Descendant of Benjamin; ancestor of Ehud, a judge of Israel.
Gera
Named in 3 verses across 3 books, first in Genesis 46:21.
גֵּרָאGera
The name means “pilgrimage, combat; dispute.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Gera Written by AI
Gera is mentioned in several genealogical lists in the Old Testament. In Genesis 46:21, he is listed as one of the sons of Benjamin who went down to Egypt with Israel (or 'Jacob') and his family. This places Gera as one of the founding members of the tribe of Benjamin. In Judges 3:15, Gera is mentioned as an ancestor of Ehud, a left-handed Benjamite who was raised up by God to deliver Israel from the oppression of Eglon, king of Moab. Ehud's successful assassination of Eglon and his leadership in the subsequent battle against the Moabites brought peace to Israel for eighty years (Judges 3:16 to 30). In 1 Chronicles 8:5, Gera is again mentioned in the genealogy of Benjamin, confirming his role as a significant figure in the tribe's history. Although little is known about Gera himself, his inclusion in these genealogies highlights the importance of family lineage and tribal identity in ancient Israel.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
This entry is on the name Gera, and may cover more than one person or place by that name.
Grain. (1.) The son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (1 Chr. 8:3, 5,7).
(2.) The father of Ehud the judge (Judg. 3:15).
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(3.) The father of Shimei, who so grossly abused David (2 Sam. 16:5; 19:16, 18).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Genesis 46:21
The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.
- Judges 3:15
And again they cried out to the LORD, and He raised up Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed Benjamite, as their deliverer. So they sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab.
- 1 Chronicles 8:5
Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.