### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qiryâthayim**, represented by `{{H7156}}`, means **double city**. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The name is used to identify two different places in Palestine, with spellings including Kiriathaim and Kirjathaim.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7156}}` is mentioned in two distinct geographical contexts. It appears as a prominent city in Moab, listed alongside other Moabite locations like Nebo `{{H5015}}` and Baalmeon `{{H1186}}`. In this context, it is a subject of divine judgment, with the LORD `{{H3068}}` of hosts `{{H6635}}` declaring that **Kiriathaim** is confounded `{{H3001}}` and taken `{{H3920}}` [[Jeremiah 48:1]]. It is also described as part of the "glory `{{H6643}}` of the country `{{H776}}`" on Moab's frontiers `{{H7097}}` that the LORD will open `{{H6605}}` for judgment [[Ezekiel 25:9]]. Separately, **Kirjathaim** is a city built `{{H1129}}` by the children `{{H1121}}` of Reuben `{{H7205}}` [[Numbers 32:37]] and later listed as part of their inheritance in the mount `{{H2022}}` of the valley `{{H6010}}` [[Joshua 13:19]]. A third reference identifies a **Kirjathaim** given to the tribe `{{H4294}}` of Naphtali `{{H5321}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Qiryâthayim** is clarified by several associated terms:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This primitive root describes the action taken by the children of Reuben, who **built** Kirjathaim as one of their cities [[Numbers 32:37]].
* `{{H4124}}` **Môwʼâb** (Moab): This name for the territory and descendants of Lot's son is the primary setting for prophecies against **Kiriathaim**, establishing it as a key Moabite city ([[Jeremiah 48:1]], [[Ezekiel 25:9]]).
* `{{H7205}}` **Rᵉʼûwbên** (Reuben): As a son of Jacob, his descendants formed the tribe of **Reuben**, which built and possessed one of the cities named Kirjathaim [[Numbers 32:37]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): This term, meaning an open area around a city, is used to describe the city of **Kirjathaim** and its associated lands that were given to the tribe of Naphtali [[1 Chronicles 6:76]].
### Theological Significance
While a place name, the use of `{{H7156}}` carries theological weight concerning God's actions toward nations and His covenant with Israel.
* **Divine Judgment Over Nations:** The city of **Kiriathaim** in Moab serves as a specific object of God's proclaimed judgment. The prophecy that it would be spoiled `{{H7703}}` and confounded `{{H3001}}` demonstrates the sovereignty of the God `{{H430}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}` over all peoples and lands [[Jeremiah 48:1]].
* **Fulfillment of Tribal Inheritance:** The mention of **Kirjathaim** as a city built by Reuben [[Numbers 32:37]] and as a town with suburbs `{{H4054}}` for Naphtali [[1 Chronicles 6:76]] underscores the theme of God fulfilling His promise to allot land to the tribes of Israel.
* **Glory and Consequence:** Ezekiel describes **Kiriathaim** as part of the "glory `{{H6643}}` of the country `{{H776}}`" of Moab, highlighting that even a place of prominence and pride is not exempt from being opened to judgment by the LORD [[Ezekiel 25:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **Qiryâthayim** `{{H7156}}` is a place name that serves distinct purposes in the biblical record. In its Moabite context, it stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and His judgment upon the nations. In its Israelite context, it represents the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises of land and inheritance to the tribes of Reuben and Naphtali. The accounts of this "double city" illustrate how specific locations are woven into the larger narrative of God's authority and faithfulness.
TRV