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Ashteroth-Karnaim

Locations
Modern Location Likely in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River, though the precise modern site is unidentified.
Coordinates N/A

Geographical Setting

An ancient settlement in the Transjordanian region associated with the Rephaim and later Maccabean history.

What is the meaning of Ashteroth-Karnaim in the Bible?

A location in the land of Bashan mentioned in Genesis 14:5 as the site where Chedorlaomer defeated the Rephaim, and identified in 1 Maccabees 3:49 as a city in Gilead containing a temple of Atargatis that was captured and destroyed by Judas Maccabeus.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the dual references to Ashteroth-karnaim helps readers distinguish between the ancient patriarchal narratives of the Transjordan and the later Hellenistic period conflicts, clarifying the geographical and religious landscape described in both the historical books and the Maccabean accounts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ashteroth-Karnaim (located near modern Likely in the region of Bashan, east of the Jordan River, though the precise modern site is unidentified.) 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

Related Topics

Benjamin, Gate OfShunemElimValleyAccaronBeth-Gamul

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/ashterothkarnaim/
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