Etymology and Meaning:
Kiriath-arba, often translated as "City of Arba," is a significant biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name is traditionally understood to mean "City of Four," possibly referring to four giants or the four quarters of the city. However, it is most commonly associated with Arba, who is described as the greatest man among the Anakim (Joshua 14:15).

Biblical References:
Kiriath-arba is prominently mentioned in the context of the patriarchs and the conquest of Canaan. It is identified with the city of Hebron, a major city in the hill country of Judah. In Genesis 23:2 , it is recorded as the place where Sarah died: "Sarah died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her."

The city is also significant in the narrative of Caleb, one of the faithful spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. In Joshua 14:13-15 , Caleb is granted Kiriath-arba as his inheritance: "Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance. So Hebron has belonged to Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite ever since, because he followed the LORD, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly. Now the name of Hebron formerly was Kiriath-arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim."

Historical and Theological Significance:
Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, holds a central place in biblical history. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is deeply connected to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Cave of Machpelah, located in Hebron, is the burial site of the patriarchs and matriarchs, making it a place of profound ancestral significance.

Theologically, Kiriath-arba represents God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the patriarchs and their descendants. The granting of Hebron to Caleb underscores the reward for faithfulness and obedience to God. Caleb's inheritance of the land, despite the presence of formidable adversaries like the Anakim, illustrates the triumph of faith over fear and the assurance of God's promises.

Archaeological Insights:
Archaeological excavations in Hebron have uncovered significant findings that align with its biblical history. The site has revealed structures and artifacts dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, which corresponds to the time of the patriarchs. The ancient city walls and other findings provide a glimpse into the city's historical and cultural context during biblical times.

Cultural and Religious Legacy:
Kiriath-arba, as Hebron, continues to be a city of great religious importance. It is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, each tradition recognizing its connection to the patriarchs. The city's legacy as a place of faith and heritage endures, reflecting its enduring significance in the biblical narrative and its role as a testament to God's covenant with His people.Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences)

Genesis 23:2
And Sarah died in Kiriatharba--the same is Hebron--in the land of Canaan; and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her.
(See RSV)

Genesis 35:27
And Jacob came unto Isaac his father to Mamre, to Kiriatharba--the same is Hebron--where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
(See RSV)

Joshua 14:15
Now the name of Hebron beforetime was Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the greatest man among the Anakim. And the land had rest from war.
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:13
And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak--the same is Hebron.
(See RSV)

Joshua 15:54
and Humtah, and Kiriath-arba--the same is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages.
(See RSV)

Joshua 20:7
And they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill-country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba--the same is Hebron--in the hill-country of Judah.
(See RSV)

Joshua 21:11
And they gave them Kiriath-arba, which Arba was the father of Anak--the same is Hebron--in the hill-country of Judah, with the open land round about it.
(See RSV)

Judges 1:10
And Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron (now the name of Hebron was formerly Kir'iath-ar'ba); and they defeated She'shai and Ahi'man and Talmai.
(DBY RSV)

Nehemiah 11:25
And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt in Kiriath-arba and the towns thereof, and in Dibon and the towns thereof, and in Jekabzeel and the villages thereof;
(See RSV)

Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences)
Kir'iath-ar'ba. Kiriath-arba, Kir'iath-ar'ba. Kiriatharim . Multi-Version
Concordance Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences). Genesis 23 ...
/k/kir'iath-ar'ba.htm - 9k

Kiriath-arba (9 Occurrences)
Kiriath-arba. Kiriatharba, Kiriath-arba. Kir'iath-ar'ba . Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia KIRIATH-ARBA. kir-i-ath-ar'-ba. See HEBRON. ...
/k/kiriath-arba.htm - 9k

Kiriatharim
Kiriatharim. Kir'iath-ar'ba, Kiriatharim. Kir'iathar'im . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia KIRIATH-ARIM. kir-i-ath-a'-rim (Ezra 2:25). See KIRIATH-JEARIM. ...
/k/kiriatharim.htm - 6k

Formerly (55 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron (now the name
of Hebron was formerly Kir'iath-ar'ba); and they defeated She'shai and Ahi ...
/f/formerly.htm - 22k

Ahi'man (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron (now the name
of Hebron was formerly Kir'iath-ar'ba); and they defeated She'shai and Ahi ...
/a/ahi'man.htm - 7k

She'shai (3 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron (now the name
of Hebron was formerly Kir'iath-ar'ba); and they defeated She'shai and Ahi ...
/s/she'shai.htm - 7k

Defeated (88 Occurrences)
... Judges 1:10 And Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelt in Hebron (now the name
of Hebron was formerly Kir'iath-ar'ba); and they defeated She'shai and Ahi ...
/d/defeated.htm - 32k

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