Lexical Summary Gera: Gera Original Word: גֵּרָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gera Perhaps from gerah; a grain; Gera, the name of six Israelites -- Gera. see HEBREW gerah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition the name of several Isr., also a Benjamite family NASB Translation Gera (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs גֵּרָא proper name, masculine (Phoenician גרא) son of Benjamin Genesis 46:21 (lacking Numbers 26:38-40); son of Bela`, & grandson of Benjamin, according to 1 Chronicles 8:3,5 compare 1 Chronicles 8:7; designation of a Benjamite family or clan; hence Ehud called בֶּןגֵּֿרָא Judges 3:15, & so Shimei, 2 Samuel 16:5; 2 Samuel 19:17; 2 Samuel 19:19; 1 Kings 2:8. גרב (√ of following; Arabic Topical Lexicon Identity and Distribution of the Name Gera appears nine times in the Hebrew canon, always in connection with the tribe of Benjamin. The occurrences span the Pentateuch, Historical Books, and Chronicles, linking early patriarchal lists with the later monarchy. Gera functions both as a personal name and as a clan marker, anchoring several significant Benjamite narratives. Gera in the Foundational Genealogies • Genesis 46:21 lists Gera among the ten sons of Benjamin who migrated to Egypt: “The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Beker, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard”. Ehud son of Gera: Covenant Deliverance Judges 3:15 introduces “Ehud son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man.” Raised up by the LORD, Ehud assassinates Moab’s king, Eglon, and secures eighty years of peace for Israel. His ambidextrous skill, tribal affiliation, and bold faith highlight three ministry principles: 1. God equips individuals with specific abilities for decisive moments. Shimei son of Gera: Confrontation, Mercy, and Justice 2 Samuel records the turbulent role of Shimei during Absalom’s rebellion. Shimei’s taunts replay tribal tensions between Saul’s house and David’s. David’s restraint—“Let him curse, for the LORD has told him so” (16:10)—reveals a king who trusts divine sovereignty more than personal vindication. After the rebellion, Shimei humbly meets David at the Jordan (2 Samuel 19:16, 18). David pardons him, modeling mercy; yet he also issues a measured warning to Solomon (1 Kings 2:8). Solomon later enforces justice when Shimei violates the terms of his house-arrest. The Shimei episodes illuminate a balanced theology of grace and judgment: forgiveness does not nullify accountability. Theological Threads 1. Tribal Identity and Divine Purpose: Gera’s repeated appearance roots major redemptive events in Benjamin, showcasing God’s use of marginalized groups to accomplish central purposes. Practical Ministry Applications • Small beginnings do not limit God’s plans; faithful service from “least” places can alter national destinies. Gera’s brief mentions weave together themes of divine election, human agency, and covenant fidelity, reminding contemporary believers that every name in Scripture, however obscure, contributes to the unfolding account of redemption. Forms and Transliterations גֵּרָ֔א גֵּרָ֗א גֵּרָ֥א גֵּרָא֙ גרא וְגֵרָ֖א וְגֵרָ֥א וגרא gê·rā geRa gêrā vegeRa wə·ḡê·rā wəḡêrāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 46:21 HEB: וָבֶ֙כֶר֙ וְאַשְׁבֵּ֔ל גֵּרָ֥א וְנַעֲמָ֖ן אֵחִ֣י NAS: and Ashbel, Gera and Naaman, KJV: and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, INT: and Becher and Ashbel Gera and Naaman Ehi Judges 3:15 2 Samuel 16:5 2 Samuel 19:16 2 Samuel 19:18 1 Kings 2:8 1 Chronicles 8:3 1 Chronicles 8:5 1 Chronicles 8:7 9 Occurrences |
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, Aramaic 
(have the scab etc.), are apparently denominative)