Pirathon
LocationsGeographical Setting
Pirathon was an ancient Canaanite and Israelite settlement situated in the central hill country within the tribal allotment of Ephraim.
What is the meaning of Pirathon in the Bible?
Pirathon was an ancient settlement located within the territory of the tribe of Ephraim. Its name is derived from a root meaning 'prince' or 'summit'.
SIGNIFICANCE
The site is mentioned in the Book of Judges as a location of political exile for Abimelech, providing geographic context for early Israelite tribal boundaries.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Pirathon (located near modern Identified with the site of Far'un, near Shechem) 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 Pirathon in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Pirathon 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
"Pirathon." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pirathon/