or יְרֵחוֹ; or variation (1 Kings 16:34) יְרִיחֹה; perhaps from יָרֵחַ; its month; or else from רוּחַ; fragrant; Jericho or Jerecho, a place in Palestine; Jericho.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Yᵉrîychôw**, represented by `{{H3405}}`, is the name for **Jericho**, a place in Palestine. It appears **57 times** across **53 unique verses** in the Bible. The name's origin may be from a word meaning "its month" or from another word meaning "fragrant." It is a city of major significance, primarily known as the first city conquered by the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River. It is frequently identified as the "city of palm trees" [[Deuteronomy 34:3]].
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3405}}` is central to the conquest of Canaan. Joshua sent two men to spy secretly on the land, specifically **Jericho** [[Joshua 2:1]]. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River right against **Jericho** [[Joshua 3:16]], and the LORD delivered the city, its king, and its mighty men into Joshua's hand [[Joshua 6:2]]. After the victory, Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild the city [[Joshua 6:26]], a curse that was later fulfilled when Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt **Jericho** at the cost of his firstborn and youngest sons [[1 Kings 16:34]]. The location also serves as a key geographical marker, defining borders [[Joshua 18:12]] and encampments in the "plains of **Jericho**" [[Jeremiah 39:5]]. It is also noted as a place where the sons of the prophets resided during the time of Elijah and Elisha [[2 Kings 2:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the identity and location of Jericho:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (a city): This word is consistently used to describe Jericho's status as a fortified settlement. Joshua's curse is specifically upon the one who "buildeth this **city** Jericho" [[Joshua 6:26]].
* `{{H5899}}` **ʻÎyr hat-Tᵉmârîym** (city of the palmtrees): This descriptive title is used for Jericho, highlighting a key feature of its landscape [[Deuteronomy 34:3]]. Men brought captives to "Jericho, the **city of palm trees**" to care for them [[2 Chronicles 28:15]].
* `{{H3383}}` **Yardên** (Jordan): The Jordan River is geographically and narratively linked to Jericho. The children of Israel camped "by **Jordan** near Jericho" on multiple occasions ([[Numbers 22:1]], [[Numbers 36:13]]).
* `{{H5857}}` **ʻAy** (Ai): The account of this city's conquest immediately follows Jericho's. What Joshua had done to **Jericho** and its king became the blueprint for the battle against **Ai** ([[Joshua 8:2]], [[Joshua 9:3]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3405}}` is demonstrated in its role as a symbol of divine power, judgment, and promise.
* **The Beginning of Conquest:** As the first city captured in the Promised Land, the fall of Jericho was a sign of God's power and the beginning of the fulfillment of His covenant to give the land of Canaan to Israel [[Joshua 6:2]].
* **The Enduring Word of God:** The curse pronounced by Joshua was not an idle threat. Its literal fulfillment hundreds of years later in the days of Hiel serves as a powerful testament to the lasting authority of God's spoken word [[1 Kings 16:34]].
* **A Place of Judgment and Mercy:** While the city was utterly destroyed as an act of divine judgment [[Joshua 10:28]], it was also the setting for an act of mercy, where Rahab the harlot was saved for hiding the messengers sent to spy out **Jericho** [[Joshua 6:25]]. It also served as a place of refuge for David's messengers who had been shamed [[2 Samuel 10:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3405}}` represents far more than a geographical location. It is a cornerstone event in the history of Israel's formation as a nation. The story of **Jericho** is a profound illustration of God's power to overcome formidable obstacles, the solemn reality of divine judgment, and the unfailing nature of a prophetic curse. From its strategic importance in the conquest to its unique identity as the "city of palm trees," **Jericho** remains a pivotal landmark in the biblical narrative.
TRV