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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Gath-Hepher</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/g/gath-hepher.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/joshua/19-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/g/gath-hepher.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Gath-Hepher</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/g/gathhepher.htm" title="Gathhepher">◄</a> Gath-Hepher <a href="/topical/g/gath-he'pher.htm" title="Gath-he'pher">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Introduction:</b> <br>Gath-hepher is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily known as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. It is situated in the region of ancient Israel and holds significance in biblical history and prophecy.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b> <br>Gath-hepher is mentioned explicitly in the Book of 2 Kings and the Book of Joshua. In <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>, it is identified as the birthplace of Jonah, the son of Amittai, a prophet who played a significant role during the reign of Jeroboam II. The verse states: "He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the LORD, the God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher" (<a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>).<br><br>In <a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Joshua 19:13</a>, Gath-hepher is listed as part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun: "From there it went eastward to Gath-hepher and Eth-kazin; it extended to Rimmon and turned toward Neah" (<a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Joshua 19:13</a>). This indicates its geographical location within the tribal lands of Zebulun.<br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context:</b> <br>Gath-hepher is traditionally identified with the modern site of el-Meshed, located near Nazareth in the Lower Galilee region of Israel. The name "Gath-hepher" is thought to mean "winepress of the well" or "winepress of the digging," suggesting a place associated with agricultural activity, particularly viticulture.<br><br>The location's proximity to Nazareth and its inclusion in the territory of Zebulun provide insight into the socio-political landscape of the region during the time of the Israelite settlement. As part of Zebulun, Gath-hepher would have been situated in a fertile area conducive to farming and trade.<br><br><b>Significance in Biblical Narrative:</b> <br>Gath-hepher's most notable association is with the prophet Jonah, whose account is recounted in the Book of Jonah. Jonah's mission to the city of Nineveh and his subsequent experiences, including being swallowed by a great fish, are well-known biblical narratives that emphasize themes of repentance, divine mercy, and obedience to God's will.<br><br>Jonah's connection to Gath-hepher underscores the town's importance as a prophetic center and highlights the role of prophets in guiding and admonishing the people of Israel. The mention of Jonah in <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a> also serves to authenticate his historical existence and prophetic ministry during the reign of Jeroboam II.<br><br><b>Archaeological Insights:</b> <br>While direct archaeological evidence of Gath-hepher is limited, the identification of el-Meshed as its possible location is supported by historical and geographical considerations. The site's proximity to other known biblical locations and its alignment with the tribal boundaries described in the Book of Joshua lend credence to this identification.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b> <br>Gath-hepher's mention in the context of Jonah's prophetic mission highlights the broader theological themes of God's sovereignty and compassion. Jonah's account, originating from this small town, serves as a reminder of God's concern for all nations and His willingness to extend grace and forgiveness beyond the borders of Israel.<br><br>In summary, Gath-hepher is a significant biblical site primarily due to its association with the prophet Jonah. Its mention in the scriptures provides valuable insights into the historical and theological context of the prophetic tradition in ancient Israel.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Gath-Hepher</span><p>In Zebulun, was the birthplace of Jonah, <a href="/1_kings/4-10.htm">1 Kings 4:10</a>; <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>. It lay near Sepphoris, on a road leading to Tiberias. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>Wine-press of the well, a town of Lower Galilee, about 5 miles from Nazareth; the birthplace of Jonah (<a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>); the same as Gittah-hepher (<a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Joshua 19:13</a>). It has been identified with the modern el-Meshed, a village on the top of a rocky hill. Here the supposed tomb of Jonah, Neby Yunas, is still pointed out. <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">GATH-HEPHER</span><p>gath-he'-fer (gath ha-chepher, "winepress of the pit"):<br><br>A town on the boundary of Zebulun (<a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Joshua 19:13</a>; the King James Version in error, "Gittah-hapher"), the birthplace of the prophet Jonah (<a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a>). Jerome (Commentary on Jonah) speaks of Geth as an inconsiderable village, about 2 miles from Sepphoris on the Tiberias road, where the tomb of Jonah was shown. Benjamin of Tudela says that Jonah the son of Amittai the prophet was buried "in the mountain" near Sepphoris (Bohn, Early Travels in Palestine, 88). These indications agree with the local tradition which identifies Gath-hepher with el-Meshhed, a village with ancient ruins on a height North of the road as one goes to Tiberias, about 2 miles from Nazareth, and half a mile from Kefr Kennah.<br><br>W. Ewing<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1662.htm"><span class="l">1662. Gath-hachepher -- "wine press of digging," home of Jonah</span></a><br><b>...</b> "wine press of digging," home of Jonah. Transliteration: Gath-hachepher Phonetic<br> Spelling: (gath-hah-khay'-fer) Short Definition: <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1662.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/wishard/concerning_the_assumptions_of_destructive_criticism/viii_the_historicity_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Historicity of the Book of Jonah.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of his servant<br> Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, which was of <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>." 2 Kings 14:25 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../viii the historicity of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/palmer/a_birds-eye_view_of_the_bible/v_the_kingdom_divided.htm"><span class="l">The Kingdom Divided</span></a> <br><b>...</b> NOTE."The study of this book is by questions. 1. Draw full-page map, locating Joppa,<br> Nineveh, Tarshish and his native place, <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. See II Kings 14:25. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/v the kingdom divided.