Kiriath-Arba
LocationsGeographical Setting
Kiriath-arba is an ancient designation for the city of Hebron, situated in the southern highlands of Judah.
What is the meaning of Kiriath-Arba in the Bible?
Kiriath-arba is an ancient name for Hebron, a city in southern Judah.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Kiriath-arba clarifies the geographical setting of the patriarchal narratives, specifically the acquisition of the cave of Machpelah by Abraham, which establishes the first legally recognized land ownership in the biblical promise to the Israelites.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kiriath-Arba (located near modern Hebron, 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 Kiriath-Arba in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Kiriath-Arba 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
"Kiriath-Arba." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kiriatharba/