from the same as עֲטָרוֹת and אַדָּר; crowns of Addar; Atroth-Addar, a place in Palestine; Ataroth-adar(-addar).
Transliteration:ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr
Pronunciation:at-roth' ad-dawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5853}}`, *ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr*, is a compound proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its meaning is derived from its constituent parts: עַטְרוֹת (*ʻAṭrôwth*), the plural form of עֲטָרָה (*ʻaṭarah*, `{{H5850}}`), meaning "crowns" or "garlands," and אַדָּר (*ʼAddâr*), which likely functions as a proper name or an adjective related to the root אדר (*ʼadar*, `{{H142}}` or `{{H145}}`), signifying "magnificent" or "great." Therefore, the literal translation of `{{H5853}}` is "Crowns of Addar" or potentially "Magnificent Crowns." As a place name, its semantic range is strictly limited to this particular landmark, serving primarily as a fixed point within the intricate geographical descriptions of the Promised Land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5853}}` appears twice in the Old Testament, both instances occurring within the book of Joshua, where it functions as a crucial boundary marker during the tribal allocations of the land of Canaan.
1. **[[Joshua 16:5]]**: "Then the border of the sons of Ephraim according to their families was thus: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth-addar, as far as Upper Beth-horon." Here, Atroth-Addar marks the eastern extent of the tribal territory allocated to the descendants of Ephraim. Its mention alongside Upper Beth-horon (`{{H1032}}`) places it in a region of strategic importance, likely near a significant pass or ridge.
2. **[[Joshua 18:13]]**: "And the border went from there to Luz, to the side of Luz (that is, Bethel) southward; and the border went down to Ataroth-addar, by the mountain that lies south of Lower Beth-horon." In this verse, Atroth-Addar is described as a point on the northern boundary of the tribe of Benjamin. The reference to Luz (Bethel) and Lower Beth-horon (`{{H1032}}`) further defines its location, indicating it was situated in the central hill country, west of Bethel and south of the Beth-horon pass.
In both contexts, `{{H5853}}` is not merely a descriptive name but a precise geographical coordinate, essential for delineating the divinely ordained inheritances of the Israelite tribes. Its repeated mention in the context of tribal boundaries underscores the meticulous nature of the land distribution, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises through Joshua's leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of `{{H5853}}` connect it to broader biblical themes.
* **עֲטָרָה (`{{H5850}}`, "crown")**: While `{{H5853}}` is a place name, the root word עֲטָרָה carries significant symbolic weight in the Old Testament. Crowns often symbolize royalty, honor, authority, and blessing (e.g., [[Psalm 21:3]], [[Proverbs 12:4]], [[Proverbs 16:31]]). The plural "Crowns" in the place name might suggest a place of particular beauty, prominence, or perhaps even a location where a significant event related to honor or authority occurred, though this is speculative. Other places named "Ataroth" (e.g., Ataroth in Gad, [[Numbers 32:3]], [[Numbers 32:34]]; Ataroth in Judah, [[1 Chronicles 2:54]]) indicate a common naming convention for settlements, possibly reflecting a circular layout or a place of distinction.
* **אַדָּר (`{{H142}}`, `{{H145}}`, "magnificent")**: The potential connection to the root אדר suggests a quality of greatness or ample supply. This could imply that Atroth-Addar was a prominent or fertile location, adding to its significance as a boundary marker.
* **Boundary Markers**: The primary function of `{{H5853}}` in the text is as a boundary marker. This concept is vital in the Old Testament, representing the divine allocation of land and the establishment of tribal identities and inheritances (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 19:14]], [[Proverbs 22:28]]). The precise definition of these boundaries, including specific landmarks like Atroth-Addar, demonstrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants ([[Genesis 15:18-21]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5853}}` lies not in any inherent spiritual meaning of the name itself, but in its role within the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.
1. **Divine Providence and Fulfillment of Promise**: The meticulous detailing of tribal boundaries in Joshua, including specific landmarks like Atroth-Addar, underscores God's precise and faithful fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land inheritance. Every boundary marker, no matter how seemingly obscure, testifies to God's active involvement in the history of His people.
2. **Order and Stewardship**: The precise division of the land reflects God's divine order and His careful provision for each tribe. It highlights the concept of stewardship, where the land was a gift from God, to be managed according to His laws. Atroth-Addar, as a fixed point, contributes to the clarity and immutability of these divinely ordained divisions.
3. **Identity and Inheritance**: For the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, Atroth-Addar was a tangible marker of their God-given inheritance and their distinct identity within the twelve tribes. It represented a physical manifestation of their place within the covenant community.
### Summary
`{{H5853}}`, *ʻAṭrôwth ʼAddâr*, is a Hebrew place name meaning "Crowns of Addar" or "Magnificent Crowns." It appears twice in the book of Joshua ([[Joshua 16:5]], [[Joshua 18:13]]), functioning as a critical boundary marker for the tribal territories of Ephraim and Benjamin in the central hill country of Canaan. While its literal meaning might hint at a place of prominence or beauty, its primary biblical significance is its role in delineating the divinely ordained land inheritances. Theologically, Atroth-Addar serves as a testament to God's meticulous faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, demonstrating His precise provision, order, and the establishment of Israel's identity within the Promised Land.
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