Irha-Heres
LocationsGeographical Setting
Irha-heres is a toponym found in Isaiah 19:18, representing a debated textual variant regarding the identity of an Egyptian city.
What is the meaning of Irha-Heres in the Bible?
Irha-heres is a place name appearing in certain manuscripts of the Book of Isaiah. Its exact identity remains debated among scholars due to textual variations.
SIGNIFICANCE
The conflicting translations, ranging from 'city of destruction' to 'city of the sun,' highlight the challenges of textual criticism in ancient Hebrew manuscripts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Irha-Heres 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 Irha-Heres in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Irha-Heres 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
"Irha-Heres." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/irhaheres/