### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term קְרִיּוֹת (Qᵉrîyôwth), Strong's number `{{H7152}}`, is a plural noun derived from קִרְיָה (qiryah, `{{H7151}}`), which signifies "city," "town," or "settlement." Thus, its core meaning is "cities" or "towns." However, in its biblical occurrences, Qᵉrîyôwth functions exclusively as a proper noun, designating specific geographical locations named "Kerioth" or "Kirioth." The base definition "buildings" found in some lexicons reflects the foundational components of a city, but the primary semantic range in the biblical text is that of a named urban center, either within the territory of Israel or among surrounding nations.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Qᵉrîyôwth appears in the Hebrew Bible in four distinct verses, referring to two different geographical locations:
1. **A City in Judah:**
* [[Joshua 15:25]]: Here, "Kerioth-Hezron" (קְרִיּוֹת חֶצְרוֹן) is listed as one of the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Negev region. This context places Kerioth as an established, identifiable settlement within the promised land, part of the divine allocation to Israel. The conjunction with "Hezron" might indicate a compound name or a descriptive addition.
2. **A City in Moab:**
* [[Jeremiah 48:24]]: Kirioth is enumerated among the cities of Moab upon which divine judgment is pronounced. The prophetic oracle details the coming destruction and desolation that will befall Moab for its pride and defiance against the Lord.
* [[Jeremiah 48:41]]: Again, Kirioth is mentioned in the context of Moab's impending ruin, specifically noting that "Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized." This reinforces its identity as a fortified place, yet one that will ultimately fall.
* [[Amos 2:2]]: In this prophetic indictment against Moab, Kerioth is singled out as a place whose "palaces" will be consumed by fire. This judgment is linked to Moab's transgression of burning the bones of the king of Edom, highlighting divine retribution for specific acts of cruelty and sacrilege.
The dual usage of the name for a city in Judah and a city in Moab necessitates careful contextual reading. In Judah, Kerioth is a place of inheritance and belonging. In Moab, it becomes a potent symbol of a nation's pride and rebellion, destined for destruction under God's righteous judgment. The repeated mention in Jeremiah and Amos underscores its significance as a prominent Moabite city, a target of prophetic pronouncements.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the singular form, קִרְיָה (qiryah, `{{H7151}}`), meaning "city" or "town." This root is also found in other place names like Kiriath-Arba (Hebron) or Kiriath-Jearim.
Other Hebrew words for "city" include:
* עִיר (ʿiyr, `{{H5892}}`): The most common and general term for a city or town.
* קֶרֶת (qereth, `{{H7150}}`): A less common term for city, often appearing in poetic or archaic contexts.
The concept of Qᵉrîyôwth in its biblical usage is intricately linked to:
* **Territorial Inheritance:** As seen in Joshua, it represents a portion of the land divinely apportioned to Israel.
* **Divine Judgment:** In the prophetic books, it embodies a stronghold of a nation (Moab) that stands in opposition to God and therefore faces His wrath.
* **Human Fortification vs. Divine Power:** The "strongholds" of Kerioth in Moab, though built by human hands for security, are shown to be utterly vulnerable to God's decree.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Qᵉrîyôwth is multifaceted, primarily illuminated by its contrasting appearances.
Firstly, its inclusion in the tribal inheritance of Judah in [[Joshua 15:25]] speaks to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel. The very existence of Kerioth within Judah's allotted territory underscores the divine ordering of the land and the establishment of His people within it. It is a testament to God's sovereign hand in the distribution of nations and territories.
Secondly, and more prominently, the repeated pronouncements of judgment against Kerioth in Moab in [[Jeremiah 48:24]], [[Jeremiah 48:41]], and [[Amos 2:2]] carry profound theological weight. Kerioth becomes a stark symbol of:
* **Divine Sovereignty over All Nations:** God's judgment extends beyond Israel to surrounding nations, demonstrating His universal authority and His justice against all forms of unrighteousness, pride, and cruelty (as seen in Moab's actions).
* **The Inevitability of Judgment:** The fall of Kerioth, a seemingly strong and established city, serves as a powerful reminder that no human stronghold, no matter how fortified, can withstand the judgment of the Almighty. It illustrates the futility of human self-reliance in the face of divine wrath.
* **Consequences of Rebellion:** Moab's Kerioth stands as an example of the severe consequences that befall nations and peoples who defy God, engage in idolatry, or commit acts of violence and sacrilege. It underscores the biblical principle that sin, particularly national sin, leads to desolation.
### Summary
קְרִיּוֹת (Qᵉrîyôwth, `{{H7152}}`) literally means "cities" or "towns," being the plural of קִרְיָה (qiryah, `{{H7151}}`). In the biblical text, it functions as a proper noun, referring to two distinct places: a city in the inheritance of Judah and a prominent city in Moab. Its mention in [[Joshua 15:25]] highlights God's faithful allocation of land to His people. However, its more frequent and striking appearances are in the prophetic books of [[Jeremiah 48:24]], [[Jeremiah 48:41]], and [[Amos 2:2]], where Kerioth of Moab is consistently named as a target of divine judgment. In these contexts, Kerioth symbolizes the ultimate vulnerability of human strongholds and the inevitable consequences of national pride, idolatry, and rebellion against God. The study of Qᵉrîyôwth thus reveals profound truths about God's sovereign control over all nations and the certainty of His righteous judgment upon sin.
TRV