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Gideon

Gideon in the Bible — son of Joash (JDG 6:11) who torn down the altar to Baal (JDG 6:25). Gideon belonged to the tribe of Manasseh. Referenced in 9 scripture passages.

Name meaning: he that bruises or breaks; a destroyer

Profile

Gender
male
Tribe
Manasseh
Scripture References
9 references
Known Names
2 names
Relationships
7 connections

Biography

Called by God while threshing wheat in hiding, Gideon led Israel against the Midianites despite his doubts and fear. God reduced his army from 32,000 to 300 to show that victory came from God alone. Using trumpets and torches, Gideon's small band routed the Midianite army.

Significance

Gideon demonstrates that God uses weak instruments to accomplish His purposes, ensuring glory goes to Him alone. His story shows God's patience with doubters.

Key Events

Called by angel while threshing(Judges 6:11-12)
Fleece test for God's will(Judges 6:36-40)
Army reduced to 300 men(Judges 7:2-7)
Defeated Midianites(Judges 7:19-23)
Refused to be king(Judges 8:22-23)

Names & Labels (2)

Gideonproper name
Hebrew
גִּדְעוֹן
Transliteration
gidəon
Meaning
one who cuts, hacks
Greek
Γεδεων
Reference
JDG 6:11
Strong's
H1439
Jerubbaalproper name
Hebrew
יְרֻבַּ֣עַל
Transliteration
yərubaal
Meaning
Baal contends
Greek
[none]
Reference
JDG 6:32
Strong's
H3378

Family & Relationships (7)

son

Joash(JDG 6:11)

master

Purah(JDG 7:10)

father

Jether(JDG 8:20)
Abimelech(JDG 8:31)
Jotham(JDG 9:5)

killer

Zebah(JDG 8:21)
Zalmunna(JDG 8:21)

Notes

judge of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Gideon in the Bible?

Gideon is described in the Bible as son of Joash (JDG 6:11) who torn down the altar to Baal (JDG 6:25). Gideon belonged to the tribe of Manasseh.

What does the name Gideon mean?

The name Gideon means “he that bruises or breaks; a destroyer” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.

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