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Timnath

Locations
Modern Location Tel Tsippori (near Zorah), Israel
Coordinates 31.7083, 34.9833

Geographical Setting

An ancient Canaanite and later Israelite settlement located in the Shephelah region, identified with the biblical Timnah of Judah.

What is the meaning of Timnath in the Bible?

Timnah is a site in the Shephelah region of Judah, identified with Tel Tsippori, which served as the residence of Samson's Philistine wife and the location of key events in the Book of Judges.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the geography of Timnah clarifies the territorial dynamics between the Israelites and Philistines during the period of the Judges, providing context for the narrative of Samson's interactions with his wife and his subsequent conflicts.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Timnath (located near modern Tel Tsippori (near Zorah), 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 Timnath in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Timnath 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

"Timnath." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/timnath/
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