or עֲטָרֹת; plural of עֲטָרָה; Ataroth, the name (thus simply) of two places in Palestine; Ataroth.
Transliteration:ʻĂṭârôwth
Pronunciation:at-aw-roth'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻĂṭârôwth (`{{H5852}}`) is a plural proper noun derived from the singular ʻĂṭârâh (`{{H5850}}`). The root ʻĂṭârâh means "crown," "diadem," or "garland." Therefore, ʻĂṭârôwth literally translates to "crowns" or "garlands." As a geographical designation, it refers to specific places in ancient Israel, bearing a name that symbolically points to the land's value or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂṭârôwth (`{{H5852}}`) appears in the Old Testament, designating at least three distinct locations within the promised land:
1. **A City in Gad's Territory (East of Jordan):** This Ataroth was one of the cities requested by the tribes of Reuben and Gad due to its suitability for their livestock. It is explicitly mentioned as being built by the children of Gad.
* [[Numbers 32:3]]: "Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Shebam, and Nebo, and Beon,"
* [[Numbers 32:34]]: "And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,"
2. **A Border Town in Ephraim's Territory (West of Jordan):** This Ataroth, sometimes referred to as Ataroth-addar, marked a boundary point for the tribe of Ephraim's inheritance.
* [[Joshua 16:2]]: "And goeth out from Bethel to Luz, and passeth along unto the borders of Archi to Ataroth,"
* [[Joshua 16:7]]: "And goeth down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarath, and came to Jericho, and went out at Jordan."
3. **A Town in Judah (Ataroth-beth-Joab):** This location is associated with the descendants of Caleb and the house of Joab, indicating its placement within the tribal allotment of Judah.
* [[1 Chronicles 2:54]]: "The sons of Salma; Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Ataroth, Bethjoab, and half of the Manahethites, the Zorites."
In each instance, the context is geographical and pertains to the division and settlement of the land among the Israelite tribes, highlighting the process of inheriting and inhabiting the promised territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the singular form, ʻĂṭârâh (`{{H5850}}`), meaning "crown." This noun is derived from the verb ʻâṭar (`{{H5849}}`), "to crown" or "to encircle." The semantic range of "crown" in biblical thought extends beyond a mere headpiece to encompass concepts such as:
* **Glory and Honor:** As a symbol of distinction, blessing, or divine favor (e.g., "crown of glory" in [[1 Peter 5:4]]).
* **Authority and Royalty:** Indicating kingly power or sovereignty.
* **Victory and Reward:** A victor's wreath or the reward for righteousness (e.g., "crown of righteousness" in [[2 Timothy 4:8]]).
* **Prosperity and Blessing:** For instance, grandchildren are a "crown of old men" ([[Proverbs 17:6]]).
The naming of places "Ataroth" (crowns) suggests that these locations were considered valuable, desirable, or significant within their respective tribal inheritances, perhaps even "crowning" achievements of settlement.
### Theological Significance
As a place name, ʻĂṭârôwth does not carry explicit theological doctrine. However, its etymological connection to ʻĂṭârâh ("crown") imbues it with implicit theological resonance. The naming of these locations as "crowns" can be understood in several ways:
1. **Divine Bestowal and Blessing:** The land of Canaan was a divine gift to Israel, a fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham. The "crowns" could symbolize the richness and desirability of this inheritance, a "crowning" blessing from the Lord to His people.
2. **Value and Significance of Inheritance:** The fact that specific towns were named "crowns" might reflect their strategic importance, fertility, or beauty, making them highly valued assets within the tribal allotments. The Gadites and Reubenites, for example, saw the land of Ataroth as prime pastureland, a "crown jewel" for their livestock.
3. **Fulfillment of Covenant:** The successful conquest and settlement of these lands, including those named "Ataroth," represented the tangible fulfillment of God's promise to bring His people into a land flowing with milk and honey. This act of possession was a "crowning" moment in Israel's early history, demonstrating God's faithfulness.
4. **Human Endeavor and Divine Providence:** While the land was a gift, its settlement involved human effort (e.g., the Gadites building Ataroth). The name "crowns" could therefore subtly acknowledge both the divine provision and the human labor involved in establishing the nation of Israel in its promised territory.
### Summary
ʻĂṭârôwth (`{{H5852}}`) is a plural Hebrew proper noun meaning "crowns" or "garlands," derived from ʻĂṭârâh (`{{H5850}}`). It identifies three distinct geographical locations in the Old Testament: a city in Gad's territory east of the Jordan, a border town in Ephraim's territory west of the Jordan, and a town in Judah (Ataroth-beth-Joab). Its biblical occurrences are primarily within historical and geographical contexts, detailing tribal inheritances and settlements in the books of Numbers, Joshua, and 1 Chronicles. While a place name, its etymological root "crown" lends it symbolic significance, subtly pointing to the land as a valuable, divinely bestowed inheritance. The name "Ataroth" thus reflects themes of divine blessing, the fulfillment of covenant promises, and the prosperity of the land, underscoring God's faithfulness in establishing His people within their promised domain.
TRV