patrial from an unused name meaning a tush; an Arkite or inhabitant of Erek; Arkite.
Transliteration:ʻArqîy
Pronunciation:ar-kee'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6208 (עַרְקִי, ʻArqîy) functions as a gentilic noun, signifying an inhabitant of a specific place. Its base definition indicates a derivation from an unused name, ultimately referring to an "Arkite." While the Strong's definition includes a reference to "Erek," scholarly consensus, based on the surrounding gentilic terms in [[Genesis 10]], identifies the "Arkite" with the inhabitants of Arqa, an ancient Phoenician city located in present-day Lebanon. The semantic range of H6208 is thus narrowly defined, pointing exclusively to the people group originating from this particular geographical location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H6208 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the highly significant genealogical record of [[Genesis 10:17]]. In this passage, the Arkite (הָעַרְקִי) is listed among the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham. The verse reads: "and the Arkite, and the Sinite, and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite." This enumeration places the Arkites firmly within the broader family of Canaanite peoples, alongside other groups known to inhabit the Levant during the ancient period. The inclusion of the Arkites in the Table of Nations ([[Genesis 10]]) serves a crucial purpose: it maps out the early distribution of humanity following the Flood, providing a foundational understanding of the various nations and their perceived origins from a biblical perspective. Their placement among the Phoenician cities (like Arvad, Zemar, Hamath) confirms their traditional identification with Arqa, a prominent coastal city.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a gentilic, H6208 is intrinsically linked to the place name from which it derives, namely Arqa. While Arqa itself does not have a distinct Strong's number in this context, the concept it represents is crucial. The Arkites are part of the larger group of "Canaanites," a term encompassing a diverse array of peoples who inhabited the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Other related gentilics in [[Genesis 10]] include the Sidonian, Hethite, Jebusite, Amorite, Girgashite, Hivite (`{{H2348}}`), Sinite, Arvadite, Zemarite, and Hamathite. The entire [[Genesis 10]] chapter, often referred to as the "Table of Nations," is a foundational text for biblical ethnography and geography, illustrating the comprehensive scope of God's creation and the subsequent peopling of the earth. It connects directly to the broader narrative of humanity's origins and the subsequent divine plan for Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6208 is primarily found in its contribution to the grand narrative of God's sovereignty over all nations and His meticulous ordering of human history. The inclusion of the Arkites, a relatively minor group in the broader biblical narrative, within the comprehensive Table of Nations in [[Genesis 10]] underscores several key theological truths:
1. **Universality of Creation:** It affirms that all peoples, regardless of their later historical role, trace their lineage back to a common ancestor, demonstrating God's singular act of creation and His fatherhood over all humanity.
2. **Divine Order:** The detailed listing of nations reflects a divine order and purpose in the distribution of peoples across the earth, even before the specific call of Abraham.
3. **Foundation for Subsequent History:** By placing the Arkites and other Canaanite groups within this genealogical framework, the text lays the groundwork for understanding later interactions between Israel and these surrounding nations, including the divine judgments and promises related to the land of Canaan.
4. **God's Knowledge and Providence:** The very existence of this detailed list testifies to God's intimate knowledge and providential care over all of human history, from its earliest beginnings. Even seemingly obscure groups are known and accounted for within His divine plan.
### Summary
The term H6208 (ʻArqîy), or Arkite, is a gentilic noun referring to an inhabitant of the ancient Phoenician city of Arqa. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Genesis 10:17]] places it within the Table of Nations, a crucial genealogical record detailing the descendants of Noah's sons. As part of the Canaanite family, the Arkite's inclusion highlights the comprehensive nature of biblical history, affirming God's universal sovereignty and meticulous ordering of all peoples. While not central to Israel's covenant narrative, the Arkite's presence underscores the divine framework within which all nations exist, contributing to the rich tapestry of God's providential plan for humanity.
TRV