Zoreah
LocationsGeographical Setting
Zoreah was an ancient Canaanite city located in the Shephelah region, assigned to the tribe of Judah and later identified with the modern site of Eshtaol.
What is the meaning of Zoreah in the Bible?
Zoreah is a city in the territory of Judah mentioned in Joshua 15:33 and 19:41, situated in the lowland region between the coastal plain and the Judean hills.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Zoreah helps readers locate the ancestral home of Samson's family and understand the specific tribal boundaries established in the book of Joshua.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Zoreah (located near modern Zorah (Eshtaol)) 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 Zoreah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Zoreah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Joshua 15:33
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
"Zoreah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/zoreah/