Gutter
Older English wording likely referring to the "water shaft" in David’s capture of Jerusalem.
At a Glance
An older or nonstandard Bible-related wording likely used for the “water shaft” mentioned in the conquest of Jerusalem.
Key Points
- Not a doctrinal term
- likely a translation or wording issue
- tied to David’s conquest of Jerusalem
- exact referent should be verified before publication.
Description
“Gutter” does not function as a standard doctrinal or theological entry. Its likely relevance is as an older English or nonstandard rendering associated with the “water shaft” mentioned in the account of David’s capture of Jerusalem (2 Samuel 5:8; 1 Chronicles 11:6). Because this is primarily a translation and identification issue rather than a theological concept, and because the exact sense should be verified against the intended canonical entry, it should not be published as a standalone headword without review.
Biblical Context
The likely biblical setting is David’s conquest of Jerusalem, where an obscure route or shaft is mentioned in connection with entering the city. English versions and interpretive notes vary in how they describe this feature.
Historical Context
The passage has long been discussed by interpreters because the underlying Hebrew expression is not immediately transparent in English. Older renderings may differ from more literal or explanatory translations such as “water shaft.”
Jewish and Ancient Context
Ancient city defenses and water systems are relevant background for understanding the passage, but the exact identification of the feature remains debated in interpretation.
Primary Key Texts
- 2 Samuel 5:8
- 1 Chronicles 11:6
Secondary Key Texts
- Related discussion in translations and study notes on Jerusalem’s fortifications and water system
- compare the parallel accounts in Samuel and Chronicles.
Original Language Note
The term appears to reflect a translation choice rather than a stable theological vocabulary item. The underlying Hebrew expression should be checked against the intended canonical entry before publication.
Theological Significance
Minimal as a doctrine term. Its significance is primarily historical and textual, helping readers understand a difficult Old Testament passage.
Philosophical Explanation
This is best treated as a lexical or translation problem, not as a theological category. Meaning should be determined from context and translation evidence, not from later doctrinal usage.
Interpretive Cautions
Do not treat “Gutter” as a settled biblical technical term. The exact referent is debated, and the entry should be aligned to the correct biblical feature or translation equivalent.
Major Views
Most discussion centers on whether the phrase should be rendered as a water shaft, channel, or similar access point in Jerusalem’s defenses. The term itself is not a doctrinal term.
Doctrinal Boundaries
No doctrinal teaching should be built on this term itself. It is a passage-specific wording issue, not a basis for theology.
Practical Significance
Useful only insofar as it helps readers understand the historical setting of David’s capture of Jerusalem.
Related Entries
- David
- Jerusalem
- 2 Samuel
- 1 Chronicles
See Also
- Water shaft
- Zion
- Jerusalem's capture