1651. Geshuri
Lexical Summary
Geshuri: Geshurites

Original Word: גְּשׁוּרִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: Gshuwriy
Pronunciation: guh-SHOO-ree
Phonetic Spelling: (ghe-shoo-ree')
KJV: Geshuri, Geshurites
NASB: Geshurites
Word Origin: [patrial from H1650 (גְּשׁוּר - Geshur)]

1. a Geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of Geshur

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Geshuri, Geshurites

Patrial from Gshuwr; a Geshurite (also collectively) or inhabitants of Geshur -- Geshuri, Geshurites.

see HEBREW Gshuwr

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from Geshur
Definition
inhab. of Geshur, also a people S. of Philistia
NASB Translation
Geshurites (6).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
גְּשׁוּרִי adjective, of a people = substantive ׳הַגּ;

1 people dwelling in Geshûr (above) Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11,13.

2 a tribe of, or near, the Philistines Joshua 13:2 read probably הֵגִּוְרִי We and Dr (on 1 Samuel 27:8), MeyZAW i. 126 n GFMJudg 1:29 n., also 1 Samuel 27:8, but deleted ᵐ5 (not ᵐ5L) compare We Dr; read possibly אשׁורי HomAufsätze i. (1892), 9; 2 Samuel 2:9 read ׳הגּ for האשׁורי.

Topical Lexicon
Geographical Setting

The designation גְּשׁוּרִי (Geshuri) identifies the inhabitants of Geshur, a territory whose borders touched both the northern Trans-Jordan and, in another context, the extreme south of Canaan. In the north it lay east of the Jordan, bounded by Bashan, Mount Hermon, and the region of Argob (Deuteronomy 3:14; Joshua 12:5; Joshua 13:11). In the south the name surfaces among the peoples occupying the coastal plain stretching toward Egypt (Joshua 13:2; 1 Samuel 27:8). The dual appearance suggests either a migration of the same clan or two related but distinct groups bearing the same ethnonym.

Biblical Occurrences

1. Border marker in Moses’ recitation of conquered land (Deuteronomy 3:14).
2. Northern boundary of King Og’s realm (Joshua 12:5).
3. Part of the land “that still remains” unconquered (Joshua 13:2).
4. Described with Maacath as a remaining pocket of resistance (Joshua 13:11, 13).
5. Target of David’s raids while he sojourned in Philistia (1 Samuel 27:8).

In Deuteronomy 3:14 the text notes, “Jair son of Manasseh captured the whole region of Argob as far as the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites”. Centuries later David “raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites” (1 Samuel 27:8), revealing that these people groups endured well into the monarchy.

Historical Significance

Incomplete obedience during the conquest left enclaves such as the Geshurites within Israel’s borders (Joshua 13:13). This residual presence became a persistent factor in Israel’s story:

• Strategic Buffer: Northern Geshur lay between Israel and the expanding Aramean states. Its independence formed a political buffer but also a spiritual snare as Israel was tempted toward alliances and intermarriage (cf. David’s marriage to Maacah, daughter of Talmai king of Geshur; 2 Samuel 3:3).

• Cause of Later Conflict: David’s southern raids against the Geshurites demonstrate that the unresolved presence of Canaanite peoples continued to demand military attention, absorbing resources that could have been devoted to consolidating the kingdom.

• Refuge for Rebellion: After Absalom murdered Amnon he fled to Geshur (2 Samuel 13:37), where his maternal grandfather ruled. The haven provided by Geshur facilitated Absalom’s later revolt, illustrating how remnants of unconquered peoples could harbor threats to Israel’s stability.

Interactions with Israel

• Tribal Allotments: The northern Geshurites bordered land assigned to the half-tribe of Manasseh. Their persistence complicated Israel’s possession of Bashan’s rich pasturelands.

• Davidic Engagement: David’s attacks on the southern Geshurites (1 Samuel 27:8) underscore his effort to secure Judah’s southwestern frontier while projecting loyalty to Achish king of Gath.

