Ashteroth Karnaim
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient urban center in the Bashan region associated with the Rephaim and Amorite territories.
What is the meaning of Ashteroth Karnaim in the Bible?
An ancient city located in the Bashan region of the Golan Heights. It is identified in Genesis 14:5 as a residence of the Rephaim, a group described as giants.
SIGNIFICANCE
The site provides geographical context for the military campaigns of the Patriarchs and the territorial boundaries of the Amorites. Its name likely reflects a blend of Canaanite religious terminology and local topography.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ashteroth Karnaim (located near modern Bashan region, Golan Heights) 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 Ashteroth Karnaim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Ashteroth Karnaim clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 14:5
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
"Ashteroth Karnaim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ashteroth-karnaim/