How to Pronounce Kiriatharba

We’ve all struggled to pronounce Bible names and places, especially those pesky Old Testament names! This free audio Bible name pronunciation guide is a valuable tool in your study of God’s word. Click the PLAY button below to hear how to pronounce Kiriatharba . There is also a phonetic guide to use to see the proper pronunciation of Kiriatharba . For more information about Kiriatharba , check out the Easton Bible dictionary entry as well.

Audio Pronunciation of Kiriatharba

Phonetic Pronunciation of Kiriatharba

kihr-ee-ath-AHR-buh

How to Say Kiriatharba

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Learn more about Kiriatharba

Kiriath-arba, pronounced as "kir-yath AR-ba," is an ancient name associated with the city of Hebron as mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. This ancient city holds a significant place in biblical history, primarily due to its association with notable biblical figures and events. The name Kirjath-arba translates to "city of Arba" or "city of four." It's cited as the location where Abraham's wife, Sarah, passed away, and is notably the chief city in the hill country of Judah, serving both as a Levitical city and a city of refuge. The biblical narrative further elaborates that Caleb, a prominent figure from the tribe of Judah, captured the city for Israel, thus marking its importance in the biblical conquests of the promised land.

The name Kiriath-arba is also intricately tied to a character named Arba, who is considered the forefather of Anak. This association is detailed in the book of Joshua, where Kiriath-arba (Hebron) and its surrounding pasturelands are described as being situated in the hill country of Judah. The narrative continues to explain that the fields and villages around the city were given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.

Furthermore, the etymology of the name Kiryat Arba is explored by biblical commentators like Rashi, who posits that it could either denote the town (kirya) of Arba, referring to a giant who had three sons, or the town of the four giants, indicating Anak (the son of Arba) and his three sons – Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai – who are described as the sons of a "giant" in the book of Numbers.

The transition of the name from Kirjath-arba to Hebron is of historical significance as well. The name Kirjath-arba is recognized as the original name of Hebron, derived from its founder, one of the Anakim. The narrative further emphasizes that this ancient city was given to Caleb by Joshua as his portion, underscoring its importance in the ancestral heritage and the biblical narrative of land allocation.

Understanding the historical and biblical context of Kiriath-arba not only enriches the knowledge of biblical geography but also provides a glimpse into the ancient social, political, and religious dynamics that shaped the narratives of the Hebrew Bible.

Kiriath-arba, a name with ancient roots, holds a unique place in the Old Testament narrative. For those seeking clarity on "Kiriath-arba pronunciation" or its biblical significance, it's pivotal to unravel both its etymology and the role it plays within the sacred text. At biblespeak.org, we aim to illuminate not just pronunciation nuances but also the rich biblical and historical tapestry surrounding names like Kiriath-arba.

Etymology and Meaning

The name Kiriath-arba can be translated as "City of Arba". Arba is believed to be the name of a great man among the Anakim, a race of giants in the Bible. In essence, Kiriath-arba means "The City of the Four" or "City of Four Giants", hinting at its formidable origins and the giants who once dwelt there.

Bible References for Kiriath-arba

Kiriath-arba is frequently mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the books of Joshua and Judges. In Joshua 14:15, it is described as the former name for Hebron, a significant city in the land of Canaan. Furthermore, the city is noted as the burial place of the patriarchs: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Leah. The Cave of Machpelah, located near Hebron, is where these significant figures of the Bible were laid to rest (Genesis 23).

Historical and Biblical Significance

Kiriath-arba, or Hebron as it later came to be known, holds immense historical and spiritual significance. Being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, Hebron was also among the cities given to Caleb as a reward for his faithfulness to God. The city later became one of the Levitical cities and cities of refuge. Its deep-rooted history and ties to the patriarchs make it a focal point for understanding the early narrative of the Israelites in Canaan.

Pronunciation and Deeper Insights

The name "Kiriath-arba", with its distinct Hebraic intonations, can pose pronunciation challenges for many. biblespeak.org offers audio tools to aid in the proper vocalization of Kiriath-arba. Grasping both its pronunciation and historical significance can provide richer insights for educators, pastors, and students of the Bible, bringing ancient narratives to life in contemporary study and discussion.