Lexical Summary Gareb: Gareb Original Word: גָּרֵב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gareb From the same as garab; scabby; Gareb, the name of an Israelite, also of a hill near Jerusalem -- Gareb. see HEBREW garab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as garab Definition one of David's heroes, also a hill near Jer. NASB Translation Gareb (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs גָּרֵב 1. proper name, masculine (compare Palmyrene proper name, masculine גריבא Vog141) one of David's heroes 2 Samuel 23:38 = 1 Chronicles 11:40. 2. proper name, of a location (compare Sabean proper name, of a location גרבם HalNo. 379, 382) only in גִּבְעַת גָּרֵב Jeremiah 31:39 hill of Gareb, apparently close to Jerusalem on the southwest compare Gf; see also Hi Che. גַּרְגַּר, גַּרְגְּרוֺת see below גרר. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Gareb appears three times in the Old Testament: twice as the name of one of David’s elite soldiers (2 Samuel 23:38; 1 Chronicles 11:40) and once as a topographic landmark in a prophecy of restored Jerusalem (Jeremiah 31:39). Gareb the Ithrite: A Mighty Man of Valor In the catalog of “the Thirty,” David’s famed fighting force, Gareb is listed alongside warriors such as Uriah the Hittite and Benaiah son of Jehoiada. Though little biographical detail is given, the repetition of his name in both Samuel and Chronicles underscores his enduring reputation in Israel’s collective memory. The term “Ithrite” links him to a southern Judean clan, suggesting that Gareb hailed from the same rugged hill country where David himself once sought refuge from Saul (1 Samuel 23:14–18). Gareb’s inclusion among the Thirty testifies to his courage, loyalty, and proficiency in battle—qualities prized in the kingdom’s formative years. Historical Significance 1. Military Cohesion: David’s mighty men represent a diverse mix of regions and ethnicities united under the anointed king. Gareb’s place among them illustrates how devotion to the Lord’s chosen leader transcended tribal boundaries, foreshadowing the nation’s later consolidation around Jerusalem. The Hill Gareb: Covenant Restoration Geography Jeremiah foresees a future when Jerusalem will be rebuilt and its boundaries expanded: “The measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill Gareb and then turn toward Goah” (Jeremiah 31:39). This prophecy forms part of the celebrated New Covenant oracle (Jeremiah 31:31–34). The hill’s precise modern location remains uncertain, but its role within the vision is clear. 1. Symbol of Accurate Restoration: The measuring line denotes exactness and divine intention (Zechariah 2:1–2). By naming Gareb, the prophecy affirms that God’s renewed city will possess defined limits—not haphazard but architecturally ordered by the Lord. Theological and Ministry Insights • God Remembers the Faithful: Whether a celebrated commander like Joab or a lesser-known warrior like Gareb, every servant’s name is recorded when it is joined to God’s saving purposes. This encourages believers to labor “not for human masters but for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23–24). Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Serve Faithfully in Anonymity: Gareb’s scant biography challenges modern disciples to embrace obscurity when the Lord assigns it, trusting that divine commendation outweighs human applause. Summary Gareb links a valiant warrior of David’s monarchy with a prophetic hill in Jeremiah’s vision of renewed Jerusalem. Both appearances point to the Lord’s meticulous remembrance of His servants and His sovereign design for His people’s dwelling. By studying Gareb, readers glimpse the coherence of Scripture’s story: personal faithfulness and eschatological hope converge under God’s unfailing covenant purposes. Forms and Transliterations גָּרֵ֑ב גָּרֵ֖ב גרב gā·rêḇ gārêḇ gaRevLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 23:38 HEB: עִירָא֙ הַיִּתְרִ֔י גָּרֵ֖ב הַיִּתְרִֽי׃ ס NAS: Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, KJV: Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite, INT: Ira the Ithrite Gareb the Ithrite 1 Chronicles 11:40 Jeremiah 31:39 3 Occurrences |