Gibeath (1)
LocationsGeographical Setting
Gibeath-haaraloth, meaning 'hill of the foreskins,' is the biblical site where Joshua circumcised the Israelite generation born in the wilderness prior to entering Canaan.
What is the meaning of Gibeath (1) in the Bible?
Gibeath-haaraloth is a hill identified with the modern site of Jibia, located near ancient Shechem, where the Israelites underwent circumcision following their crossing of the Jordan River.
SIGNIFICANCE
This location marks the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of Canaan, symbolizing the renewal of the covenant through the removal of the reproach of Egypt.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gibeath (1) (located near modern Jibia (near Nablus), West Bank) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gibeath (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gibeath (1) 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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Gibeath (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gibeath-1/