Giblites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Giblites in the Bible?
The Giblites (or Gebalites) are the inhabitants of Byblos (Gubla), a prominent Phoenician port city. While 1 Samuel 13:3 mentions the 'men of Gibeon', these are distinct from the Giblites/Gebalites, who were known for their maritime trade and cedar exports in the ancient Near East.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Giblites clarifies the ethnic diversity of the region during the transition from the period of the Judges to the monarchy, illustrating the complex intermingling of Israelite and Canaanite populations in the central highlands.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Giblites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Giblites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Giblites clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Samuel 13:3
Related Topics
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
"Giblites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/giblites/