The Hebrew name Qiryath ʼArbaʻ, represented by H7153, refers to a significant location in Palestine, meaning “city of Arba” or “city of the four.” It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses. The name primarily serves as the older designation for the city that would later be known as H2275 Hebron, a place deeply connected to the history of the patriarchs and the conquest of Canaan.
In the biblical narrative, Qiryath ʼArbaʻ is consistently identified with Hebron. It is the place where H8283 Sarah died H4191, prompting H85 Abraham to mourn H5594 for her Genesis 23:2. It is also where H3290 Jacob came to his father H3327 Isaac Genesis 35:27. The name's origin is tied to H704 Arba, described as a H1419 great man H120 among the H6062 Anakims Joshua 14:15. After the conquest, the men of H3063 Judah went H3212 against the H3669 Canaanites dwelling in Hebron and slew H5221 H8344 Sheshai, H289 Ahiman, and H8526 Talmai, who were associated with the city Judges 1:10. The city was later appointed H6942 as a city of refuge in the mountain H2022 of Judah Joshua 20:7.
The narrative significance of H7153 Qiryath ʼArbaʻ is tied to its transformation from a Canaanite stronghold to a key Israelite city.
- Patriarchal Heritage: It served as a central location for the patriarchs, being the place of Sarah's death and burial and a place where Abraham and Isaac sojourned (Genesis 23:2, Genesis 35:27).
- Symbol of Conquest: The city, home to the fearsome Anakim, represented a major challenge in the conquest of Canaan. Its capture by Judah and its assignment to Caleb demonstrated the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land H776 to Israel (Judges 1:10, Joshua 15:13).
- Place of Refuge: By being appointed as a city of refuge, Qiryath ʼArbaʻ was sanctified H6942 under Israelite law, marking its full integration into the religious and civil life of the nation Joshua 20:7.
- Restoration and Continuity: Even after the exile, children H1121 of Judah dwelt H3427 at Qiryath ʼArbaʻ, showing its enduring importance as part of their ancestral land Nehemiah 11:25.
In summary, H7153 Qiryath ʼArbaʻ is far more than an ancient place name. It is the original identity of Hebron, a city foundational to the story of Israel. Its narrative arc traces the history of the promised land itself—from a place of patriarchal memory and Canaanite power to a site of conquest, divine inheritance, and sacred refuge under God's covenant with Israel.
