Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Kirjath" is derived from the Hebrew word "קִרְיָה" (qiryah), meaning "city" or "town." In the context of biblical references, Kirjath often appears as a prefix in compound names, indicating a specific city or town. Biblical References and Significance: Kirjath is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often as part of compound names such as Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-arba, and Kirjath-sepher. Each of these locations holds particular historical and theological significance within the biblical narrative. 1. Kirjath-jearim: Kirjath-jearim, meaning "City of Forests," is a notable location in the biblical account. It is mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines, it was brought to the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim, where it remained for twenty years. This is recorded in 1 Samuel 7:1-2: "Then the men of Kiriath-jearim came and took up the ark of the LORD. They brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill and consecrated his son Eleazar to guard the ark of the LORD. And from that day a long time passed, twenty years in all, and the house of Israel lamented after the LORD." 2. Kirjath-arba: Known as Hebron in later texts, Kirjath-arba is described as the city of Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim. It is a significant city in the patriarchal narratives, being the place where Abraham settled and later purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah (Genesis 23:2, 19). Joshua 14:15 notes, "Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim." 3. Kirjath-sepher: Also known as Debir, Kirjath-sepher means "City of Books" or "City of Scribes." It was a Canaanite city captured by Othniel, Caleb's nephew, as recorded in Joshua 15:15-17: "From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, 'I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.' So Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage." Historical and Archaeological Context: The cities associated with the name Kirjath were significant in the ancient Near East, often serving as centers of culture, religion, and governance. Archaeological findings in these areas have provided insights into the Canaanite and Israelite periods, revealing layers of occupation and cultural exchange. Theological Implications: The cities bearing the name Kirjath are often associated with pivotal moments in Israel's history, reflecting themes of divine presence, covenant, and conquest. Kirjath-jearim's role in housing the Ark underscores the centrality of God's presence among His people. Kirjath-arba's association with the patriarchs highlights the continuity of God's promises from Abraham to the nation of Israel. Kirjath-sepher's capture by Othniel illustrates the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the Israelites. Conclusion: While the entry does not include a conclusion, the significance of Kirjath in its various forms is evident throughout the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to God's ongoing relationship with His people and His faithfulness to His promises. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary KirjathSmith's Bible Dictionary Kirjath(a city), the last of the cities enumerated as belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, (Joshua 18:28) probably identical with the better-known place Kirjath-jearim. Easton's Bible Dictionary City, a city belonging to Benjamin (Joshua 18:28), the modern Kuriet el-`Enab, i.e., "city of grapes", about 7 1/2 miles west-north-west of Jerusalem. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KIRJATHkur'-jath, kir'-jath. Strong's Hebrew 7157. Qiryath Yearim -- "city of forests," a city given to Judah ...... Kiriath-jearim (18). Kirjath, Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-arim. Or (Jer. 26:20) with the article interposed; or (Josh. 18:28) simply ... /hebrew/7157.htm - 6k 7158. Qiryath Sannah -- "city of writing," a city in Judah 7153. Qiryath Arba -- "city of the four," an older name of Hebron 7154. Qiryath Baal -- "city of Baal," another name for Kiriath ... 7155. Qiryath Chutsoth -- "city of streets," a city in Moab Library Repentance and victory Three Decisive Steps The Ark of the House of Obed-Edom Chapter xxiii The Six Cities. The King --Continued. The Image of Self. Importance of Small Things in Religion Religious Zeal. Nathan Reproving the King. Thesaurus Kirjath (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KIRJATH. kur'-jath, kir'-jath. See KIRIATH. Multi-Version Concordance Kirjath (1 Occurrence). ... /k/kirjath.htm - 7k Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjath-arba (8 Occurrences) Kirjath-baal (2 Occurrences) Kirjath-sepher (4 Occurrences) Kirjath-sannah (1 Occurrence) Kirjath-sephar (1 Occurrence) Kirjath-huzoth (1 Occurrence) Kirjath-arim (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Kirjath (1 Occurrence)Joshua 18:28 Subtopics Related Terms Shaveh-kirjathaim (1 Occurrence) |
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