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Sorek

Locations
Modern Location Wadi Sorek, Israel
Coordinates 31.9500, 34.8500

Geographical Setting

The Sorek is a seasonal river valley in the Judean foothills that historically served as a boundary between the territories of Judah and Dan.

What is the meaning of Sorek in the Bible?

The Sorek is a wadi and torrent bed situated in the western Judean hills, flowing past the ancient sites of Makkedah and Jabneel before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea south of Joppa.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the geography of the Sorek Valley clarifies the narrative context of Samson and Delilah, illustrating how the region's fertile soil and viticulture provided the economic backdrop for the Judges period conflicts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Sorek (located near modern Wadi Sorek, Israel) 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 Sorek in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Sorek 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

"Sorek." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sorek/
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