What is…
Geba

also known as: Jab'a, Israel (modern name), Geva, Jeba

Hebrew: גֶּבַע —transliteration: Geba —meaning: the hill

Greek: Γαβαα

This is an ancient Levitical city of the Kohathite (Kohanic) families located in the land of the Tribe of Benjamin (1 Kings 15:22.

Then King Asa caused an announcement to be heard throughout all Judah—none was exempt—and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber with which Baasha had been building. And King Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. —1 Kings 15:22

“From Geba to Beersheba” expressed the whole extent of the kingdom of Judah, just as “from Dan to Beersheba” described the whole length of Israel (2 Kings 23:8).

Geba is near Gibeah of Benjamin (aka Gibeah of Saul) (Isaiah 10:29; Joshua 18:24, 28).

An earthquake near here routed a Philistine army camp.

And there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling. Then Saul’s watchmen in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away; and they went here and there. —1 Samuel 14:15-16

Other mentions in Scripture: Joshua 18:24; Ezra 2:26; Neh. 7:30; 2 Samuel 5:25 [1 Chronicles 14:16, “Gibeon”]; 2 Kings 23:8; Neh. 11:31), 1 Samuel 13:16; 14:5

Jab'a, Israel, location of ancient Geba—satellite view

The location of Geba is at modern Jab'a, Israel, a West Bank Palestinian village, southeast of Jerusalem. Jab'a is located 10.5 miles (17 kilometers) north of Hebron and 9 miles (15 km) southwest of Bethlehem.

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Article Version: January 10, 2025