Etymology and Meaning
Kirjatharba, also known as Kiriath-arba, is a significant biblical location whose name is often interpreted to mean "City of Arba." Arba is described in the Bible as the greatest man among the Anakim, a race of giants (Joshua 14:15). The name reflects the city's association with Arba, suggesting its importance and possibly its founding by or dedication to him.

Biblical References
Kirjatharba is prominently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the patriarchs and the conquest of Canaan. It is identified as the ancient name for the city of Hebron, located in the hill country of Judah.

1. Patriarchal Significance: Kirjatharba holds a special place in biblical history as the burial site of the patriarchs. Genesis 23:2 states, "Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her." This city is where Abraham purchased the cave of Machpelah as a family burial site, which later became the resting place for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their wives (Genesis 49:29-32).

2. Conquest and Inheritance: During the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Kirjatharba was conquered by Caleb, one of the faithful spies sent by Moses. Joshua 14:13-15 records, "Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. (Hebron used to be called Kiriath-arba after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim.)" This passage highlights Caleb's faithfulness and the fulfillment of God's promise to him.

3. Levitical City and City of Refuge: Kirjatharba, as Hebron, was designated as a Levitical city and a city of refuge. Joshua 21:11-13 states, "They gave them Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pasturelands, in the hill country of Judah. Arba was the forefather of Anak. But the fields and villages around the city they had given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession. So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for the manslayer), with its pasturelands."

Historical and Archaeological Insights
Hebron, the modern equivalent of Kirjatharba, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains from various periods, including the Bronze Age, which align with the biblical timeline of the patriarchs. The site of the Cave of Machpelah, traditionally identified with the Tomb of the Patriarchs, remains a place of pilgrimage and reverence for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike.

Theological Significance
Kirjatharba's role in biblical history underscores themes of faith, promise, and inheritance. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs and their descendants. The city's transformation from a Canaanite stronghold to a center of Israelite worship and refuge illustrates the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan for His people.Kirjatharba

(the city of Arba), an early name of the city which after the conquest is generally known as HEBRON. (Joshua 14:15; Judges 1:10) The identity of Kirjath-arba with Hebron is constantly asserted. (Genesis 23:2; 35:27; Joshua 14:15; 15:13,54; 20:7; 21:11)

City of Arba, the original name of Hebron (q.v.), so called from the name of its founder, one of the Anakim (Genesis 23:2; 35:27; Joshua 15:13). It was given to Caleb by Joshua as his portion. The Jews interpret the name as meaning "the city of the four", i.e., of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Adam, who were all, as they allege, buried there. KIRJATH-ARBA

kur-jath-ar'-ba, kir-jath-ar'-ba.

See KIRIATH-ARBA.

Chapter xxxv
... of Mamre." The well-informed writer lists both names of the ancient town, giving
"Hebron" parenthetically as the better known name for "KirjathArba," ie, "the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxv.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... of Mamre." The well-informed writer lists both names of the ancient town, giving
"Hebron" parenthetically as the better known name for "KirjathArba," ie, "the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences). ... Joshua 14:15 And the name
of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba was a great man among the Anakims. ...
/k/kirjatharba.htm - 8k

Kirjath-arba (8 Occurrences)
Kirjath-arba. Kirjatharba, Kirjath-arba. Kirjatharim . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Kirjatharba, Kirjath-arba. Kirjatharim . Reference Bible.
/k/kirjath-arba.htm - 9k

Kirjathaim (6 Occurrences)

/k/kirjathaim.htm - 9k

Anakims (9 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Joshua 14:15 And the name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba; which Arba
was a great man among the Anakims. And the land had rest from war. (KJV WBS). ...
/a/anakims.htm - 9k

Slew (206 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron: (now the
name of Hebron before was Kirjatharba:) and they slew Sheshai, and Ahiman, and ...
/s/slew.htm - 38k

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