Lexical Summary Ashteroth Qarnayim: Ashteroth of the Two Horns Original Word: עַשְׁתְּרֹת קַרְנַיִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ashtoreth Karnaim From Ashtarowth and the dual of qeren; Ashtaroth of (the) double horns (a symbol of the deity); Ashteroth-Karnaim, a place East of the Jordan -- Ashtoreth Karnaim. see HEBREW Ashtarowth see HEBREW qeren NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Ashtaroth and qeren Definition "Ashtaroth of the double horns," a place E. of the Jordan NASB Translation Ashteroth-karnaim (1). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Ashtoreth Karnaim lay in the fertile north-eastern tableland of Bashan, east of the Sea of Galilee. The site is generally identified with modern Tell Ashtarah (for Ashtaroth) adjoining Al-Qurayyatayn/Karnaim, a twin-city complex seated on a prominent rise. The region’s broad pastureland made it a natural stronghold for the Rephaim and, later, for Og king of Bashan (Deuteronomy 1:4; Joshua 12:4). Single Canonical Occurrence Genesis 14:5: “In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashtaroth Karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim, and the Horites in the hill country of Seir, as far as El-paran, which is near the wilderness.” Here the city stands as the first battlefield named in Scripture, underscoring both its antiquity and strategic importance on the north-south trade route that linked Mesopotamia and Canaan. Historical Development 1. Patriarchal Era: The combined Mesopotamian coalition struck at Ashtoreth Karnaim to cripple the Rephaim confederation. The victory of Chedorlaomer set the stage for Abram’s rescue of Lot and foreshadowed God’s future conquest of the land. Religious Significance “Ashtoreth” recalls the Canaanite goddess of fertility and war, while “Karnaim” (“horns”) implies power or perhaps twin hill-crests that framed the sanctuary. The compound name therefore represents a center of idolatry that celebrated human strength and sensuality. From a biblical-theological standpoint, its fall to both Mesopotamian and Israelite forces illustrates the transient nature of pagan power and the sure advance of the Lord’s purposes in redemptive history. Theological Themes • Sovereignty of God over Nations: Even mighty Rephaim cities are no match for divine providence (Genesis 14; Deuteronomy 3:4-7). Archaeology and Extra-Biblical Data Tell Ashtarah’s extensive Iron-Age ramparts, temple fragments, and basalt statues highlight the city’s military and cultic character. Inscriptions from surrounding sites reference “Astarte-Karnain,” confirming a dual-city or twin-shrine concept. Roman sources later call the region Astaroth-Karneiae, reinforcing continuity of name and place. Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching and Teaching: Genesis 14 introduces tithe, priesthood (Melchizedek), and spiritual separation. Ashtoreth Karnaim provides the geographical anchor for these seminal doctrines. Summary Ashtoreth Karnaim stands at the crossroads of ancient power politics, idolatrous worship, and the unfolding plan of God. Mentioned but once in the Old Testament, it nonetheless illuminates critical truths about divine sovereignty, human rebellion, and covenant victory—truths that remain vital for the Church today. Forms and Transliterations קַרְנַ֔יִם קרנים karNayim qar·na·yim qarnayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:5 HEB: רְפָאִים֙ בְּעַשְׁתְּרֹ֣ת קַרְנַ֔יִם וְאֶת־ הַזּוּזִ֖ים NAS: the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim KJV: the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims INT: and defeated the Rephaim Ashteroth-karnaim and the Zuzim Ham 1 Occurrence |
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