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H1444 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גֶּדֶר
geder
Noun, masculine
Wall, fence, enclosure, boundary

Definition

A noun meaning a stone wall, fence, or enclosure used to mark property, protect livestock, or form the perimeter of a city. Metaphorically it describes divine protection — the hedge God places around His servants.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theological significance of geder emerges most vividly in the book of Job. Satan accuses God: 'Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?' (Job 1:10). The adversary acknowledges what the righteous person may not see: that invisible walls of divine protection surround those who fear God. Ezekiel mourns Israel's failure — there was no one to stand in the breach or 'build a wall' (geder) to defend the land from judgment (Ezekiel 13:5). The wall-builder is one who intercedes, filling the gap between God's holiness and human failure. Every intercessor stands as a geder.

Key Bible Verses

Job 1:10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side?
Ezekiel 13:5 You have not gone up into the breaches, or built up a wall for the house of Israel.
Numbers 22:24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on each side.
Micah 7:11 A day for the building of your walls! In that day the boundary shall be far extended.
Isaiah 5:5 I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured.

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