Gad
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Troop; fortune”
The seventh son of Jacob, born to Leah’s handmaid Zilpah; his warrior tribe settled east of the Jordan.
Biography
Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, the first born to Leah's handmaid Zilpah. At his birth Leah exclaimed, "A troop cometh," and named him Gad (Genesis 30:11).
Father of a tribe
Jacob's blessing played on his name: "Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last" (Genesis 49:19). The tribe of Gad were known as fierce warriors and chose to settle in the good pastureland east of the Jordan, alongside Reuben and half of Manasseh.
Life Timeline
Born to Zilpah; Leah names him "a troop cometh"
On the Bible timeline
Gad belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Gad
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Gad appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookGenesis4 verses
Genesis 30:11
And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. Gad: that is, A troop, or, company
Genesis 35:26
And the sons of Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; Gad, and Asher: these are the sons of Jacob, which were born to him in Padanaram.
Genesis 46:16
And the sons of Gad; Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. Ziphion: or, Zephon Ezbon: or, Ozni Arodi: or, Arod
Genesis 49:19
Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he shall overcome at the last.
Frequently asked about Gad
Who was Gad in the Bible?
The seventh son of Jacob, born to Leah’s handmaid Zilpah; his warrior tribe settled east of the Jordan.
What does the name Gad mean?
The name Gad means “Troop; fortune”.
What did Gad do in the Bible?
Gad served as patriarch.
Who were Gad's parents?
Gad was the child of Jacob, Zilpah.
Where does Gad appear in the Bible?
Gad is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Gad?
The story of Gad touches on themes of jacob, tribes of israel, the, zilpah, children — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Gad's life.
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