Bible Dictionary
Gera
Gera is a name associated with Benjaminite families, including ancestors of Ehud and Shimei. Several individuals or family lines may be represented by this name.
Definition
Gera, meaning “grain,” is a name associated with Benjaminite families. It refers to a son of Benjamin, a son or descendant of Bela, and ancestors of Ehud and Shimei.
Biblical Usage
Gera appears in genealogical records and in references to Ehud the judge and Shimei, the Benjamite who cursed David. The name may represent a family line rather than a single individual in all passages.
Historical Background
The repeated use of the name among Benjaminite descendants makes it uncertain whether the references to Ehud’s and Shimei’s fathers concern the same person or family.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Grain. (1.) The son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin (1 Chr. 8:3, 5, 7). (2.) The father of Ehud the judge (Judg. 3:15). (3.) The father of Shimei, who so grossly abused David (2 Sam. 16:5; 19:16, 18).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a grain), one of the “sons,” i.e. descendants, of Benjamin. (Genesis 46:21) Gera, who is named, (Judges 3:15) as the ancestor of Ehud, and in (2 Samuel 16:5) as the ancestor of Shimei who cursed David, is probably also the same person (though some consider them different persons).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ge'-ra (gera', "grain"): A family name of the tribe of Benjamin, hence, not necessarily a separate individual in (3) and (4) below:</p><p>(1) A son of Benjamin (Ge 46:21).</p><p>(2) According to 1Ch 8:3,5,7, son of Bela and grandson of Benjamin. The name is repeated (8:5) in the list of Bela's sons.</p><p>(3) Father, or ancestor, of the judge Ehud (Jud 3:15).</p><p>(4) Father, or ancestor, of Shimei, the Benjamite, who cursed David when he fled from Absalom (2Sa 16:5; 19:16,18; 1Ki 2:8).</p>