### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼAmrâphel**, represented by `{{H569}}`, identifies a **king of Shinar**. The derivation of the name is uncertain, and possibly foreign. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in scripture, exclusively within the narrative of an ancient battle of kings in the book of Genesis.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H569}}` is introduced as one of four kings who formed a coalition. He is identified as "**Amraphel** king of Shinar" and listed alongside Arioch, Chedorlaomer, and Tidal [[Genesis 14:1]]. This alliance waged war against five other kings. The name appears a second time when the combatants are listed again, specifying the conflict was between "**four** kings with **five**" [[Genesis 14:9]]. In both instances, Amraphel is a key member of this invading force.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for Amraphel's identity and role:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is explicitly attached to Amraphel in both verses where his name appears, defining his status as a royal figure and ruler ([[Genesis 14:1]], [[Genesis 14:9]]).
* `{{H8152}}` **Shinʻâr** (Shinar, a plain in Babylonia): This identifies the land ruled by Amraphel. Shinar is noted elsewhere as the location of Babel [[Genesis 10:10]] and a place of exile [[Daniel 1:2]].
* `{{H3540}}` **Kᵉdorlâʻômer** (Kedorlaomer, an early Persian king): As a fellow king in the alliance, Chedorlaomer appears to be the central figure of the invading force, having been served for twelve years before a rebellion [[Genesis 14:4]]. Amraphel functions as one of his allies.
* `{{H702}}` **ʼarbaʻ** (four): This numeral is used to define the total number of kings in Amraphel's coalition, emphasizing the combined strength of their alliance [[Genesis 14:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H569}}` is tied to the event in which he participates.
* **Coalition of Kings:** Amraphel is part of a formidable alliance of Gentile powers, a union of four kings from distinct regions including Shinar, Elam, and Ellasar [[Genesis 14:1]]. This demonstrates an organized, worldly force operating in the early history of Genesis.
* **Instrument of Conflict:** As part of this coalition, Amraphel plays a role in a significant regional war. The alliance, led by Chedorlaomer, was powerful enough to compel service from other kingdoms for over a decade [[Genesis 14:4]].
* **Defeated Power:** Despite the strength of this four-king alliance, the narrative records their ultimate defeat. The account concludes with the "slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him" [[Genesis 14:17]], a group that included Amraphel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H569}}` is the proper name of a specific historical figure, Amraphel, the king of Shinar. He is not a major character, appearing only in the context of a single military campaign in Genesis 14. His importance lies in his role as part of a powerful coalition of Gentile kings who, despite their might, were ultimately defeated, illustrating a broader theme of the limits of worldly power within the biblical narrative.
TRV