Kirjath-Arba
LocationsGeographical Setting
An ancient Canaanite city identified with the modern city of Hebron in the southern West Bank.
What is the meaning of Kirjath-Arba in the Bible?
Kirjath-arba, also known as Hebron, is an ancient city in the southern Levant historically associated with the patriarchs and later serving as the capital of the Kingdom of Judah under King David.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Kirjath-arba provides geographical context for the patriarchal narratives and clarifies the political center of Judah during the early monarchy, linking ancestral traditions with historical state formation.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kirjath-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 Kirjath-Arba in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Kirjath-Arba clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Kirjath-Arba." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/kirjatharba/