Lexical Summary Gadi: Gadites, Gadite Original Word: גָּדִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gadites, children of Gad Patronymically from Gad; a Gadite (collectively) or descendants of Gad -- Gadites, children of Gad. see HEBREW Gad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Gad Definition desc. of Gad NASB Translation Gadite (1), Gadites (14). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. גָּדִי adjective, of a people of גָּד 1, Gadite 2 Samuel 23:36 (so perhaps also "" 1 Chronicles 11:38 where ᵑ0 הַגְרִי q. v.; compare Th Be Dr); elsewhere as proper name collective: so 1 Chronicles 5:18 (only here without article, read perhaps גָּד so ᵐ5), Deuteronomy 3:12,16; Deuteronomy 4:43; Deuteronomy 29:7; Joshua 1:12; Joshua 12:6; Joshua 13:8; Joshua 22:1; 2 Kings 10:33; 1 Chronicles 5:26; 1 Chronicles 12:8; 1 Chronicles 12:37; 1 Chronicles 26:32. Topical Lexicon Tribal origin and covenant identity Though the gentilic form גָּדִי appears only from Deuteronomy onward, the tribe traces back to Jacob’s seventh son, Gad (Genesis 30:11). Jacob foretold, “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’s domain … he executed the justice of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 33:20–21). These blessings anticipate the martial character that accompanies every mention of the Gadites. Settlement east of the Jordan Moses granted the Reubenites and Gadites the fertile plateau from Aroer to Gilead (Deuteronomy 3:12, 16; 29:8). Joshua reaffirmed this inheritance, recording that Moses “gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh” (Joshua 12:6; 13:8). Their land lay outside Canaan’s western borders yet within the covenant’s blessings, highlighting that obedience, not geography, secures divine favor. Obligations to fight for brethren Although settled east of the river, the Gadites were required to cross with their brothers until the land was subdued. Joshua charged them, “You must cross over … and help your brothers” (Joshua 1:12–15). After fulfilling this pledge they were commended and sent home in peace (Joshua 22:1–9). Their willingness models cooperative service within the people of God. Warfare and valor The tribe’s reputation for courage is celebrated in David’s reign. “Some Gadites defected to David at the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor trained for battle” (1 Chronicles 12:9). They are likened to lions and gazelles; the least of them was “a match for a hundred, and the greatest for a thousand” (1 Chronicles 12:14). David’s elite roster also lists “Bani the Gadite” (2 Samuel 23:36). Their martial skill advanced Israel’s security and David’s kingship (1 Chronicles 12:38). Civil administration Jeriah, a Gadite leader, oversaw Transjordan under David: “King David put them in charge of the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh in all matters concerning God and the affairs of the king” (1 Chronicles 26:32). This appointment shows the tribe’s recognized leadership and spiritual responsibility in national governance. Exile and loss of inheritance Judgment began when Hazael of Aram seized “all the land of Gilead, the territory of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh” (2 Kings 10:33). The fatal blow came under Tiglath-Pileser III, who “took the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh into exile” (1 Chronicles 5:26), fulfilling covenant warnings (Deuteronomy 29:24–28). The narrative warns that military strength cannot substitute for covenant fidelity. Theological and ministry insights • Unity amid diversity: Distinct tribal roles (livestock, frontier defense) fit within God’s larger redemptive plan, illustrating harmonious service in the body of Christ. Forms and Transliterations הַגָּדִ֡י הַגָּדִ֥י הַגָּדִֽי׃ הגדי הגדי׃ וְגָדִ֜י וְהַגָּדִ֔י וְהַגָּדִ֜י וְהַגָּדִי֙ וְלַגָּדִ֑י וְלַגָּדִ֔י וְלַגָּדִ֜י וְלַגָּדִֽי׃ וגדי והגדי ולגדי ולגדי׃ לַגָּדִ֔י לגדי hag·gā·ḏî haggaDi haggāḏî lag·gā·ḏî laggaDi laggāḏî vegaDi vehaggaDi velaggaDi wə·ḡā·ḏî wə·hag·gā·ḏî wə·lag·gā·ḏî wəḡāḏî wəhaggāḏî wəlaggāḏîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Deuteronomy 3:12 HEB: נָתַ֕תִּי לָרֻֽאוּבֵנִ֖י וְלַגָּדִֽי׃ NAS: to the Reubenites and to the Gadites. KJV: I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites. INT: gave to the Reubenites the Gadites Deuteronomy 3:16 Deuteronomy 4:43 Deuteronomy 29:8 Joshua 1:12 Joshua 12:6 Joshua 13:8 Joshua 22:1 2 Samuel 23:36 2 Kings 10:33 1 Chronicles 5:18 1 Chronicles 5:26 1 Chronicles 12:9 1 Chronicles 12:38 1 Chronicles 26:32 15 Occurrences |