גִּיחַ
𐤂𐤉𐤇
Gicha
H1520 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A locality mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, Gîyach designates a specific site near the territory of Benjamin. The primary lexical meaning is as a place name, used to specify a geographic location referenced in a particular historical context.
Semantic Range
proper noun (toponym); place name; possible reference to a location characterized by a spring or water source; strictly as a geographic marker in biblical narrative
Root / Etymology
From the verbal root גִּיחַ (g-y-ḥ), meaning 'to burst forth, to gush, to come out quickly.' The place name likely derives from the idea of a 'bursting forth,' perhaps referencing a spring or natural well, though the exact location and character of the site are uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Gîyach appears only in 2 Samuel 2:24 as a place near 'the way of the wilderness of Gibeon,' marking the pursuit route of Abner and the men of Benjamin by Joab and his forces. The context suggests it was a known locality in the early monarchic period. No further information about its character, population, or long-term significance is provided in the biblical text. The standard English translation usually retains the Hebrew toponym or renders it phonetically as 'Giah.' There is no evidence the site continued in importance into later Israelite or Judean history, and the location remains unidentified archaeologically. The gloss 'fountain' in early sources derives from the root meaning, but contextually, it serves purely as a toponym and does not guarantee the presence of a spring. Later translation traditions (e.g., some English Bibles) may equate Gîyach with places named 'Giah' or attempt to connect it to nearby sites, but these are conjectural.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from גִּיחַlemma גּיחַ missing vowel, corrected to גִּיחַ; a fountain; Giach, a place in Palestine; Giah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גיח (g-y-ḥ) — to burst forth, gush, spring out
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1512 | גָּחוֹן | ventral underside |
| H1518 | גִּיחַ | in his bursting forth |
| H1519 | גִּיחַ | causing to gush forth |
| H1521 | גִּיחוֹן | at Gushing-Spring |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1520-01 |
גִ֔יחַ | gicha | HNp |
Giah | Gushing-Place | Gicha | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1520-01 |
2 Samuel 2:24 | גִ֔יחַ | gicha | HNp |
Giah | Gushing-Place | Gicha |