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River Of Egypt

Locations
Modern Location Wadi el-Arish, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt
Coordinates 31.1333, 33.8167

Geographical Setting

A seasonal riverbed in the Sinai Peninsula traditionally identified as the eastern boundary of the ancient Land of Israel.

What is the meaning of River Of Egypt in the Bible?

The Hebrew phrase 'nahar mitsraim' translates to 'River of Egypt' and appears in several biblical passages to define territorial limits. While some interpretations associate it with the Nile Delta, archaeological and geographical evidence supports its identification with the Wadi el-Arish, a dry riverbed that flows into the Mediterranean Sea.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing this boundary clarifies the extent of the territory allocated to the tribes of Israel in ancient texts, distinguishing the specific watercourse marking the border from the broader region of Egypt itself.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: River Of Egypt (located near modern Wadi el-Arish, Sinai Peninsula, Egypt) 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 River Of Egypt in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does River Of Egypt 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

"River Of Egypt." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/river-of-egypt/
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