Gera גֵּרָא
Descendant of Benjamin; ancestor of Ehud, a judge of Israel.
Who is Gera in the Bible?
Gera was a descendant of Benjamin and an ancestor of the judge Ehud, mentioned in several Old Testament genealogies. He appears in Genesis 46:21 as one of Benjamin's sons who traveled to Egypt with Jacob's family, establishing him as a founding member of the tribe of Benjamin. Gera is also identified in Judges 3:15 as the grandfather of Ehud, the left-handed judge whom God raised up to deliver Israel from Moabite oppression through the assassination of King Eglon, an act that brought eighty years of peace to Israel. His lineage is confirmed again in 1 Chronicles 8:5 as part of Benjamin's genealogical record. Though Gera himself receives little direct attention in Scripture, his significance lies in his role as an ancestor of one of Israel's most notable judges and deliverers.
Biography
Gera is mentioned in several genealogical lists in the Old Testament. In Gen.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 Jdg.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 (Jdg.3.16-30). In 1Ch.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.
Family
Parents
Siblings
- Bela Tribe of ReubenSon of AzazA Reubenite, son of Azaz.View full profile →
- Becher Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, listed among those who entered Egypt.View full profile →
- Ashbel Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, founder of the Ashbelite clanView full profile →
- Naaman Tribe of BenjaminSon of EhudA descendant of Benjamin, son of Ehud.View full profile →
- Rosh Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, grandson of JacobView full profile →
- Muppim Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminA son of Benjamin.View full profile →
- Huppim Tribe of Benjamin(?)Son of IrA descendant of Manasseh.View full profile →
- Ard Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, brother of BelaView full profile →
- Ahiram Tribe of BenjaminSon of BenjaminSon of Benjamin, founder of the Ahiramite clanView full profile →
- Jediael Tribe of BenjaminBenjamin leaderSon of Benjamin, head of a clanView full profile →
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study contentGenesis 1 verse
- Genesis 46:21
"The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard."
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Judges 1 verse
- 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 1 verse
- 1 Chronicles 8:5
"Gera, Shephuphan, and Huram."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | גֵּרָא |