 31:21-25; Num. 32:1; Josh. 17:6). (2) A mountain near Jezreel (Judg. 7:3). (3) Grandson of Manasseh (Num. 26:29-30). (4) Father of Jephthah (Judg. 11:1-2).
Gileadites
Manassites of Gilead
(Num. 26:29).
Gilgal
(rolling). (1) First encampment of Israelites west of Jordan (Josh. 4:19-20; 5:9-10). Became a city and headquarters (Josh. 9:6; 15:7). Saul crowned there (1 Sam. 7:16; 10:8; 11:14-15). (2) Another Gilgal in Sharon plain (Josh. 12:23). (3) Another near Bethel (2 Kings 4:38).
Giloh
(exile). A town of Judah (Josh. 15:51; 2 Sam. 15:12).
Gilonite
Inhabitant of Giloh
(2 Sam. 15:12; 23:34).
Gimzo
(producing sycamores). Now Jimzu, a village 2.5 miles from Lydda (2 Chron. 28:18).
Gin
(engine). A bird-trap (Isa. 8:14; Amos 3:5).
Ginath
(protection). Father of Tibni (1 Kings 16:21-22).
Ginnetho
(gardener). A priest (Neh. 12:4).
Ginnethon
(gardener). A priest (Neh. 10:6; 12:16).
Girdle
(gird). Worn by men and women to hold the looser garments. Made of leather (2 Kings 1:8; Matt. 3:4); of linen (Jer. 13:1; Ezek. 16:10); embroidered (Dan. 10:5; Rev. 1:13); used for carrying swords and daggers (Judg. 3:16; 2 Sam. 20:8).
Girgasite, Girgashites
An original tribe of Canaan
(Gen. 10:16; 15:21; Deut. 7:1).
Gispa
(fondle). An overseer (Neh. 11:21).
Gittah-hepher
(Josh. 19:13). [GATH-HEPHER.]
Gittaim
(two wine presses). An unknown place (2 Sam. 4:3).
Gittites
Gathite followers of David
(2 Sam. 15:18-19). [GATH.]
Gittith
A musical instrument or melody
(Psa. 8; 81; 84 titles).
Gizonite
Hashem
(1 Chron. 11:34).
Glass
Only once in O
T. as “crystal” (Job 28:17); N. T. “glass” mirrors were metal (1 Cor. 13:12; 2 Cor. 3:18; James 1:23; Rev. 4:6).
Gleaning
(handful). Field-gleanings were reserved for the poor (Lev. 19:9-10; Ruth 2:2). [CORNER.]
Glede
(glide). An unclean bird of prey (Deut. 14:13). The European kite; but vulture (Lev. 11:14).
Gnat
A small insect; figuratively mentioned
(Matt. 23:24).
Goad
(gad, strike). A rod spiked at the end for driving oxen (Judg. 3:31); and iron-shod at the other end for cleaning plows, or even for plowing (1 Sam. 13:21).
Goat
Several varieties in Palestine, both wild and tame
An important source of food, clothing, and wealth (Gen. 27:9; 1 Sam. 24:2; 25:2; Job 39:1). “Scape-goat,” one of the two offered on Day of Atonement, over which the priest confessed the sins of Israel, and then let it escape to the wilderness (Lev. 16:7-26).
Goath
(lowing). An unknown place (Jer. 31:39).
Gob
(cistern). A battlefield (2 Sam. 21:18-19). Gezer (1 Chron. 20:4).
Goblet
(little cask). A wine cup.
God
(good). In Hebrew, Jehovah, “the self-existent and eternal,” and especially the covenant God. Generally rendered Lord. The ineffable name, not pronounced by the Jews, who substituted for it Adonai, “my Lord;” or Elohim—God, the creator and moral governor—when Adonai was written with Jehovah.
Godhead
The Supreme Being in all his nature and attributes
(Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9).
Gog
(roof). (1) A Reubenite (1 Chron. 5:4). (2) [MAGOG.]
Golan
(circuit). A refuge city in Bashan (Deut. 4:43; Josh. 20:8; 21:27).
