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Kirjath

geographic_term theological_term standard

A Hebrew place-name element meaning “city” or “town,” found in compound Old Testament names such as Kirjath-arba and Kirjath-jearim.

At a Glance

Hebrew place-name element meaning “city” or “town.”

Key Points

Description

Kirjath is a Hebrew place-name element, commonly understood to mean “city” or “town.” In the Old Testament it usually appears as part of compound names rather than as a standalone location label. The best-known examples are Kirjath-arba and Kirjath-jearim. Because it functions as a geographic naming element, Kirjath belongs more naturally in a Bible dictionary as a lexical-geographic entry than as a doctrinal headword.

Biblical Context

In Scripture, Kirjath is most often encountered in compound place names. These names identify real towns or cities in the land of Canaan and later Israel, and they preserve older geographic usage in the biblical text.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern place names often combined a descriptive noun with another identifying element. Kirjath fits that pattern, functioning as a common designation for a settlement or city rather than as a unique personal or theological title.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The Hebrew term behind Kirjath is related to the ordinary word for a city or town. In ancient Israelite usage, such terms could become part of fixed place names and help preserve local memory and geography.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew qiryath / qiryah, a form associated with “city” or “town.” In English translations it appears within compound place names such as Kirjath-arba and Kirjath-jearim.

Theological Significance

Kirjath has little direct doctrinal significance on its own, but it is useful for understanding biblical geography, place names, and the historical setting of Israel’s land narratives.

Philosophical Explanation

This entry illustrates how ordinary language can be preserved in Scripture as part of place names. The term is descriptive rather than philosophical or doctrinal.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat Kirjath as a distinct theological idea. Its meaning is best understood in context within the full place name, and readers should avoid forcing symbolic significance into the term itself.

Major Views

There is broad agreement that Kirjath is a geographic name element meaning “city” or “town.” Differences in discussion usually concern spelling, transliteration, or which compound name is in view.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry concerns biblical geography and Hebrew usage, not a doctrine of salvation, covenant, or church practice.

Practical Significance

It helps Bible readers recognize that some names in Scripture are built from ordinary Hebrew words and that the same element may appear in more than one location name.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Kirjath

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