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
**H7153** (Qiryath ʼArbaʻ) is a compound geographical name, transliterated as Kirjath-Arba. It is derived from two Hebrew components: `{{H7151}}` (qiryah), meaning "city" or "town," and either `{{H704}}` (Arba), a proper name, or `{{H705}}` (ʼarbaʻ), the numeral "four." The primary and most widely accepted interpretation is "City of Arba," referring to Arba, identified in the biblical text as "the greatest man among the Anakim" ([[Joshua 14:15]], [[Joshua 15:13]]). This interpretation grounds the city's name in the lineage of its formidable pre-Israelite inhabitants. The alternative, "City of the Four," is less common but could hypothetically refer to four prominent figures or perhaps four districts within the city. However, given the explicit biblical association with the giant Arba, the former derivation is strongly preferred. Throughout Scripture, Kirjath-Arba is consistently equated with Hebron, a city of immense historical and theological significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name **H7153** (Qiryath ʼArbaʻ) appears prominently in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Genesis, Joshua, Judges, and Nehemiah. Its earliest mention is in [[Genesis 23:2]], where it is identified as the place where Sarah died: "And Sarah died in Kirjath-arba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan." This initial reference establishes its ancient identity and its equivalence with Hebron.
In the narratives of the Israelite conquest, Kirjath-Arba (Hebron) is presented as a formidable stronghold of the Anakim, a race of giants whose imposing stature instilled fear in the Israelite spies ([[Numbers 13:28]], [[Deuteronomy 1:28]]). The city's capture becomes a pivotal moment in the conquest. Caleb, one of the two faithful spies, demonstrates extraordinary faith and courage by specifically requesting this territory as his inheritance, despite its formidable inhabitants ([[Joshua 14:12-15]]). His successful conquest of Kirjath-Arba, driving out the Anakim from Hebron, is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and Caleb's unwavering obedience.
Following the conquest, Kirjath-Arba (Hebron) is designated as one of the cities of refuge ([[Joshua 20:7]]) and a Levitical city ([[Joshua 21:11-13]]), highlighting its strategic importance in the tribal allocations and its role in the religious and judicial administration of Israel. The city's continued recognition is evident in [[Nehemiah 11:25]], where the variant "Kirjath-ha-Arba" (with the definite article) is used, indicating its enduring identity even in the post-exilic period.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H7151}}` (qiryah):** The fundamental component meaning "city," establishing Kirjath-Arba as an urban center rather than a mere settlement.
* **`{{H704}}` (Arba):** The proper name of the Anakim patriarch, whose identity is intrinsically linked to the city, illustrating the ancient practice of naming places after significant individuals or tribal leaders.
* **`{{H705}}` (ʼarbaʻ):** The numeral "four," offering a less likely but possible alternative etymology.
* **Hebron (`{{H2275}}`):** This is the more common and enduring name for the city. The interchangeability of Kirjath-Arba and Hebron is crucial. Hebron itself means "fellowship" or "association," suggesting a later renaming or a parallel name that reflects its status as a place of covenant (e.g., Abraham's dwelling, the burial place of the patriarchs) and later as a significant gathering point (e.g., David's first capital). The shift from a name associated with giants (Kirjath-Arba) to one associated with covenant (Hebron) carries theological weight.
* **Anakim (`{{H6061}}`):** The race of giants associated with Kirjath-Arba, representing the formidable obstacles Israel faced in possessing the Promised Land. Their defeat at Kirjath-Arba signifies God's power over seemingly insurmountable enemies.
* **Caleb (`{{H3612}}`):** The faithful spy and warrior whose story is deeply intertwined with Kirjath-Arba. His inheritance and conquest of the city make it a symbol of faith's triumph over fear and the fulfillment of divine promises.
### Theological Significance
Kirjath-Arba holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative.
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** It stands as a powerful symbol of God's promise fulfilled and the land inherited through faith. Its conquest by Caleb, despite the formidable Anakim, illustrates that with God, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome ([[Numbers 13:33]], [[Joshua 14:12]]). It embodies the principle that divine promises are realized through human obedience and courage.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Pagan Power:** The dual naming or eventual shift from "City of Arba" (associated with a giant and pagan power) to Hebron ("fellowship," "covenant") subtly reflects God's triumph over the powers of the land and the establishment of His covenant people in the promised territory. It signifies the displacement of a formidable, ungodly presence by a city dedicated to God's purposes (as a city of refuge and a Levitical city).
* **Faithfulness Rewarded:** Caleb's unwavering faith in God's ability to give him Kirjath-Arba, even in his old age, serves as an enduring example of faithfulness rewarded. His story, deeply intertwined with this city, highlights the blessings of wholehearted devotion to the Lord.
* **Historical Continuity and Sacred Space:** The city's deep roots, dating back to Abraham's time as a burial place for Sarah ([[Genesis 23:19]]) and later Abraham himself, Isaac, and Jacob ([[Genesis 49:30]], [[Genesis 50:13]]), establish it as a profoundly sacred site in Israelite history. It is a place where patriarchs lived, died, and were buried, connecting the past promises with their future fulfillment in the land.
### Summary
**H7153** (Qiryath ʼArbaʻ) designates "Kirjath-Arba," a significant ancient city in Canaan invariably identified with Hebron. Its name, meaning "City of Arba" (referring to the Anakim giant) or potentially "City of the Four," points to its formidable pre-Israelite inhabitants. Biblically, it is first noted as the burial place of Sarah ([[Genesis 23:2]]) and subsequently becomes a key stronghold of the Anakim, which Caleb, through extraordinary faith, conquers as his inheritance ([[Joshua 14:12-15]]). This transformation from a pagan stronghold to an Israelite city, later designated a city of refuge and a Levitical city ([[Joshua 20:7]], [[Joshua 21:11-13]]), powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Kirjath-Arba, therefore, stands as a profound testament to divine sovereignty, the triumph of faith, and the establishment of God's covenant people in their promised inheritance.
TRV