Gold
(yellow). Known early to Hebrews (Gen. 2:11); used for ornaments (Gen. 24:22); money, temple furniture and utensils (Ex. 36:34-38; 1 Kings 7:48-50); emblem of purity and nobility (Job 23:10; Lam. 4:1). Obtained chiefly from Ophir (Job 28:16; Parvaim (2 Chron. 3:6); Sheba and Raamah (Ezek. 27:22).
Golgotha
(skull). Hebrew name of the spot where Christ was crucified (Matt. 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17). [CALVARY.]
Goliath
(splendor). The Philistine giant who defied the army of Israel (1 Sam. 17:4-54). Another Goliath (2 Sam. 21:19-22).
Gomer
(complete). (1) Eldest son of Japheth (Gen. 10:2-3; 1 Chron. 1:5-6). (2) Wife of Hosea (Hos. 1:3).
Gomorrah
(submersion). Gomorrha in N. T. A city of the plain destroyed by fire (Gen. 14:1-11; 18:20; 19:24-28; Deut. 29:23; 32:32; Matt. 10:15; Mark 6:11).
Gopher
The unknown wood of Noah’s ark
(Gen. 6:14).
Goshen
(drawing near). (1) The extreme province of Egypt, northward toward Palestine; assigned to the Jews (Gen. 45:5-10; 46:28-34; 47:1-6; 50:8). (2) An undefined part of southern Palestine (Josh. 10:41; 11:16). (3) A city of Judah (Josh. 15:51).
Gospels
(good tidings). The four initial books of N. T., containing the biographies of Christ.
Gourd
(encumberer). A large plant family, covering the melon, pumpkin, squash, calabash (Jonah 4:6-10). A poisonous apple or cucumber (2 Kings 4:39-41).
Governor
(director). Often captain, chief, or civic official; but generally the political officer in charge of a province (Gen. 42:6; 1 Kings 10:15; Ezra 8:36; Neh. 2:9; Matt. 27:2).
Gozan
Place or river in Mesopotamia
(2 Kings 17:6; 18:11; 1 Chron. 5:26).
Grape
(hook, grab). Grapes of Palestine noted for size and flavor (Gen. 49:11; Num. 13:24). Used for wine and food (1 Sam. 25:18; 30:12; 2 Sam. 16:1; 1 Chron. 12:40).
Grass
(for gnawing). Large figurative use (Psa. 90:5-6; Isa. 40:6,8; James 1:10-11; 1 Peter 1:24); sometimes herbage in general (Isa. 15:6); a fuel (Matt. 6:30; Luke 12:28).
Grasshopper
An insect of the locust species, often translated locust
(2 Chron. 7:13). A clean animal (Lev. 11:22); timid (Job 39:20); gregarious and destructive (Judg. 6:5; 7:12; Eccl. 12:5; Jer. 46:23); type of insignificance (Num. 13:33; Isa. 40:22).
Grave
[BURIAL
[ENGRAVER.]
Greaves
(shins). Armor, metallic or leathern, to protect the shins from foot to knee (1 Sam. 17:6).
Greece, Greeks, Grecians
The well known country in S
E. of Europe, called also Hellas. Javan in O. T. (Gen. 10:2-5; Isa. 66:19; Ezek. 27:13,19); but direct (Dan. 8:21; 10:20; 11:2; Joel 3:6; Acts 20:2). Greek the original N. T. language.
Greyhound
(Prov. 30:31). The original implies a “wrestler,” not a quadruped.
Grinding
[MILL
Grove
Except
(Gen. 21:33), the Hebrew original means an idol; primitively set up and worshipped in groves (1 Kings 18:19; 2 Kings 13:6).
Gudgodah
(Deut. 10:7). [HOR-HAGIDGAD.]
Guest
[HOSPITALITY
Guni
(painted). (1) Son of Naphtali and founder of the Gunites (Gen. 46:24; Num. 26:48; 1 Chron. 7:13). (2) A son of Gad (1 Chron. 5:15).
Gur
(whelp). Spot where King Ahaziah was slain (2 Kings 9:27).
Gur-baal
(abode of Baal). A district south of Palestine (2 Chron. 26:7).
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