Places of the Bible

Gilead

Transjordan (east of the Jordan) · Old Testament · 93 verses

Gilead was a mountainous and fertile region east of the Jordan river. It was settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. The name appears in Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy and 16 more in the King James text.

About Gilead

Gilead was a mountainous and fertile region east of the Jordan river. It was settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh.

Its place in the story

Gilead was known for its balm and pasture and was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant heap in Gilead, and the region figures often in Israel's later wars.

Gilead in Scripture (KJV)

“So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.”
“And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days’ journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.”
“Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead.”
“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.”
“Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites: and Machir begat Gilead: of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites.”
“These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites: of Helek, the family of the Helekites:”
“Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.”
“Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place was a place for cattle;”

Gilead is named 93 times in Scripture; 8 shown above.

Where it leads

The balm of Gilead, sought for healing, became a byword for God's healing, pointing to the true healing offered in Christ.

Who is Jesus? · Places of the Bible

People also ask

Where is Gilead in the Bible?

Gilead was a mountainous and fertile region east of the Jordan river. It was settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. The name appears in Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy and 16 more in the King James text.

What happened at Gilead?

Gilead was known for its balm and pasture and was home to the prophet Elijah and the judge Jephthah. Jacob and Laban made their covenant heap in Gilead, and the region figures often in Israel's later wars.

More places of the Bible

All the placesRead the BibleWho is Jesus?

Scripture verbatim KJV. Place facts curated; any coordinates via Wikidata (CC0).

Enter Living Breadprayer, Scripture, a family near you