1529. Geshan

Lexical Summary

Geshan: Geshan

Original Word: גֵּישָׁן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Geyshan
Pronunciation: gay-SHAWN
Phonetic Spelling: (gay-shawn')
KJV: Geshan
NASB: Geshan
Word Origin: [from the same as H1487 (גּוּשׁ גִּישׁ - crust)]

1. lumpish
2. Geshan, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Geshan

From the same as guwsh; lumpish; Geshan, an Israelite -- Geshan.

see HEBREW guwsh

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain derivation
Definition
a desc. of Judah
NASB Translation
Geshan (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs

גֵּישָׁן proper name, masculine a descendant of Judah through Caleb 1 Chronicles 2:47.

גַּל, גֵּל, גֹּל see below גלל

גלב ( = shear, shave, Assyrian [galâbu] Hpt^SFG; Aramaic גְּלַב id., גְּלָב razor; compare 2 Samuel 20:8 see PS).

Topical Lexicon

Biblical Occurrence and Context

Geshan appears once in Scripture, in the genealogical records of Judah: “Jahdai was the father of Regem, Jotham, Geshan, Pelet, Ephah, and Shaaph” (1 Chronicles 2:47). The Chronicler places Geshan within a brief list of six sons born to Jahdai, who himself is noted in the larger Calebite genealogy (1 Chronicles 2:42–50). Though the text supplies no narrative about Geshan’s life, his placement contributes to the meticulous preservation of Judah’s family lines.

Genealogical Significance in Judah

1 Chronicles 2 catalogs the descendants of Judah to establish legal and tribal continuity after the exile. Geshan’s inclusion underlines:
• The breadth of the Calebite branch—Caleb’s family tree is traced through multiple concubines and lesser-known descendants, reflecting God’s providence over all members of the covenant community.
• The Chronicler’s concern for completeness—minor figures like Geshan ensure that no legitimate heir is forgotten, safeguarding land rights and clan identities in post-exilic Judah.

Historical Setting and Purpose in Chronicles

Compiled when returning exiles were re-establishing themselves in the land, Chronicles reinforces Israel’s ancestral roots. By naming Geshan, the Chronicler:
• Affirms continuity from patriarchal promises to the restoration era.
• Reminds post-exilic readers that every family, even seemingly obscure ones, had a role in rebuilding society and worship (Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7).
• Bolsters Judah’s claim to its inheritance, vital for allocating territory and temple service roles.

Theological Implications

1. Covenant Faithfulness: Each recorded name testifies to God’s unfailing commitment to preserve a remnant (Psalm 105:8–10). Geshan’s single mention proves divine memory extends to the least prominent.
2. Messianic Trajectory: Judah’s line culminates in Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:2–3). Although Geshan is not in the direct messianic line, his presence in Judah’s broader family underscores the collective witness leading to the Messiah.
3. Value of the Individual: Scripture’s inclusion of relatively unknown figures anticipates New Testament teaching that every member of Christ’s body is indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:22).

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Record and Remember: Churches should preserve testimonies and membership histories, reflecting Scripture’s practice of honoring all saints.
• Celebrate Hidden Service: Like Geshan, many believers labor without public acclaim. Ministry leaders should acknowledge “those parts of the body that seem to be weaker” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
• Faithfulness in Generations: Encourage families to view their lineage as part of God’s unfolding plan, nurturing faith across generations (2 Timothy 1:5).

Key Cross-References

• Genealogical purpose—Nehemiah 7:5; Ezra 2:59–62
• God’s care for every name—Malachi 3:16; Luke 10:20
• Role of lesser-known servants—Romans 16:1–16; Colossians 4:7–14

Forms and Transliterations

וְגֵישָׁ֥ן וגישן vegeiShan wə·ḡê·šān wəḡêšān

Englishman's Concordance

1 Chronicles 2:47
HEB: רֶ֧גֶם וְיוֹתָ֛ם וְגֵישָׁ֥ן וָפֶ֖לֶט וְעֵיפָ֥ה
NAS: Jotham, Geshan, Pelet,
KJV: and Jotham, and Geshan, and Pelet,
INT: Regem Jotham Geshan Pelet Ephah

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 1529
1 Occurrence

wə·ḡê·šān — 1 Occ.