Lexical Summary Gad: Gad Original Word: Γάδ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gad. Of Hebrew origin (Gad); Gad, a tribe of Israelites -- Gad. see HEBREW Gad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Gad Definition Gad, a tribe of Isr. NASB Translation Gad (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1045: ΓάδΓάδ, ὁ (גָּד, fortune, cf. Genesis 30:11; (Genesis 49:19; on the meaning of the word see B. D. under the word)), indeclinable, Gad, the seventh son of the patriarch Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's maid: Revelation 7:5. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence in the New Testament Revelation 7:5 lists “twelve thousand sealed from the tribe of Gad.” In John’s heavenly vision, Gad appears among the tribes whose members are divinely protected during the outpouring of judgment. The inclusion underlines the continuity between God’s covenant with the patriarchs and His climactic work of redemption. Old Testament Background Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah (Genesis 30:10–11). His name is associated with “good fortune,” reflecting Leah’s exclamation, “How fortunate!” The tribe that descended from him occupied land east of the Jordan River—territory well-suited for livestock (Numbers 32:1–5). Along with Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Gad agreed to assist Israel in conquering Canaan before returning to settle east of the Jordan, demonstrating both cooperation and commitment to the national mission (Joshua 1:12–18; Joshua 22:1–9). Blessings and Prophecies Concerning Gad Jacob’s deathbed prophecy foretold persistent conflict yet ultimate victory for Gad: “Gad will be attacked by raiders, but he will attack their heels” (Genesis 49:19). Moses later blessed the tribe: “Blessed is he who enlarges Gad. He lies down like a lion and tears off arm and head” (Deuteronomy 33:20). These pronouncements highlight Gad’s military prowess and tenacity—traits later evident in Israel’s history. Historical Role within Israel 1 Chronicles 12 records warriors from Gad who joined David while he was in the wilderness: “Mighty men of valor, trained for battle, who could handle shield and spear; their faces were the faces of lions, and they were as swift as gazelles on the mountains” (1 Chronicles 12:8). Gadites also participated in national assemblies, worship at the tabernacle, and covenant renewal (Joshua 22; 1 Chronicles 5:11–17). After the Assyrian exile of the northern tribes, Gad’s territory fell under foreign control, yet prophetic hope remained that God would restore His scattered people (Jeremiah 31:10–14; Ezekiel 48:27). Theological and Eschatological Significance 1. Covenant Continuity: Gad’s presence in Revelation 7 connects the patriarchal promises with the consummation of salvation history. Practical Ministry Reflections • Spiritual Readiness: Gad’s warriors model disciplined preparedness; believers are called to “be strong in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:10). Strong’s Greek 1045 thus points beyond a mere name: it summons the Church to courageous faith, steadfast service, and confident hope in the God who keeps covenant “from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). Forms and Transliterations Γαδ Γὰδ Gad GàdLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |