Dan (3)
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Canaanite city located at the northernmost tip of the Land of Israel, identified with the biblical site of Laish.
What is the meaning of Dan (3) in the Bible?
Dan, originally known as Laish, was a city in northern Palestine conquered by the tribe of Dan and established as a northern sanctuary for the Kingdom of Israel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Dan as the northern boundary of the Israelite territory clarifies the phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' used throughout the Hebrew Bible to denote the entire extent of the nation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Dan (3) (located near modern Tel Dan, near Dan, Israel) 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 Dan (3) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dan (3) clarify?
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
"Dan (3)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dan-3/