Shaveh-Kiriathaim
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Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical References:
Shaveh-kiriathaim is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 14:5. The Berean Standard Bible states: "In the fourteenth year, Chedorlaomer and the kings allied with him went out and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzites in Ham, the Emites in Shaveh-kiriathaim."

Historical Context:
Shaveh-kiriathaim is noted as a location in the ancient Near East, associated with the early biblical narrative of the battle involving Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies. This battle is part of the larger context of the War of the Kings, where several city-states and regions were involved in conflict. The mention of Shaveh-kiriathaim in Genesis 14 situates it within the broader geopolitical landscape of the time, highlighting the region's significance in the ancient world.

Geographical Significance:
The exact location of Shaveh-kiriathaim is not definitively known, but it is traditionally associated with the region of Moab, east of the Jordan River. The name "Kiriathaim" suggests a dual city or a city with two parts, which is consistent with other biblical references to places with similar names. The prefix "Shaveh" may indicate a plain or valley, suggesting that Shaveh-kiriathaim was situated in a flat or open area conducive to the movement of armies.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The mention of Shaveh-kiriathaim in the context of the War of the Kings provides insight into the early interactions between different peoples and cultures in the biblical narrative. The defeat of the Emites, who are associated with the Rephaim, a group of ancient giants, underscores the theme of divine providence and judgment against the enemies of God's people. This event foreshadows the later conquest of Canaan, where the Israelites, under divine mandate, would encounter and overcome various formidable foes.

Linguistic Notes:
The name "Shaveh-kiriathaim" is of Semitic origin, with "Shaveh" possibly meaning "plain" or "valley" and "Kiriathaim" meaning "two cities" or "double city." This duality in the name may reflect the physical or administrative characteristics of the location.

Archaeological Considerations:
While there is no definitive archaeological evidence pinpointing the exact location of Shaveh-kiriathaim, some scholars suggest it may correspond to modern-day sites in Jordan. The lack of concrete archaeological data leaves room for further exploration and discovery, which could provide additional insights into the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Conclusion:
Shaveh-kiriathaim remains a significant yet enigmatic location within the biblical text. Its mention in Genesis 14 highlights its role in the early history of the region and the unfolding account of God's interaction with the nations surrounding His chosen people.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Plain of Kirja-thaim where Chedorlaomer defeated the Emims, the original inhabitants (Genesis 14:5). Now Kureiyat, north of Dibon, in the land of Moab.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHAVEH-KIRIATHAIM

sha'-ve-kir-ya-tha'-im (shaweh qiryathayim; en Saue te polei): Here Chedorlaomer is said to have defeated the Emim (Genesis 14:5). the Revised Version margin reads "the plain of Kiriathaim." If this rendering is right, we must look for the place in the neighborhood of Kiriathaim of Moab (Jeremiah 48:1, etc.), which is probably represented today by el-Qareiyat, about 7 miles to the North of Dibon.

Strong's Hebrew
7741. Shaveh Qiryathayim -- a plain East of the Jordan
... a plain East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Shaveh Qiryathayim Phonetic Spelling:
(shaw-vay' kir-yaw-thah'-yim) Short Definition: Shaveh-kiriathaim. ...
/hebrew/7741.htm - 6k
Library

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Kudur-lagamar defeated them one after another"the Rephaim near to Ashtaroth-Karnaim,
the Zuzim near Ham,**** the Amim at Shaveh-Kiriathaim, and the Horim on ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Thesaurus
Shavehkiriathaim
... north of Dibon, in the land of Moab. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
SHAVEH-KIRIATHAIM. sha'-ve-kir-ya-tha'-im (shaweh qiryathayim ...
/s/shavehkiriathaim.htm - 7k

Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)
... Shavehkiriathaim, Shaveh-kiriathaim. Sha'veh-kiriatha'im . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Shavehkiriathaim, Shaveh-kiriathaim. Sha'veh-kiriatha'im . ...
/s/shaveh-kiriathaim.htm - 7k

Kiriathaim (7 Occurrences)
... From this city was named Shaveh-kiriathaim, "the plain of Kiriathaim" (Genesis
14:5). (2) A city in the territory of Naphtali, assigned to the Gershonite ...
/k/kiriathaim.htm - 9k

Emim (3 Occurrences)
... In the time of Abraham the Emim were living in the Moabite district of
Shaveh-kiriathaim, identified with the modern Kureiyat (Genesis 14:5). AH Sayce. ...
/e/emim.htm - 8k

Shaveh (2 Occurrences)
... came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim,
and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in ShavehKiriathaim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/s/shaveh.htm - 7k

Sha'veh-kiriatha'im (1 Occurrence)
Sha'veh-kiriatha'im. Shaveh-kiriathaim, Sha'veh-kiriatha'im. Shaveh-kirjathaim . ...
Shaveh-kiriathaim, Sha'veh-kiriatha'im. Shaveh-kirjathaim . Reference
/s/sha'veh-kiriatha'im.htm - 6k

Zuzim (1 Occurrence)
... came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim,
and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in ShavehKiriathaim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/z/zuzim.htm - 7k

Zuzites (1 Occurrence)
... Chedorlaomer and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in
Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, (See ...
/z/zuzites.htm - 6k

Zuzims (1 Occurrence)
... Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth
Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emins in ShavehKiriathaim, (KJV WBS ...
/z/zuzims.htm - 7k

Karnaim (2 Occurrences)
... came, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim,
and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in ShavehKiriathaim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV ...
/k/karnaim.htm - 7k

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Concordance
Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)

Genesis 14:5
And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim,
(See JPS ASV BBE NAS)

Subtopics

Shaveh-Kiriathaim

Related Terms

Shaveh-kiriathaim (1 Occurrence)

Shaveh-kirjathaim (1 Occurrence)

Shavehkiriathaim
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