Jearim
LocationsGeographical Setting
Jearim is an ancient settlement in the Judean hills, historically significant as the location where the Ark of the Covenant was housed for twenty years before its transfer to Jerusalem.
What is the meaning of Jearim in the Bible?
Jearim is an ancient site located in the hill country of Judah. It is identified in biblical texts as a boundary marker and a place of residence for the priesthood.
SIGNIFICANCE
The site is critical for understanding the geography of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua and the movement of the Ark of the Covenant.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Jearim (located near modern Khirbet el-Qemz, near Kiryat Yearim, West Bank) 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 Jearim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Jearim 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
"Jearim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/jearim/