of Hebrew origin (יְרִיחוֹ); Jericho, a place in Palestine:--Jericho.
Transliteration:Hierichṓ
Pronunciation:hee-er-ee-kho'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G2410 Hierichṓ (Ἱεριχώ) is a direct transliteration of the Hebrew `{{H3405}}` (Yeriḥo), referring to the ancient city of Jericho. The Hebrew name is often associated with the root meaning "fragrant" or "perfumed," likely due to the abundance of balsam trees and other aromatic plants in the fertile Jordan Valley where the city is located. It was also known as the "City of Palm Trees" ([[Deuteronomy 34:3]], [[Judges 1:16]], [[Judges 3:13]], [[2 Chronicles 28:15]]), further emphasizing its lush, productive environment. As a proper noun, its semantic range is strictly limited to this specific geographical location, a prominent city in ancient Palestine situated west of the Jordan River.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Jericho holds immense significance across both the Old and New Testaments.
In the Old Testament, the city is most famously known as the first conquest of the Israelites after their miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. The narrative in [[Joshua 6:1-27]] describes the unique and divinely orchestrated fall of its walls, not by conventional siege, but by the obedient faith of the Israelites, who marched around the city for seven days, culminating in the collapse of the walls after the blowing of trumpets and a great shout. This event serves as a powerful testament to God's direct intervention and His power over human fortifications. Integral to this story is Rahab, a harlot who sheltered the Israelite spies ([[Joshua 2:1-24]]) and was subsequently spared along with her family during the city's destruction ([[Joshua 6:17]], [[Joshua 6:25]]), demonstrating God's mercy and the efficacy of faith. Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild its foundations ([[Joshua 6:26]]), a curse later fulfilled by Hiel the Bethelite in the days of King Ahab ([[1 Kings 16:34]]). Jericho also appears as a geographical reference in later Old Testament historical accounts ([[2 Samuel 10:5]], [[2 Kings 2:4-5]], [[2 Kings 25:5]], [[Jeremiah 39:5]], [[Ezra 2:34]], [[Nehemiah 7:36]]).
In the New Testament, G2410 Hierichṓ features prominently in the Gospels as a setting for crucial events in Jesus' ministry, particularly during His final journey to Jerusalem.
* Jesus healed blind men near Jericho, as recorded in [[Matthew 20:29-34]], [[Mark 10:46-52]] (Bartimaeus), and [[Luke 18:35-43]]. These miracles underscore Jesus' compassion and His power to restore sight, both physically and spiritually.
* The encounter with Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, in Jericho ([[Luke 19:1-10]]) is another pivotal narrative. This story beautifully illustrates Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost, demonstrating His willingness to extend grace to those marginalized by society.
* The perilous road "down from Jerusalem to Jericho" is the setting for the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:30-37]]), a parable that powerfully defines true neighborliness and selfless compassion, contrasting the actions of a Samaritan with those of a priest and a Levite.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of G2410 Hierichṓ naturally connects with several key biblical concepts and related terms:
* **`{{H3405}}` (Yeriḥo):** The Hebrew origin of the name, linking the Greek term directly to its Old Testament roots and narratives.
* **Conquest and Deliverance:** The miraculous fall of Jericho symbolizes divine power in conquest and Israel's deliverance from their enemies.
* **Faith and Obedience:** The narratives surrounding Rahab and the Israelite army highlight the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands.
* **Divine Judgment and Mercy:** Jericho's destruction represents God's judgment against Canaanite idolatry, while Rahab's preservation exemplifies His mercy.
* **Jesus' Ministry and Salvation:** In the New Testament, Jericho becomes a backdrop for Jesus' demonstrations of healing and His salvific mission to the lost.
* **Compassion and Neighborliness:** The Parable of the Good Samaritan, set on the road to Jericho, profoundly emphasizes these virtues.
* **Biblical Geography:** As a specific location, it is intrinsically linked to the geographical and historical landscape of ancient Israel.
### Theological Significance
The city of Jericho, whether in its Hebrew or Greek rendering, carries profound theological weight. In the Old Testament, the fall of Jericho stands as an enduring emblem of God's absolute sovereignty and His power to achieve His purposes through means that transcend human understanding or military might. It underscores that victory belongs to the Lord, not to human strength ([[Joshua 6]]). This event also powerfully illustrates that divine blessing and intervention are often contingent upon the obedient faith of God's people. Rahab's story, in particular, serves as a powerful prefigurement of God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that salvation is available to all, regardless of their background, and that faith is the key to inclusion within God's covenant people. Her inclusion in the lineage of Christ ([[Matthew 1:5]]) further amplifies this theme of grace and inclusion.
In the New Testament, Jericho becomes a significant stage for the unfolding of God's kingdom through Jesus Christ. The healing of the blind and the conversion of Zacchaeus symbolize Jesus' mission to bring spiritual sight to the blind and salvation to the lost, fulfilling prophetic expectations. Jericho, a city marked by ancient curses and historical significance, becomes a place where the light of Christ shines, offering hope and transformation. Furthermore, the dangerous road from Jerusalem to Jericho in the Parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a potent metaphor for the human condition and the call to compassionate neighborliness. It highlights the true nature of love and mercy, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries, embodying the very heart of the Gospel.
### Summary
The Greek term G2410 Hierichṓ refers to the ancient and historically vital city of Jericho, a name derived from the Hebrew `{{H3405}}` (Yeriḥo). In the Old Testament, Jericho is preeminently known as the first city conquered by the Israelites after crossing the Jordan, a miraculous event showcasing God's divine power and the Israelites' obedient faith, notably involving the salvation of Rahab. This narrative underscores themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and mercy. In the New Testament, Jericho serves as a backdrop for pivotal events in Jesus' ministry, including the healing of blind individuals ([[Mark 10:46-52]], [[Luke 18:35-43]]) and the transformative encounter with Zacchaeus ([[Luke 19:1-10]]), illustrating Jesus' compassion and His mission to seek and save the lost. Additionally, the road to Jericho is famously the setting for the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([[Luke 10:30]]), emphasizing the call to radical compassion and neighborly love. Across both testaments, Jericho consistently functions as more than a mere geographical marker; it is a profound theological landscape where divine power, human faith, and redemptive grace powerfully intersect.
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