### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼErek**, represented by `{{H751}}`, is a proper name for **Erech, a place in Babylon**. Derived from a root meaning length, the word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its sole appearance establishes it as a significant city in the early history of human civilization as recorded in scripture.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H751}}` is mentioned exclusively in the context of the kingdom of Nimrod. The text states, "And the **beginning** of his **kingdom** was **Babel**, and **Erech**, and **Accad**, and **Calneh**, in the **land** of **Shinar**" [[Genesis 10:10]]. This singular reference identifies **Erech** as one of the foundational cities that constituted the first major human empire described after the flood, establishing its importance as an early center of power in Mesopotamia.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify its significance:
* `{{H894}}` **Bâbel** (Babel): Defined as "confusion; Babel (i.e. Babylon), including Babylonia and the Babylonian empire," this city is listed first in Nimrod's kingdom, establishing a direct parallel with **Erech** as a foundational power center [[Genesis 10:10]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (kingdom): Meaning "dominion, i.e. (abstractly) the estate (rule) or (concretely) the country (realm)," this word defines the political structure to which **Erech** belonged [[Genesis 10:10]].
* `{{H8152}}` **Shinʻâr** (Shinar): This name for "a plain in Babylonia" identifies the geographical region where **Erech** and the other cities of Nimrod's initial kingdom were located [[Genesis 10:10]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H751}}` is tied to its role in the establishment of early human empire.
* **Foundation of Earthly Kingdoms:** Its inclusion in the list of cities that formed the **beginning** `{{H7225}}` of Nimrod's **kingdom** `{{H4467}}` marks it as part of the first major human-led empire described after the flood [[Genesis 10:10]].
* **Geopolitical Marker:** **Erech** serves as a specific geographical anchor, grounding the biblical narrative in the historical landscape of ancient Mesopotamia, specifically in the **land** `{{H776}}` of **Shinar** `{{H8152}}`.
* **Association with Babel:** Being named alongside **Babel** `{{H894}}`, **Accad** `{{H390}}`, and **Calneh** `{{H3641}}`, **Erech** is part of a collective representing the rise of organized human civilization and power in a region central to biblical history.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H751}}` **ʼErek** is more than just an ancient place name. Though mentioned only once, its position in [[Genesis 10:10]] is pivotal, identifying it as a foundational city in the first post-flood **kingdom** `{{H4467}}`. Its association with **Babel** `{{H894}}` and its location in the **land** of **Shinar** `{{H8152}}` firmly place it within the biblical narrative of humanity's earliest attempts to establish worldly power and dominion.
TRV