Gerizim
LocationsGeographical Setting
Mount Gerizim is a limestone peak located in the West Bank, directly opposite Mount Ebal in the valley of Shechem.
What is the meaning of Gerizim in the Bible?
Mount Gerizim is a prominent peak in the West Bank, rising approximately 900 meters above sea level. It is situated adjacent to the valley of Shechem, a strategic location on the route to Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geographical proximity of Mount Gerizim to Shechem clarifies the historical context of the Samaritan schism, where the mountain served as the rival cultic center to Jerusalem, explaining the intense biblical polemics against Samaritan worship practices.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Gerizim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gerizim clarify?
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.