Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Arba is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the forefather of the Anakim, a race of giants mentioned in the biblical narrative. His name is associated with the city of Hebron, which is referred to as "Kiriath Arba" in several passages of Scripture. The name "Arba" itself is often interpreted to mean "four," though its exact etymology remains a subject of scholarly discussion.Biblical References: 1. Joshua 14:15 : "Now the name of Hebron was formerly Kiriath Arba, after Arba, the greatest man among the Anakim. Then the land had rest from war." This verse highlights Arba's prominence among the Anakim, a group of formidable people known for their great size and strength. The city of Hebron, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was named after him, indicating his significant influence in the region. 2. Joshua 15:13 : "According to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, he gave Caleb son of Jephunneh a portion among the children of Judah: Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron (Arba was the father of Anak)." This passage underscores the inheritance of Hebron by Caleb, one of the faithful spies, as a reward for his faithfulness. The mention of Arba as the father of Anak further cements his role as a patriarchal figure among the Anakim. 3. Joshua 21:11 : "They gave them Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, along with its surrounding pasturelands. Arba was the father of Anak." This allocation of Hebron to the Levites as a city of refuge and a Levitical city emphasizes its continued importance in Israelite society and its connection to Arba. Historical and Theological Significance: Arba's association with the Anakim and the city of Hebron places him within the broader narrative of the conquest of Canaan. The Anakim were among the inhabitants of the land that the Israelites encountered upon their arrival, and their formidable presence was a source of fear for the Israelites, as recorded in the account of the twelve spies (Numbers 13:28-33). Theologically, Arba's legacy is intertwined with the themes of faith and divine promise. The conquest of Hebron by Caleb, despite the presence of the Anakim, serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. Caleb's victory over the descendants of Arba is a narrative of triumph over seemingly insurmountable odds, underscoring the power of faith and obedience to God's commands. Cultural and Archaeological Insights: Hebron, identified with modern-day Tell Rumeida, has been the subject of extensive archaeological study. The city's ancient roots and its continuous habitation provide a rich tapestry of historical and cultural insights. The association of Hebron with Arba and the Anakim adds a layer of mythic and legendary significance to its history, reflecting the broader ancient Near Eastern context in which the biblical narrative is set. In summary, Arba stands as a figure of considerable importance within the biblical tradition, representing both the challenges faced by the Israelites in their conquest of Canaan and the enduring legacy of faith and divine promise. His connection to Hebron and the Anakim highlights the complex interplay of history, theology, and culture in the biblical text. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary ArbaSmith's Bible Dictionary Arba(city of the four), the progenitor of the Anakim, or sons of Anak, from whom their chief city, HEBRON, received its name of Kirjath-Arba. (Joshua 14:15; 15:13; 21:11) ATS Bible Dictionary ArbaAn ancestor of the Anakim, and founder of Hebron, to which he gave its ancient name, Joshua 15:13. Easton's Bible Dictionary Four, a giant, father of Anak. From him the city of Hebron derived its name of Kirjath-arba, i.e., the city of Araba (Joshua 14:15; 15:13; 21:11; Genesis 13:18; 23:2). (see HEBRON.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARBAar'-ba ('arba`, "four"): Variously described as "the greatest man among the Anakim" (Joshua 14:15), "the father of Anak" (Joshua 15:13), "the father of Anok" (Joshua 21:11 margin). Thus he seems to have been regarded as the ancestor of the Anakim, and as the most famous hero of that race. He was the reputed founder of the city called after him, on the site of which Hebron was built (Joshua 21:11). ARBA, CITY OF See KIRIATH-ARBA. Strong's Hebrew 7153. Qiryath Arba -- "city of the four," an older name of HebronQiryath Arba or Qiryath Haarba. 7152, 7153. Qiryath Arba or Qiryath Haarba. 7154 . "city of the four," an older name of Hebron. ... /hebrew/7153.htm - 6k 704. Arba -- Arba 703. arba -- four 702. arba -- four 7251. raba -- to square 705. arbaim -- forty 706. arbatayim -- fourfold 7243. rebii -- fourth 7256. ribbea -- pertaining to the fourth 7255. roba -- fourth part Library Chapter xxiii The Six Cities. The Cities of Refuge. The Cities of Refuge The Book of Jubilees Appendix D. Chapter xxxv Chapter xxxiv Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Here Followeth the Life of Abraham Thesaurus Arba (9 Occurrences)... From him the city of Hebron derived its name of Kirjath-arba, ie, the city of Araba (Joshua 14:15; 15:13; 21:11; Genesis 13:18; 23:2). (see HEBRON.). Int. ...ARBA. ... /a/arba.htm - 10k Kiriath-arba (9 Occurrences) Kirjath-arba (8 Occurrences) Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences) Kiriath (34 Occurrences) Kirjatharba (6 Occurrences) Kiriatharba (2 Occurrences) Hebron (71 Occurrences) Beforetime (21 Occurrences) Anak (8 Occurrences) Resources Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the Anakim / Anakites? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arba (9 Occurrences)Genesis 23:2 Genesis 35:27 Joshua 14:15 Joshua 15:13 Joshua 15:54 Joshua 20:7 Joshua 21:11 Judges 1:10 Nehemiah 11:25 Subtopics Related Terms Kir'iath-ar'ba (9 Occurrences) |
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