גַּמָּד
𐤂𐤌𐤃
Gamad
H1575 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member of a group mentioned as skilled warriors or defenders, possibly mercenaries or specialized soldiers, noted in Ezekiel for their association with weaponry and defense. The precise identification of the group referred to by 'gammad' is uncertain, but they are described in a military context as those handling shields and protective arms.
Semantic Range
name of a group of warriors or defenders, possibly mercenaries; soldiers handling shield or protection; possibly related to physical stature or weapon type; uncertain ethnic or geographic identity
Root / Etymology
Likely derived from the same root as גֹּמֶד (gomed), meaning 'cubit' or 'short measure,' possibly referencing stature, weapon length, or a regional/professional name. Etymology is uncertain and no direct verbal root is attested for a group designation. The word's formation suggests a relationship to measurement or physical characteristic (e.g., 'short ones,' 'cubits'), but this may be associative or symbolic rather than literal.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גַּמָּד appears only in Ezekiel 27:11, describing defenders on Tyre's walls. The context is a description of Tyre's military strength, listing foreign groups providing defense. 'Gammadim' is often left untranslated in modern versions, or rendered as 'men of Gammad,' 'Gammadites,' or similar approximations, reflecting uncertainty about its original meaning. It is not elsewhere attested, and its interpretation as a group of warriors or a geographical/ethnic group remains debated. Septuagint and other ancient versions vary, suggesting difficulties in understanding even in antiquity. Older English versions render the term as a proper noun, influenced by transliteration traditions. 'Gammadims' has no direct connection with later ethno-religious identities and refers only to this obscure group in the military context of Tyre.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as גֹּמֶד; a warrior (as grasping weapons); Gammadims.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גמד (g-m-d) — to be short, small in stature, measurable length
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1574 | גֹּמֶד | hand-span |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1575-01 |
וְ/גַ֨מָּדִ֔ים | vegamadim | HC/Np |
and the Gammadim | and the short-measure warriors | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1575-01 |
Ezekiel 27:11 | וְ/גַ֨מָּדִ֔ים | vegamadim | HC/Np |
and the Gammadim | and the short-measure warriors |