Bible Dictionary
Gap
A gap is a breach or opening in a wall. Ezekiel uses the image figuratively of those who should have stood against wickedness and defended the people but failed to do so.
Definition
A gap is a breach or opening in a wall. The biblical term can also describe a broken place requiring repair or defense.
Biblical Usage
Ezekiel uses the image of standing in the gap or breach for defending the land and strengthening the people. The prophets had failed to oppose the outbreak of wickedness and to preserve the community.
Historical Background
The term may be translated “breach,” especially in passages describing damage to a wall.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A rent or opening in a wall (Ezek. 13:5; comp. Amos 4:3). The false prophets did not stand in the gap (Ezek. 22: 30), i.e., they did nothing to stop the outbreak of wickedness.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The translation of perets, "a breach" (Eze 13:5, "Ye have not gone up into the gaps," the Revised Version, margin "breaches"; Eze 22:30, "I sought for a man among them, that should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land"). Said of prophets who failed to stand up for the right and to strengthen and preserve the people.</p>