from the same as שָׁוֵה and the dual of קִרְיָה; plain of a double city; Shaveh-Kirjathajim, a place East of the Jordan; Shaveh Kiriathaim.
Transliteration:Shâvêh Qiryâthayim
Pronunciation:shaw-vay' kir-yawthah'-yim
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term שָׁוֵה קִרְיָתַיִם (Shâvêh Qiryâthayim, `{{H7741}}`) is a compound place name, literally translating to "Plain of the Double City" or "Plain of the Two Cities." Its etymology is derived from two components:
1. שָׁוֵה (Shâvêh), which means "plain" or "level ground." This element is related to the root שָׁוָה (shavah), implying flatness or equality, often appearing in geographical contexts (e.g., `{{H7739}}`, `{{H7740}}`).
2. קִרְיָתַיִם (Qiryâthayim), which is the dual form of קִרְיָה (qiryah, `{{H7151}}`), meaning "city." The dual suffix -ayim indicates "two" or "double," hence "two cities" or "a double city." This could refer to a twin settlement, a city with two distinct parts, or a major urban center composed of two significant sectors.
Therefore, Shaveh Qiryathayim denotes a specific geographical feature: a plain associated with a twin or double urban center. As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to this specific location, defined by its topography and urban characteristics.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Shaveh Qiryathayim appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Genesis:
* **[[Genesis 14:5]]**: "In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, and the Horites in their Mount Seir, as far as El-paran on the border of the wilderness."
This verse describes a pivotal event in the early history of the patriarch Abraham: the campaign of the four Mesopotamian kings (Chedorlaomer, Tidal, Amraphel, and Arioch) against a coalition of Transjordanian and southern Canaanite cities. Shaveh Qiryathayim is listed as one of the key locations where Chedorlaomer and his allies decisively defeated the Emim.
The context places Shaveh Qiryathayim firmly within the territory east of the Jordan River, specifically in the region later known as Moabite territory. The Emim, described as a race of giants (cf. [[Deuteronomy 2:10-11]]), were the inhabitants of this area, indicating its ancient and powerful pre-Israelite settlement. The mention of its "plain" suggests a strategic location, perhaps suitable for large-scale conflict or a fertile area supporting a significant population. This battle is crucial as it sets the stage for Abraham's subsequent rescue of Lot and his first significant interaction with Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem. The precise geographical detail anchors the narrative in historical reality, depicting the political and demographic landscape of the ancient Near East during the patriarchal period.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of Shaveh Qiryathayim connect it to broader biblical vocabulary and concepts:
* **שָׁוֵה (Shâvêh):** This element links to the concept of "level ground" or "plain," often used to describe topographical features. Other Hebrew words for "plain" include עֵמֶק (emeq, `{{H6010}}`), typically a valley or low-lying plain, and כִּכָּר (kikkar, `{{H3603}}`), often referring to a circular plain, like the "plain of the Jordan." The specific term שָׁוֵה (shaveh) in this context emphasizes a flat, open area, perhaps distinguishing it from more rugged terrain.
* **קִרְיָה (Qiryah):** The root for "city" (`{{H7151}}`) is common throughout the Hebrew Bible, appearing in numerous place names (e.g., Kiriath-arba, Kiriath-jearim). The dual form קִרְיָתַיִם (Qiryathayim) is unique in its specific application here, though other dual place names exist (e.g., Mahanaim). This suggests a notable urban center, possibly with two distinct settlements or a fortified complex.
* **The Emim and Rephaim:** The association of Shaveh Qiryathayim with the Emim, and other nearby locations with the Rephaim, highlights the biblical record of pre-Israelite giant peoples inhabiting Transjordan. These groups represent the formidable, ancient inhabitants whom God would eventually dispossess before His people.
* **Transjordanian Geography:** The location of Shaveh Qiryathayim is part of a series of place names (Ashteroth-karnaim, Ham, Mount Seir, El-paran) that meticulously map Chedorlaomer's campaign across Transjordan, demonstrating the detailed geographical knowledge embedded in the Genesis account.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical marker, the theological significance of Shaveh Qiryathayim is primarily indirect, serving to ground the biblical narrative in a tangible, historical reality:
1. **Historicity and Veracity:** The precise naming of Shaveh Qiryathayim and other locations, along with the specific mention of the Emim, lends credibility to the historical accuracy of the Genesis account. It demonstrates that the biblical narrative is not a mythical tale but is rooted in real places and peoples known to the ancient world. This reinforces the trustworthiness of Scripture.
2. **Divine Sovereignty over Nations:** The battle at Shaveh Qiryathayim, part of a larger conflict, illustrates God's sovereign hand over the affairs of nations and their territories, even before the full establishment of the Abrahamic covenant. While Abraham's direct involvement comes later, the unfolding events set the stage for God's redemptive plan, beginning with the deliverance of Lot.
3. **Foreshadowing of Conquest:** The defeat of the Emim at Shaveh Qiryathayim by the eastern kings foreshadows the later divine judgment and dispossession of the giant peoples (like the Emim and Rephaim) from the land, preparing the way for Israel's eventual inheritance (cf. [[Deuteronomy 2:10-12]]). God uses various means, including foreign armies, to clear the land for His purposes.
4. **Geographical Specificity in God's Plan:** The detailed geography underscores that God's covenant with Abraham and His subsequent actions are not abstract but unfold in specific, identifiable places. This emphasizes the immanence of God's activity within human history and geography.
### Summary
Shaveh Qiryathayim (`{{H7741}}`), meaning "Plain of the Double City," is a geographical proper noun appearing once in [[Genesis 14:5]]. Its etymology points to a flat land feature associated with a significant urban center, possibly a twin city. In its sole biblical occurrence, it serves as the site where Chedorlaomer and his allies defeated the Emim, a race of giants, during their campaign through Transjordan. This precise geographical detail not only anchors the patriarchal narrative in historical reality but also subtly foreshadows God's sovereign control over nations and His eventual dispossession of the land's formidable inhabitants in preparation for Israel's inheritance. It stands as a testament to the meticulous detail and historical grounding of the biblical record.
TRV