or קִרְיַת סֵפֶר; from קִרְיָה and a simpler feminine from the same as סַנְסִן, or (for the latter name) סֵפֶר; city of branches, or of a book; Kirjath-Sannah or Kirjath-Sepher, a place in Palestine; Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher.
Transliteration:Qiryath Çannâh
Pronunciation:keer-yath' san-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7158}}` קִרְיַת סַנָּה (Qiryath Çannâh) is a compound place name, transliterated also as Kirjath-Sannah or Kirjath-Sepher. The first element, קִרְיַת (Qiryath), is the construct form of קִרְיָה (qiryah, `{{H7151}}`), meaning "city." The second element presents a dual etymology and, consequently, two primary semantic ranges:
1. **"City of Branches" (קִרְיַת סַנָּה - Qiryath Çannâh):** This interpretation derives סַנָּה (Sannah) from a root related to סַנְסִן (sansin, `{{H5588}}`), which refers to a "palm branch" or, more broadly, a "branch" or "thorn." If "city of branches," it suggests a place characterized by abundant vegetation, perhaps palm groves, or even thorny thickets, indicating a specific geographical or botanical feature. This name appears only once in the biblical text.
2. **"City of a Book" (קִרְיַת סֵפֶר - Qiryath Sēpher):** This is the more common and perhaps more significant interpretation, deriving סֵפֶר (Sepher) from סֵפֶר (sepher, `{{H5612}}`), meaning "book," "scroll," or "writing." This suggests a city known for its scribal activity, a repository of records, a center of learning, or perhaps a place where significant legal or historical documents were kept. This interpretation lends the city a potential cultural or intellectual prominence in the pre-Israelite period.
The dual naming convention for the same location, as presented in the biblical text, suggests either a shift in the city's primary characteristic over time, or perhaps two different traditional names for the same site, each emphasizing a distinct aspect. The "city of a book" etymology is particularly intriguing, hinting at a level of literacy or administrative sophistication among the pre-Israelite inhabitants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The city identified as `{{H7158}}` appears predominantly under its alternative name, Kirjath-Sepher, with Kirjath-Sannah appearing only once. Both names refer to the same strategic Canaanite city in the hill country of Judah, specifically within the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah.
The key biblical occurrences are:
* **[[Joshua 15:15]]**: "And he went up from there against the inhabitants of Debir (now the name of Debir formerly was Kirjath-Sepher)." This verse explicitly states that Kirjath-Sepher was the former name of Debir, indicating a change of name after the Israelite conquest.
* **[[Joshua 15:16]]**: "And Caleb said, 'Whoever attacks Kirjath-Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as a wife.'" This introduces Caleb's challenge and promise, setting the stage for its capture.
* **[[Joshua 15:17]]**: "And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife." This records Othniel's successful conquest.
* **[[Joshua 15:49]]**: "Dannah, and Kirjath-Sannah (which is Debir)." This is the sole mention of Kirjath-Sannah by name, confirming its identity with Debir. The inclusion of Dannah nearby suggests its geographical context within Judah.
* **[[Judges 1:11]]**: "From there he went against the inhabitants of Debir (now the name of Debir formerly was Kirjath-Sepher)." This account in Judges parallels the one in Joshua, reinforcing the historical event of its capture.
* **[[Judges 1:12]]**: "And Caleb said, 'Whoever attacks Kirjath-Sepher and takes it, to him I will give Achsah my daughter as a wife.'"
* **[[Judges 1:13]]**: "And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife."
The consistent narrative across Joshua and Judges highlights Kirjath-Sepher/Kirjath-Sannah as a significant Canaanite stronghold that required a specific, heroic effort to conquer. Its capture by Othniel, a kinsman of Caleb, underscores the internal initiative and faithfulness within Israel to possess the land promised by God. The change of name to Debir ("sanctuary" or "back/inner room") after its capture might reflect its new status or function under Israelite rule, or perhaps a re-interpretation of its original significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of `{{H7158}}` naturally connects to several other biblical terms and concepts:
* **`{{H7151}}` קִרְיָה (qiryah):** The root for "city," found in numerous other place names like Kirjath-Arba (Hebron), Kirjath-Jearim, and Kirjath-Huzoth. This common prefix indicates a settlement or urban center.
* **`{{H5612}}` סֵפֶר (sepher):** "Book," "scroll," or "writing." This word is foundational to understanding the "City of a Book" interpretation. It appears throughout the Old Testament in contexts relating to law, prophecy, history, and covenants (e.g., the "Book of the Law" `{{H8451}}`). If Kirjath-Sepher was indeed a center for scribal activity, it would have been a place of knowledge and record-keeping, possibly even a repository for Canaanite religious or administrative texts.
* **`{{H5588}}` סַנְסִן (sansin):** "Palm branch." This provides the basis for the "City of Branches" interpretation. While less common, it points to a physical characteristic of the location.
* **Debir (דְּבִיר):** The new name for Kirjath-Sepher/Kirjath-Sannah. Debir can mean "sanctuary" or "inner room," especially referring to the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle/temple. This renaming could signify a spiritual transformation of the city or its new role within Israelite territory, perhaps even becoming a Levitical city or a place of worship.
* **Caleb and Othniel:** These figures are central to the narrative of Kirjath-Sepher's capture. Caleb represents faithful perseverance and trust in God's promises, while Othniel embodies the spirit of courage and leadership that enabled the Israelites to claim their inheritance.
* **Conquest and Inheritance:** The capture of Kirjath-Sepher is a specific instance within the larger narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan and the tribal allotment of the land. It exemplifies the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham, granting his descendants the land.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7158}}` (Kirjath-Sannah/Kirjath-Sepher) is multifaceted, rooted primarily in its role within the narrative of the Israelite conquest and settlement:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Fulfillment:** The capture of this fortified city, like others, demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land of Canaan, including strategically important cities like Kirjath-Sepher, was promised to Israel, and its acquisition signifies God's power and commitment to His people.
2. **Human Agency and Obedience:** While God grants the land, He also calls for human action and obedience. Caleb's challenge and Othniel's courageous response illustrate the necessity of faith-filled initiative in taking possession of what God has provided. This serves as a theological lesson that divine promises often require human participation.
3. **Transformation and New Identity:** The renaming of Kirjath-Sepher to Debir ("sanctuary" or "inner room") after its conquest is symbolically significant. It suggests a transformation from a Canaanite stronghold, possibly a center of pagan knowledge or power ("City of a Book"), into a place integrated into Israel's sacred geography. This reflects the broader process of sanctification and separation from Canaanite practices as Israel established its presence in the land.
4. **Theology of Place:** The very existence and renaming of such a place highlight the biblical emphasis on specific geographical locations as sites of divine action and human history. Places are not merely backdrops but active participants in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
`{{H7158}}` identifies a significant Canaanite city known by two names: Kirjath-Sannah ("city of branches") and Kirjath-Sepher ("city of a book"). The latter name, appearing more frequently, suggests a pre-Israelite center of learning or record-keeping. Located in the hill country of Judah, this city was a formidable stronghold whose capture was promised by Caleb to whoever conquered it. Othniel, Caleb's kinsman, successfully took the city, thereby earning Caleb's daughter Achsah as his wife. Following its conquest, the city was renamed Debir, a name that potentially signifies its new status as a "sanctuary" or "inner room" within Israelite territory. The narrative surrounding `{{H7158}}` underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, the importance of human courage and obedience in claiming divine blessings, and the transformative power of God's presence in establishing His people in the promised land.
TRV