or (with the article interposed) קִרְיַת הָאַרְבַּע; (Nehemiah 11:25), from קִרְיָה and אַרְבַּע or אַרְבַּע; city of Arba, or city of the four (giants); Kirjath-Arba or Kirjath-ha-Arba, a place in Palestine; Kirjath-arba.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7153}}` 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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key names and terms are directly linked to the identity and history of `{{H7153}}` **Qiryath ʼArbaʻ**:
* `{{H2275}}` **Chebrôwn** (Hebron): This is the later and more common name for Qiryath ʼArbaʻ. The scriptures repeatedly state that Qiryath ʼArbaʻ "is Hebron" ([[Genesis 23:2]], [[Joshua 15:54]]).
* `{{H704}}` **ʼArbaʻ** (Arba): The city was named for this man, who is called the father{H1} of `{{H6061}}` **Anak** and a great man among the Anakims ([[Joshua 14:15]], [[Joshua 15:13]]).
* `{{H6062}}` **ʻĂnâqîy** (Anakim): These descendants of Anak were the formidable inhabitants of Qiryath ʼArbaʻ before the Israelite conquest, and their presence made the city a symbol of great opposition [[Joshua 14:15]].
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb): As a reward for his faithfulness, Caleb the son{H1121} of Jephunneh{H3312} was given{H5414} Qiryath ʼArbaʻ as his inheritance{H2506} by the commandment{H6310} of the LORD{H3068} [[Joshua 15:13]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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.
TRV