Lexical Summary Qiryathayim: Kiriathaim Original Word: קֵרְיָתַיִם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kiriathaim, Kirjathaim Dual of qiryah; double city; Kirjathaim, the name of two placed in Palestine -- Kiriathaim, Kirjathaim. see HEBREW qiryah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qarah Definition a city in Moab, also a place in Naphtali NASB Translation Kiriathaim (6). Brown-Driver-Briggs קִרְיָתַ֫יִם proper name, of a location Καριαθαιμ (perhaps double city (dual), yet in General on יִַ֯ם in proper name, of a location see Ges§ 88c); — 1 in Moab (MI10) Jeremiah 48:1 (תָ֑יִם-), Jeremiah 48:23, so קִיָתָ֑יְמָה Ezekiel 25:9 Qr (Kt קריתמה); Reubenite city according to Numbers 32:37 (תָ֑יִם-) Joshua 13:9; שָׁוֵה קִרְיָתָ֑יִם Genesis 14:5 plain of Kiryathaim (see שָׁוֵה); modern †urêyât, approximately 1 4-Janmiles southeast from (Mt.) ±A‰‰arus (עֲטָרוֺת), and 6 4-Marmiles north-northwest from Dibon; GASmGeogr. 567 f. BuhlGeogr. 267. 2 Levitical city in Naphtali 1 Chronicles 6:61, = קַרְתָּן "" Joshua 21:32 (Θεμμων, ᵐ5L Καρθαν). Topical Lexicon Location and Geography Kiriathaim lay east of the Jordan River on the high plateau of Moab, between Heshbon and the Arnon Gorge. Surrounded by fertile grazing land, its position commanded the main north–south route through the Trans-Jordan and overlooked access to Moab’s interior. This strategic location explains why the site changed hands repeatedly and became a focal point in both historical narrative and prophetic oracle. Patriarchal Era Roots (Genesis 14:5) The earliest mention appears in the account of Abram’s rescue of Lot. “Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him came and defeated … the Emites in Shaveh Kiriathaim” (Genesis 14:5). At that time the city was associated with the Emim, an ancient, powerful people later classified with the Rephaim. Kiriathaim thus enters Scripture as a witness to God’s protection of the covenant lineage even in foreign territories dominated by formidable peoples. Settlement by Reuben (Numbers 32:37; Joshua 13:19) After Israel’s wilderness wanderings, the tribe of Reuben asked for pasturelands east of the Jordan. “The descendants of Reuben built up Heshbon, Elealeh, and Kiriathaim” (Numbers 32:37). Joshua confirms the allotment (Joshua 13:19). The city became part of Reuben’s inheritance, illustrating the faithfulness of God to grant Israel rest in territories He Himself secured — including regions once held by the mighty Emim. Levitical Association (1 Chronicles 6:76) Kiriathaim was later designated as a Merarite Levitical city. This underscores its importance in Israel’s worship structure: a center from which priests could teach the Law and model covenant obedience on Moab’s frontier. Even far from Jerusalem, the Lord’s presence was to be made known through Levitical ministry. Prophetic Judgments against Moab (Jeremiah 48:1, 23; Ezekiel 25:9) By the late monarchic period Reuben’s hold had weakened and Moab regained control. The prophets recorded divine indictment: Here Kiriathaim represents the pride of Moab. The oracles show that the same God who granted Israel victory over high-walled cities can humble any nation that exalts itself. The city, once a Levitical outpost, became a symbol of judgment when inhabited by a people who mocked Israel and magnified themselves against the Lord. Archaeological and Historical Considerations Scholars commonly identify Kiriathaim with modern Qaryat or nearby el-Kureiyat, though some favor Tell Kureiat north of the Arnon. Pottery and architectural remains indicate continuous occupation through the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, matching the biblical timeline of Emim, Israelite, and Moabite control. The site’s double-heighted topography (two natural mounds) aptly reflects its name and supports its military value noted by Genesis and the prophets. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Protection: From Abram’s day the Lord shielded His people even among towering adversaries (Genesis 14). Ministry Applications • Frontier Ministry: Like Reuben’s Levites, modern servants called to “border” contexts—whether cultural, social, or geographic—must erect centers of biblical instruction that shine amid competing powers. Summary Kiriathaim’s scriptural arc— from patriarchal battleground to tribal inheritance, Levitical city, and finally target of prophetic wrath— traces the faithfulness and holiness of God across generations. Its account calls believers to trust the Lord for victory, steward their inheritances faithfully, maintain worship at every outpost, and walk humbly lest privilege turn to judgment. Forms and Transliterations וְקִרְיָתַ֣יִם וְקִרְיָתָֽיְמָה׃ וקריתים וקריתימה׃ קִרְיָתַ֖יִם קִרְיָתַ֛יִם קִרְיָתָ֑יִם קִרְיָתָֽיִם׃ קריתים קריתים׃ kiryaTayim qir·yā·ṯa·yim qir·yā·ṯā·yim qiryāṯayim qiryāṯāyim vekiryaTayemah vekiryaTayim wə·qir·yā·ṯā·yə·māh wə·qir·yā·ṯa·yim wəqiryāṯāyəmāh wəqiryāṯayimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:5 HEB: הָֽאֵימִ֔ים בְּשָׁוֵ֖ה קִרְיָתָֽיִם׃ INT: and the Emim Shaveh Kiriathaim Numbers 32:37 Joshua 13:19 1 Chronicles 6:76 Jeremiah 48:1 Jeremiah 48:23 Ezekiel 25:9 7 Occurrences |