Arbonai
LocationsGeographical Setting
Arbonai is a geographical reference in the Book of Judith, traditionally identified as a river or torrent in the region of Cilicia.
What is the meaning of Arbonai in the Bible?
Arbonai is a torrent mentioned in Judith 2:24, situated near Cilicia, though its precise location remains unidentified and the proposed identification with the modern Nahr Ibrahim is generally rejected due to discrepancies in ancient nomenclature and topographical descriptions.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the uncertainty surrounding Arbonai clarifies the geographical scope of the narrative in Judith, illustrating how ancient authors utilized specific regional landmarks to establish the setting of military campaigns without providing coordinates that align with modern cartography.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Arbonai in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Arbonai clarify?
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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.