Bible Dictionary
Gomer
Gomer was the daughter of Diblaim and wife of Hosea, and also the eldest son of Japheth. The name is associated with the descendants of Japheth mentioned among the nations.
Definition
Gomer is the name of Hosea’s wife, daughter of Diblaim, and also the name of the eldest son of Japheth. The latter was regarded as the ancestor of peoples associated with the northern regions beyond the ancient Near East.
Biblical Usage
Gomer, daughter of Diblaim, became Hosea’s wife, probably in a prophetic vision. Gomer, son of Japheth, is listed among the nations and is named as the father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.
Historical Background
Gomer has been identified with the Cimmerians, who lived north of the Black Sea, later entered western Asia Minor, and are associated in the supplied material with the Celtae, Cimbri, Gaels, and Cymry. These identifications are presented as traditional conclusions.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Complete; vanishing. (1.) The daughter of Diblaim, who (probably in vision only) became the wife of Hosea (1:3). (2.) The eldest son of Japheth, and father of Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah (Gen. 10:2, 3), whose descendants formed the principal branch of the population of South-eastern Europe. He is generally regarded as the ancestor of the Celtae and the Cimmerii, who in early times settled to the north of the Black Sea, and gave their name to the Crimea, the ancient Chersonesus Taurica. Traces of their presence are found in the names Cimmerian Bosphorus, Cimmerian Isthmus, etc. In the seventh century B.C. they were driven out of their original seat by the Scythians, and overran western Asia Minor, whence they were afterwards expelled. They subsequently reappear in the times of the Romans as the Cimbri of the north and west of Europe, whence they crossed to the British Isles, where their descendants are still found in the Gaels and Cymry. Thus the whole Celtic race may be regarded as descended from Gomer.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(perfect).