• Diplomatic Marriage: David’s union with Maacah likely sought peaceful relations with northern Geshur. Yet the alliance sowed seeds of future discord, proving that political expediency often conflicts with covenant fidelity.

Theological and Ministry Insights

1. Incomplete Conquest Leads to Lingering Compromise

Joshua 13:13 records, “the Israelites did not drive out the Geshurites and Maacathites.” The text stands as a sober reminder that partial obedience can leave footholds for future spiritual and moral challenges. Ministry application: unchecked sin or tolerated worldliness can, like the Geshurites, survive to trouble later generations.

2. God’s Sovereignty over Boundaries

Deuteronomy 3:14 frames the border with Geshur in connection to inheritance. Though Israel failed to possess every parcel, the Lord’s demarcations remained secure. Believers today trust that divine promises are not nullified by human shortcomings; the Lord’s purposes advance notwithstanding.

3. The Perils of Pragmatic Alliances

David’s marital and military dealings with Geshur highlight the tension between covenant ideals and political calculus. Church leaders must weigh partnerships carefully, ensuring that mission clarity is not sacrificed on the altar of expedience (2 Corinthians 6:14–18).

4. Refuge and Restoration

Absalom’s sojourn in Geshur, while not directly tied to the term Geshuri, illustrates how geographical sanctuaries can become spiritual crucibles. Likewise, places of exile can become places where God summons repentance, though Absalom tragically resisted. Pastoral care calls prodigals to return before rebellion hardens.

Conclusion

Geshuri represents more than a mere ethnonym; it serves as a narrative thread weaving lessons on obedience, holiness, and the long-term consequences of compromise. Its brief appearances remind readers that every neglected area—geographical or spiritual—may reemerge with amplified influence. Faithful vigilance, rooted in the promises of God, ensures that modern disciples do not repeat Israel’s oversights.

Forms and Transliterations
הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י הַגְּשׁוּרִ֥י הַגְּשׁוּרִֽי׃ הגשורי הגשורי׃ hag·gə·šū·rî haggeshuRi haggəšūrî
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Englishman's Concordance
Deuteronomy 3:14
HEB: עַד־ גְּב֥וּל הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְהַמַּֽעֲכָתִ֑י וַיִּקְרָא֩
NAS: as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites,
KJV: unto the coasts of Geshuri and Maachathi;
INT: far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites and called

Joshua 12:5
HEB: עַד־ גְּב֥וּל הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י וַחֲצִי֙
NAS: as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites,
KJV: unto the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites,
INT: far as the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites and half

Joshua 13:2
HEB: הַפְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וְכָל־ הַגְּשׁוּרִֽי׃
NAS: and all [those of] the Geshurites;
KJV: of the Philistines, and all Geshuri,
INT: the Philistines and all the Geshurites

Joshua 13:11
HEB: וְהַגִּלְעָ֞ד וּגְב֧וּל הַגְּשׁוּרִ֣י וְהַמַּעֲכָתִ֗י וְכֹ֨ל
NAS: and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites,
KJV: and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites,
INT: and Gilead and the territory of the Geshurites and Maacathites and all

Joshua 13:13
HEB: יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֶת־ הַגְּשׁוּרִ֖י וְאֶת־ הַמַּעֲכָתִ֑י
NAS: did not dispossess the Geshurites or the Maacathites;
KJV: expelled not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites:
INT: the sons of Israel the Geshurites the Maacathites live

1 Samuel 27:8
HEB: וַֽיִּפְשְׁט֛וּ אֶל־ הַגְּשׁוּרִ֥י [וְהַגִּרְזִי כ]
NAS: up and raided the Geshurites and the Girzites
KJV: and invaded the Geshurites, and the Gezrites,
INT: and raided about the Geshurites Gezrites and the Amalekites

6 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 1651
6 Occurrences


hag·gə·šū·rî — 6 Occ.

1650
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