Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Akrabbim" is derived from the Hebrew word "עַקְרַבִּים" (Aqrabbim), which means "scorpions." This name likely reflects the presence of scorpions in the region or the rugged, challenging nature of the terrain. Biblical References: Akrabbim is mentioned in the context of geographical boundaries in the Old Testament. It is specifically noted in the following passages: 1. Numbers 34:4 : "Your border will turn from the south to the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and end south of Kadesh-barnea. Then it will go to Hazar-addar and over to Azmon." 2. Joshua 15:3 : "Then it proceeded southward to the Ascent of Akrabbim, passed along to Zin, ascended to the south of Kadesh-barnea, and went on to Hezron, up to Addar, and turned toward Karka." 3. Judges 1:36 : "The border of the Amorites extended from the Ascent of Akrabbim to Sela and beyond." Geographical Significance: Akrabbim, often referred to as the "Ascent of Akrabbim" or "Scorpion Pass," is a significant geographical landmark in the southern part of ancient Israel. It is located near the border of the Negev desert and the wilderness of Zin. The Ascent of Akrabbim served as a boundary marker for the tribes of Israel, particularly in defining the southern limits of the Promised Land. The region is characterized by its arid and rugged terrain, making it a natural barrier and a strategic point of defense. The presence of scorpions and the harsh environment would have made travel through this area challenging, underscoring the formidable nature of the boundary. Historical and Theological Context: In the biblical narrative, Akrabbim is associated with the territorial boundaries given to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. The mention of Akrabbim in the context of the Amorite border in Judges 1:36 highlights the ongoing struggle and coexistence between the Israelites and the Canaanite tribes during the period of the Judges. Theologically, the delineation of boundaries such as Akrabbim underscores the importance of land in the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a symbol of God's faithfulness and provision for His people. The specific mention of landmarks like Akrabbim in the biblical text serves to affirm the historical reality of these promises and the divine orchestration of Israel's settlement in the land. Archaeological Insights: While specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Akrabbim is limited, the general region is well-documented through various surveys and excavations. The area is known for its ancient trade routes and fortifications, which align with the biblical descriptions of a boundary and strategic location. Modern Identification: Today, the Ascent of Akrabbim is often associated with the region near the modern-day Negev desert, particularly around the area of the Arabah valley. The exact location remains a subject of scholarly discussion, but it is generally agreed to be in the southern part of Israel, consistent with the biblical descriptions. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AkrabbimSmith's Bible Dictionary Akrabbim(the ascent of , or the going up to); also MAALEH-ACRABBIM (the scorpion pass), A pass between the south end of the Dead Sea and Zin, forming one of the landmarks on the south boundary at once of Judah, (Joshua 15:3) and of the Holy Land. (Numbers 34:4) Also the boundary of the Amorites. (Judges 1:36) As to the name, scorpions abound in the whole of this district. ATS Bible Dictionary AkrabbimScorpions, A point in the frontier line of the promised land, Jude 1:36, and in a region infested with serpents and scorpions, De 8:15. It is to be found probably in the mountains near the Dead Sea, on its southwest side. In Joshua 15:3, it is translated Maalehakrabbim, the ascent of Akrabbim. Easton's Bible Dictionary Scorpions, probably the general name given to the ridge containing the pass between the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, es-Sufah, by which there is an ascent to the level of the land of Palestine. Scorpions are said to abound in this whole district, and hence the name (Numbers 34:4). It is called "Maaleh-acrabbim" in Joshua 15:3, and "the ascent of Akrabbim" in Numbers 34:4. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AKRABBIMak-rab'-im (once in the King James Version, Acrabbim (Joshua 15:3); `aqrabbim, "scorpions"): Three times found (Numbers 34:4 Joshua 15:3 Judges 1:36), and always with ma`aleh, "ascent" or "pass"; and so "Ascent of the Scorpions," an ascent at the Southwest point of the Dead Sea and a part of the boundary line between Judah and Edom. At this pass Judas Maccabeus won a victory over the Edomites (1 Maccabees 5:3), called in the King James Version, Arabattine. Strong's Hebrew 4610. Maaleh Aqrabbim -- "ascent of scorpions," a place on the S. ...... Transliteration: Maaleh Aqrabbim Phonetic Spelling: (mah-al-ay' ak-rab-beem') Short Definition: Akrabbim. ... NASB Word Usage ascent of Akrabbim (3). ... /hebrew/4610.htm - 6k Library The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Thesaurus Akrabbim (3 Occurrences)... to abound in this whole district, and hence the name (Numbers 34:4). It is called "Maaleh-acrabbim" in Joshua 15:3, and "the ascent of Akrabbim" in Numbers 34:4 ... /a/akrabbim.htm - 8k Maaleh-akrabbim (1 Occurrence) Scorpion (6 Occurrences) Zin (9 Occurrences) Ascent (32 Occurrences) Sela (5 Occurrences) Barnea (10 Occurrences) Akrab'bim (2 Occurrences) Addar (5 Occurrences) Southward (42 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Akrabbim (3 Occurrences)Numbers 34:4 Joshua 15:3 Judges 1:36 Subtopics Akrabbim: A Chain of Hills in the South of Palestine Related Terms |
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