Asshur
LocationsGeographical Setting
Asshur was the ancient capital city of the Assyrian Empire, situated on the western bank of the Tigris River.
What is the meaning of Asshur in the Bible?
Asshur denotes both the eponymous ancestor of the Assyrian people in Genesis 10:11 and the primary urban center of the Assyrian state, which served as the empire's political and religious heart.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Asshur clarifies the geographical and ancestral context of the Assyrian Empire, a dominant power frequently depicted in the Old Testament as both a tool of divine judgment and a formidable adversary to Israel and Judah.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Asshur (located near modern Near Mosul, Iraq) 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 Asshur in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Asshur clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 10:11
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
"Asshur." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/asshur/