Meaning
Gershom is a masculine personal name. In Exodus 2:22, Moses explained the name by saying, “I have been a stranger in a strange land.” The name is therefore associated in the biblical account with being a stranger or sojourner in a foreign land.
Biblical Usage
Gershom was the first son of Moses and Zipporah. He was born while Moses was dwelling in Midian after fleeing from Egypt. Moses gave him this name because he had been a stranger in a strange land.
When Jethro brought Zipporah and her sons to Moses in the wilderness, Gershom was identified as one of Moses’ two sons. First Chronicles 23:14-15 also names Gershom among the sons of Moses.
Key References
- Exodus 2:21-22
- Exodus 18:2-4
- 1 Chronicles 23:14-15
Related Terms
- Moses
- Zipporah
- Eliezer
- Jethro
- Midian
- Sojourner