Gileadites
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Gileadites in the Bible?
A group of Israelites residing in the region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, who were predominantly descendants of the tribe of Manasseh.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Gileadites clarifies the tribal geography of ancient Israel, specifically the settlement patterns of Manasseh in the Transjordan and their distinct political and military roles during the periods of the Judges and the United Monarchy.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Gileadites reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Gileadites in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gileadites 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
"Gileadites." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gileadites/