Etymology and Meaning:
Kirjath-sepher, also known as Kiriath-sepher, is a name that translates to "City of Books" or "City of Scribes." The name suggests a place of learning or record-keeping, which may indicate its significance in ancient times as a center of knowledge or administration.

Biblical References:
Kirjath-sepher is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. It is referenced in the Book of Joshua and the Book of Judges.

· Joshua 15:15-16 : "From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, 'I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.'"
· Judges 1:11-12 : "From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, 'I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.'"

In both passages, Caleb, a leader of the tribe of Judah, offers his daughter Acsah in marriage to whoever successfully captures the city. Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, rises to the challenge and captures Kirjath-sepher, thus winning Acsah as his wife.

Historical and Geographical Context:
Kirjath-sepher is identified with the city of Debir, which was located in the hill country of Judah. The exact location of ancient Debir is debated among scholars, but it is generally associated with the archaeological site of Tell Beit Mirsim, southwest of Hebron. This region was part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah following the Israelite conquest of Canaan.

Cultural and Theological Significance:
The capture of Kirjath-sepher by Othniel is significant for several reasons. It highlights the role of Caleb as a prominent leader in the tribe of Judah and underscores the importance of military prowess and bravery in the conquest narratives. The account also introduces Othniel, who later becomes the first judge of Israel, as noted in Judges 3:9-11.

The offering of Acsah in marriage as a reward for capturing the city reflects the customs and social structures of the time, where marriages were often arranged and used to solidify alliances and reward valor.

Archaeological Insights:
While the precise identification of Kirjath-sepher with Tell Beit Mirsim is not universally accepted, excavations at the site have revealed significant findings from the Bronze and Iron Ages. These discoveries provide insights into the Canaanite and early Israelite cultures, including aspects of their urban planning, fortifications, and daily life.

Conclusion:
Kirjath-sepher, as a biblical city, serves as a testament to the historical and theological narratives of the Israelite conquest. Its mention in the context of Caleb and Othniel's exploits underscores the themes of faithfulness, courage, and divine providence that permeate the biblical account of Israel's settlement in the Promised Land.Kirjath-Sepher

city of letters, or of the book

City of books, Joshua 15:15; same as Kirjath-sannah (q.v.), now represented by the valley of ed-Dhaberiyeh, south-west of Hebron. The name of this town is an evidence that the Canaanites were acquainted with writing and books. "The town probably contained a noted school, or was the site of an oracle and the residence of some learned priest." The "books" were probably engraved stones or bricks. 7158. Qiryath Sannah -- "city of writing," a city in Judah
... Word Usage Kiriath-sannah (1), Kiriath-sepher (4). Kirjath-sannah,
Kirjath-sepher. Or Qiryath Cepher {keer-yath' say-fer}; from qiryah ...
/hebrew/7158.htm - 6k

Moses and his Writings
... many more Moses must surely have seen; the cities of Canaan were as full of books
as were those of Egypt and Babylonia, for the name 'Kirjath-sepher' (Joshua 15 ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iii moses and his.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... After seeing these places she did not care to go on to Kirjath-sepher, that is
"the village of letters;" because despising the letter that killeth she had ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.
... 56, 57 and Conington's note. [1985] Genesis 23:19. [1986] ie Kirjathsepher close
to Hebron (Joshua 15:13-15) where Sarah was buried. [1987] Cf. Joshua 15:14. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm

Appendices
... gone to the land of Takhis, Kafir-Malona, Tamnah, Kadesh, Dapul, Azai, Har-Nammata,
nor hast thou beheld Kirjath-eneb near Beth-Sopher (Kirjath-Sepher or Debir ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

Kirjathsepher (4 Occurrences)
...Kirjathsepher (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants
of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher. (KJV). ...
/k/kirjathsepher.htm - 8k

Kirjath-sepher (4 Occurrences)
Kirjath-sepher. Kirjathsepher, Kirjath-sepher. Kis . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
(WBS YLT). Kirjathsepher, Kirjath-sepher. Kis . Reference Bible.
/k/kirjath-sepher.htm - 8k

Smiteth (156 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it,
to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). ...
/s/smiteth.htm - 38k

Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences)
... cepher; translated by many, as if it were Hebrew, as "house of books." Septuagint
polis grammaton; the King James Version, KirjathSepher; other suggestions ...
/k/kiriath-sepher.htm - 8k

Kiriathsepher
... cepher; translated by many, as if it were Hebrew, as "house of books." Septuagint
polis grammaton; the King James Version, KirjathSepher; other suggestions ...
/k/kiriathsepher.htm - 7k

Kis (1 Occurrence)

/k/kis.htm - 6k

Kirjath-sannah (1 Occurrence)
... City of the sannah; ie, of the palm(?), Joshua 15:49; the same as Kirjath-sepher
(15:16; Judges 1:11) and Debir (qv), a Canaanitish royal city included in ...
/k/kirjath-sannah.htm - 7k

Kirjath-sephar (1 Occurrence)
Kirjath-sephar. Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sephar. Kirjathsepher . Multi-Version
Concordance ... Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sephar. Kirjathsepher . Reference Bible
/k/kirjath-sephar.htm - 6k

Kirjathsannah (1 Occurrence)
... City of the sannah; ie, of the palm(?), Joshua 15:49; the same as Kirjath-sepher
(15:16; Judges 1:11) and Debir (qv), a Canaanitish royal city included in ...
/k/kirjathsannah.htm - 7k

Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Othniel? | GotQuestions.org

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