Gammadim
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Gammadim in the Bible?
The term gammadim refers to armed guards or mercenaries stationed in Tyre, as described in Ezekiel 27:11, though its exact etymology and specific military function remain subjects of scholarly debate.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the ambiguity surrounding the gammadim highlights the complexity of Tyre's international military alliances and reminds readers that biblical descriptions of ancient warfare often rely on terms whose precise meanings are lost to history, requiring careful contextual interpretation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Gammadim. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gammadim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gammadim clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Ezekiel 27:11
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gammadim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gammadim/