or (Jeremiah 26:20) with the article interposed; or (Joshua 18:28) simply the former part of the word; or קִרְיַת עָרִים; from קִרְיָה and the plural of יַעַר or עִיר; city of forests, or city of towns; Kirjath-Jearim or Kirjath-Arim, a place in Palestine; Kirjath, Kirjath-jearim, Kirjath-arim.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7157}}` *Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym* is a proper noun, a significant geographical place name in the biblical landscape. Its etymology provides insight into its nature: it is a compound word derived from `{{H7151}}` *qiryah* (קִרְיָה), meaning "city," and the plural of `{{H3293}}` *ya'ar* (יַעַר), meaning "forest" or "wooded area." Thus, the primary and most widely accepted meaning is "City of Forests" or "City of Woods." The base definition also notes variations, including a form that suggests "City of Towns" (קִרְיַת עָרִים, using the plural of `{{H5892}}` *'iyr*).
The biblical text presents the name with slight variations: sometimes with the definite article interposed, as in [[Jeremiah 26:20]] (קִרְיַת הַיְעָרִים, "Kirjath-ha-jearim," literally "city of the forests"), and at other times abbreviated to simply "Kirjath" (קִרְיַת) as seen in [[Joshua 18:28]]. These variations do not alter the fundamental identity of the place but rather reflect common linguistic fluidity in ancient place naming conventions. The consistent core meaning points to a settlement situated within or near a heavily wooded region, a detail that may have contributed to its strategic or ecological character.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Kirjath-Jearim is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, primarily in geographical lists and historical narratives. It is first encountered in the book of Joshua as one of the four cities of the Gibeonites, whose inhabitants deceived Israel into a covenant ([[Joshua 9:17]]). Its strategic location is highlighted by its placement on the tribal boundary between Judah and Benjamin ([[Joshua 15:9]], [[Joshua 15:60]]; [[Joshua 18:14]], [[Joshua 18:15]], [[Joshua 18:28]]). This position made it a significant landmark for defining tribal inheritances.
The most prominent role of Kirjath-Jearim in biblical history is its association with the Ark of the Covenant. After the Ark was returned by the Philistines from Beth-shemesh, it was brought to Kirjath-Jearim and housed in the house of Abinadab on the hill ([[1 Samuel 6:21]]; [[1 Samuel 7:1]]). The Ark remained there for a significant period, approximately twenty years ([[1 Samuel 7:2]]), until King David arranged for its transfer to Jerusalem ([[2 Samuel 6:2]]; [[1 Chronicles 13:5-6]]). This extended stay underscores Kirjath-Jearim's role as a custodial site for Israel's most sacred object during a period of national spiritual decline and subsequent revival.
Later, Kirjath-Jearim is mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile, with some of its inhabitants listed among those who resettled Judah ([[Nehemiah 7:29]]). It is also noted as the hometown of the prophet Uriah, who was martyred during the reign of Jehoiakim ([[Jeremiah 26:20]]). These later references confirm its continued existence and importance as a populated center within ancient Israel.
### Related Words & Concepts
The name `{{H7157}}` *Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym* is intrinsically linked to its constituent parts. The element `{{H7151}}` *qiryah* ("city") appears in numerous other biblical place names, often indicating a fortified or significant settlement. Examples include Kirjath-Arba (Hebron, [[Genesis 23:2]]), Kirjath-Sepher (Debir, [[Joshua 15:15]]), and Kirjath-Sannah ([[Joshua 15:49]]). These demonstrate a common naming convention where "Kirjath" identifies a settlement, often followed by a descriptive element.
The second element, `{{H3293}}` *ya'ar* ("forest" or "wooded area"), is a common biblical term referring to natural landscapes. Its inclusion in the place name provides geographical context, suggesting a locale characterized by dense vegetation. The alternative etymology from `{{H5892}}` *'iyr* ("city" or "town") highlights the potential for linguistic evolution or regional dialectal variations in naming.
Conceptually, Kirjath-Jearim is related to themes of:
* **Boundaries and Borders:** Its location on the Judah-Benjamin border signifies its importance in defining tribal territories and potentially as a point of interaction or contention.
* **Custodianship and Neglect:** Its role as the Ark's resting place for two decades, largely unvisited by the nation's leaders, speaks to a period of spiritual apathy and the eventual re-establishment of proper worship under David.
* **Place Names as Historical Markers:** Like many biblical place names, Kirjath-Jearim serves as a mnemonic device, anchoring significant historical events and narratives to specific geographical locations.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Kirjath-Jearim is primarily tied to its role as the temporary sanctuary for the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark, representing God's presence and covenant faithfulness, resided in Kirjath-Jearim for an extended period, largely out of the national consciousness. This twenty-year interval ([[1 Samuel 7:2]]) highlights a period of spiritual dormancy in Israel, where the nation, having suffered defeat and the loss of the Ark to the Philistines, did not immediately seek to restore proper worship or the Ark's central place. The Ark's presence in the private home of Abinadab, rather than a tabernacle or central sanctuary, underscores the spiritual disarray of the time.
The eventual retrieval of the Ark by King David from Kirjath-Jearim ([[2 Samuel 6:2]]) marks a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal and national consolidation. David's act of bringing the Ark to Jerusalem symbolized the re-establishment of God's presence at the heart of the nation's life and governance. Kirjath-Jearim thus serves as a theological reminder of the consequences of spiritual neglect and the importance of actively seeking and honoring God's presence.
Furthermore, the prophet Uriah's connection to Kirjath-Jearim ([[Jeremiah 26:20]]) subtly links the town to the prophetic tradition, indicating that even in less prominent locations, God raised up voices to speak His truth, often at great personal cost.
### Summary
`{{H7157}}` *Qiryath Yᵉʻârîym*, meaning "City of Forests" or "City of Woods," was a significant biblical town located on the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Its identity is rooted in its geographical features, suggesting a wooded locale. Historically, it is most renowned as the long-term resting place for the Ark of the Covenant after its return from the Philistines, where it remained for approximately two decades in the house of Abinadab. This period highlights a lapse in national spiritual devotion, which was eventually rectified by King David's initiative to bring the Ark to Jerusalem. The town also appears in tribal boundary descriptions, lists of exiles returning from Babylon, and as the hometown of the prophet Uriah. Theologically, Kirjath-Jearim serves as a poignant symbol of spiritual neglect and the subsequent restoration of God's centrality in Israel's life, underscoring the importance of actively honoring the divine presence.
TRV