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gerberding/the_way_of_salvation_in_the_lutheran_church/chapter_xx_jonah_and_micah.htm"><span class="l">Jonah and Micah.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> of Amittai. His home was <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>, a village of Zebulun, and he, therefore,<br> belonged to the ten tribes and not to Judah. He is <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xx jonah and micah.htm</font><p><a href="/library/barrows/companion_to_the_bible/chapter_xxiii_the_twelve_minor.htm"><span class="l">The Twelve Minor Prophets.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 9. We learn from 2 Kings 14:25 that Jonah, the son of Amittai, was of <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>,<br> which is undoubtedly the same as Gittah-hepher, a town of the tribe of <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maspero/history_of_egypt_chaldaea_syria_babylonia_and_assyria_v_7/chapter_iitiglath-pileser_iii_and_the.htm"><span class="l">Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> against Moab "in the old days," and which is appropriated by Isaiah (xvi.13, 14),<br> has been attributed to Jonah, son of Amittai, of <b>Gath</b>-<b>Hepher</b>, who actually <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/g/gathhepher.htm"><span class="l"><b>Gathhepher</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> These indications agree with the local tradition which identifies <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> with<br> el-Meshhed, a village with ancient ruins on a height <b>...</b><b>Gathhepher</b> (1 Occurrence <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gathhepher.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gath-hepher.htm"><span class="l"><b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. <b>Gathhepher</b>, <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. Gath-he'pher . Easton's Bible Dictionary <b>...</b> <br><b>Gathhepher</b>, <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. Gath-he'pher . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gath-hepher.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/amittai.htm"><span class="l">Amittai (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> True, the father of Jonah the prophet, a native of <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> (2 Kings 14:25; Jonah<br> 1:1). Int. <b>...</b> He was from <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> in Zebulun (2 Kings 14:25 Jonah 1:1). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/amittai.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/neah.htm"><span class="l">Neah (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> NEAH. ne'-a (ha-ne`ah, "the neah"; Annoua): A town in the lot of Zebulun<br> (Joshua 19:13), mentioned along with <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> and Rimmon. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/neah.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gittahhepher.htm"><span class="l">Gittahhepher (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (Joshua 19:13). See <b>GATH</b>-<b>HEPHER</b>. Int. <b>...</b> GITTAH-HEPHER. git-a-he'-fer (gittah chepher):<br> the King James Version (Joshua 19:13) for <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gittahhepher.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gath-he'pher.htm"><span class="l">Gath-he'pher (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Gath-he'pher. <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>, Gath-he'pher. Gathrimmon . Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br> (See RSV). <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>, Gath-he'pher. Gathrimmon . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gath-he'pher.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/gittah-hepher.htm"><span class="l">Gittah-hepher (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (Joshua 19:13). See <b>GATH</b>-<b>HEPHER</b>. Int. <b>...</b> GITTAH-HEPHER. git-a-he'-fer (gittah chepher):<br> the King James Version (Joshua 19:13) for <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/gittah-hepher.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/eth-kazin.htm"><span class="l">Eth-kazin (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> eth-ka'-zin (`ittah qatsin; the King James Version Ittah Kazin): A town on the eastern<br> border of Zebulun, mentioned between <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> and Rimmon (Joshua 19:13 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/eth-kazin.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/ethkazin.htm"><span class="l">Ethkazin (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> eth-ka'-zin (`ittah qatsin; the King James Version Ittah Kazin): A town on the eastern<br> border of Zebulun, mentioned between <b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b> and Rimmon (Joshua 19:13 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/ethkazin.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/r/rimmon.htm"><span class="l">Rimmon (22 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> It is about 4 miles North of el Mesh-hed, usually considered to be the site of<br><b>Gath</b>-<b>hepher</b>. See PEF, I, 363, Sh VI. EWG Masterman. RIMMON (2). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/r/rimmon.htm - 18k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-Tarshish-Nineveh.html">Why did Jonah try to go to Tarshish instead of Nineveh? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-Jonah.html">Who was Jonah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-whale.html">Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Gath-hepher (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joshua/19-13.htm">Joshua 19:13</a></span><br />and from thence it passed along eastward to <span class="boldtext">Gath-hepher</span>, to Eth-kazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretcheth unto Neah; <br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a></span><br />He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath unto the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of Jehovah, the God of Israel, which he spake by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was of <span class="boldtext">Gath-hepher</span>. <br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE DBY JPS WBS YLT NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/g/gath-hepher.htm">Gath-Hepher</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/g/gath-hepher--a_city_of_zebulun.htm">Gath-Hepher: A City of Zebulun</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gath-hepher.htm">Gath-hepher (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/gathrimmon.htm">Gathrimmon (4 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/g/gathhepher.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Gathhepher"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Gathhepher" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/g/gath-he'pher.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Gath-he'pher"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Gath-he'pher" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>