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Kiriath-Arim

Locations
Modern Location Khirbet el-Qur'ah
Coordinates 31.7833, 35.0500

Geographical Setting

Kiriath-Arim is an ancient Judean settlement identified with the modern site of Khirbet el-Qur'ah, located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem.

What is the meaning of Kiriath-Arim in the Bible?

Kiriath-Arim appears in Ezra 2:25 as a place of residence for returning exiles and is widely recognized by scholars as a variant spelling or alternative designation for Kiriath-Jearim, a prominent city in the territory of Judah.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing Kiriath-Arim as Kiriath-Jearim clarifies the geographical context of the post-exilic community's settlement patterns and helps readers locate the city associated with the Ark of the Covenant in historical narratives.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kiriath-Arim (located near modern Khirbet el-Qur'ah) 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-Arim in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Kiriath-Arim clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned: Ezra 2:25

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-Arim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kiriatharim/
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