Timnah
LocationsGeographical Setting
Timnah was an ancient settlement in the Shephelah region of Judah, known in antiquity as a Philistine-controlled territory.
What is the meaning of Timnah in the Bible?
Timnah denotes a town situated in the lowlands of Judah, historically associated with the tribe of Dan, and distinct from other sites bearing similar names in Edom or Philistia. Archaeological identification points to the modern ruin of Tibneh.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the geography of Timnah clarifies the context of the Samson narrative, illustrating the ethnic tensions between Israelites and Philistines, while its mention in 2 Kings and Isaiah provides evidence of Assyrian military campaigns against Judah during the late 8th century BCE.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Timnah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Timnah 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.