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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew place name **Qiryath Çannâh** `{{H7158}}`, also known as **Kirjath-sepher**, refers to a location in Palestine. Its name translates to "city of branches, or of a book." The term appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its specific role in the narrative of Israel's conquest of the land.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7158}}` is identified as the former **name** `{{H8034}}` of the city of **Debir** `{{H1688}}` ([[Joshua 15:15]]; [[Judges 1:11]]). The city features prominently in the account of the Israelite conquest. **Caleb** `{{H3612}}` **said** `{{H559}}` he would **give** `{{H5414}}` his **daughter** `{{H1323}}` **Achsah** `{{H5915}}` as a **wife** `{{H802}}` to the man who could **smite** `{{H5221}}` and **take** `{{H3920}}` Kirjath-sepher ([[Joshua 15:16]]; [[Judges 1:12]]). This challenge underscores the city's significance during the settlement of the tribes in Canaan.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and names provide context for the events surrounding Kirjath-sepher:
* `{{H1688}}` **Dᵉbîyr** (Debir): This is the name the city was known by after the conquest. Scripture explicitly states that the **name** `{{H8034}}` of **Debir** `{{H1688}}` **before** `{{H6440}}` was Kirjath-sepher [[Judges 1:11]].
* `{{H3612}}` **Kâlêb** (Caleb): A key Israelite leader who issued the challenge to conquer the city. It was **Caleb** `{{H3612}}` who **said** `{{H559}}` he would reward the one who could **smite** `{{H5221}}` Kirjath-sepher [[Judges 1:12]].
* `{{H5915}}` **ʻAkçâh** (Achsah): The **daughter** `{{H1323}}` of Caleb. She was offered as a **wife** `{{H802}}` to the man who successfully **taketh** `{{H3920}}` the city, linking the conquest to a significant familial and tribal event [[Joshua 15:16]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative role of `{{H7158}}` carries significant weight in the context of Israel's settlement in the promised land.
* **Fulfillment of Inheritance:** The capture of Kirjath-sepher is part of the broader story of the Israelites taking possession of their inheritance. The event is led by **Caleb** `{{H3612}}`, whose faithfulness was previously highlighted [[Numbers 14:24]], and this conquest helps secure his portion of the land.
* **Challenge of Faith:** Caleb’s declaration to **give** `{{H5414}}` his **daughter** `{{H1323}}` as a reward for taking the city serves as a powerful incentive [[Judges 1:12]]. It frames the military act of conquest as an act worthy of a significant familial reward, encouraging valor among the people.
* **Assertion of Authority:** The city's identity is transformed through conquest. Its former **name** `{{H8034}}`, Kirjath-sepher, is replaced by **Debir** `{{H1688}}` [[Joshua 15:15]]. This renaming is a clear sign of the transfer of authority and control from the previous **inhabitants** `{{H3427}}` to the Israelites.
### Summary
In summary, **Qiryath Çannâh** `{{H7158}}`, or Kirjath-sepher, is more than just a place name on a map. It represents a key objective in the Israelite conquest of Canaan, identified as the city later known as **Debir** `{{H1688}}`. The challenge issued by **Caleb** `{{H3612}}` to capture it highlights themes of leadership, faith, and the rewards of valor. Its story, culminating in its capture and renaming, serves as a distinct episode within the larger biblical narrative of God fulfilling His promise to give the land to His people.
TRV