Achshaph
LocationsGeographical Setting
Achshaph was a fortified Canaanite city-state in the Lower Galilee region, strategically positioned along the coastal plain's northern approaches.
What is the meaning of Achshaph in the Bible?
Achshaph was a royal Canaanite city located in the northern region of ancient Palestine. It is mentioned in the books of Joshua as a site conquered during the Israelite campaigns.
SIGNIFICANCE
The city's mention helps historians map the territorial boundaries of the Canaanite city-states and the subsequent tribal allotments of Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Achshaph (located near modern Tell Zippori (near Nazareth) or Khirbet Kasrun (near Afula), with Tell Zippori being the most widely accepted identification in modern scholarship.) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Achshaph in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Achshaph clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Achshaph." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/achshaph/