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Ciccar

Locations
Modern Location Jordan River
Coordinates 31.9522, 35.5095

Geographical Setting

Ciccar is the ancient Hebrew name for the city of Jericho, located in the Jordan Valley.

What is the meaning of Ciccar in the Bible?

Ciccar, also known as Sichar, is a biblical location mentioned in Genesis 30:22 and 33:18. While textual variants sometimes associate the name with Shechem, traditional interpretation identifies it as Jericho, marking the site where Jacob's family settled after returning from Mesopotamia.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing Ciccar as Jericho clarifies the geographical context of Jacob's return and his acquisition of land, which helps readers understand the territorial basis for the tribal inheritances of Reuben and Gad in the eastern Jordan region.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ciccar (located near modern Jordan River) 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 Ciccar in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Ciccar clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Genesis 30:22

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

"Ciccar." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ciccar/
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