from עַשְׁתָּרוֹת and the dual of קֶרֶן; Ashtaroth of (the) double horns (a symbol of the deity); Ashteroth-Karnaim, a place East of the Jordan; Ashtoreth Karnaim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **ʻAshtᵉrôth Qarnayim**, represented by `{{H6255}}`, is the name of a place located east of the Jordan. Its name means "Ashtaroth of (the) double horns," which is noted as a symbol of a deity. This place name appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical reference to `{{H6255}}` is in the context of an ancient military campaign. In Genesis, the account states that Chedorlaomer and the **kings** `{{H4428}}` allied with him came and **smote** `{{H5221}}` the **Rephaims** `{{H7497}}` in **Ashteroth Karnaim** [[Genesis 14:5]]. This event situates the location as the site of a significant battle involving a coalition of kings against the early inhabitants of the land.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of the event at Ashteroth Karnaim:
* `{{H7497}}` **râphâʼ** (giant, Rapha, Rephaim(-s)): This identifies the people who were defeated at Ashteroth Karnaim. The Rephaims were a formidable people, often referred to as **giants** [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike, kill, smite): This verb describes the decisive action taken by Chedorlaomer's forces against the Rephaims at this location, indicating a complete defeat [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H368}}` **ʼÊymîym** (Emims): An early tribe described as **terrors**. They were smitten in the same campaign as the Rephaims, showing the regional scale of the conflict mentioned in the narrative [[Genesis 14:5]].
* `{{H2104}}` **Zûwzîym** (Zuzims): Defined as **prominent**, this was another aboriginal tribe defeated during the same military action, further mapping out the scope of this ancient war [[Genesis 14:5]].
### Theological Significance
The historical significance of `{{H6255}}` is tied directly to its single appearance in scripture.
* **Site of Ancient Conflict:** Its primary role is to mark the location where the **Rephaims** `{{H7497}}` were conquered by an invading force of **kings** `{{H4428}}`, establishing it as a place of historical importance in the patriarchal era [[Genesis 14:5]].
* **Connection to Giant Clans:** The location is explicitly linked with the **Rephaims** `{{H7497}}`, a people described as **giants**. The same passage also mentions the defeat of the **Emims** `{{H368}}`, who were also accounted as **giants** `{{H7497}}` in other texts [[Deuteronomy 2:10-11]].
* **Symbol of Pagan Worship:** The name "Ashtaroth of (the) double horns" itself points to the location being a center for the worship of a deity, likely the Canaanite goddess Ashtaroth, linking the geography to the religious practices of the land's earliest inhabitants.
### Summary
In summary, **ʻAshtᵉrôth Qarnayim** `{{H6255}}` is a specific place name, not a general term. Its importance in the biblical text comes from its singular mention in [[Genesis 14:5]], which identifies it as the site of a key battle where the Rephaims were defeated. The name itself suggests a background of pagan worship, while the narrative context firmly places it within the geography and conflicts of the early patriarchal age.
TRV