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Ramath-Lehi

Locations
Modern Location El-Hammam, near Timnah in the Shephelah region of Judea
Coordinates 31.7083, 34.9167

Geographical Setting

Ramath-lehi is an ancient site in the Judean lowlands identified with the biblical account of Samson's victory over the Philistines.

What is the meaning of Ramath-Lehi in the Bible?

Ramath-lehi is a location in the Shephelah where the biblical narrative records Samson killing a thousand Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey; the name likely derives from the Hebrew word for 'jawbone' due to the topography or the event.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying Ramath-lehi helps readers contextualize the geography of Samson's conflicts with the Philistines and understand the etymological connection between the place name and the specific weapon used in the biblical text.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Ramath-Lehi (located near modern El-Hammam, near Timnah in the Shephelah region of Judea) 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 Ramath-Lehi in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Ramath-Lehi 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

"Ramath-Lehi." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/ramathlehi/
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