Lexical Summary Qiryath Sannah or Qiryath Sepher: Kiriath Sannah / Kiriath Sepher Original Word: קִרְיַת סַנָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher Or Qiryath Cepher {keer-yath' say-fer}; from qiryah and a simpler feminine from the same as cancin, or (for the latter name) cepher; city of branches, or of a book; Kirjath-Sannah or Kirjath-Sepher, a place in Palestine -- Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sepher. see HEBREW qiryah see HEBREW cancin see HEBREW cepher NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom qiryah and sepher Definition "city of writing," a city in Judah NASB Translation Kiriath-sannah (1), Kiriath-sepher (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs קִרְיַתסֵֿ֫פֶר proper name, of a location πόλις(τῶν)γραμμάτων, + (ᵐ5B Judges 1:11) Καριασσωφαρ: ancient name of דְּבִיר (see II. ׳ד 2c) (perhaps סֹֿפֵר׳ק scribe-town, compare ᵐ5 above also ᵑ6 and Egyptian Bai-ti¾u-pa-ïra, house of scribe, WMMAs.u.Eur.174 BuhlGeogr.274, compare GFMJu); — Joshua 15:15,16; Judges 1:11,12; another name is סַֿנָּה׳ק Joshua 15:49 (but ᵐ5 πόλις γραμμάτων, hence read perhaps סֿפר׳ק, so Steuern), in southern Judah; on site (probably Dhoherîye, 5 hours southwest from Hebron) see II. דְּבִיר 2c and BuhlGeogr.164. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Kirjath Sannah is named five times in Scripture, all within the conquest narratives that describe Judah’s inheritance (Joshua 15:15; 15:16; 15:49) and the parallel account in Judges (Judges 1:11; 1:12). Joshua 15:49 explicitly adds the parenthetical identification “which is Debir,” linking the city to the better-known Debir captured by Caleb’s nephew Othniel. The sequence of references forms a unified testimony: the town was first approached (Joshua 15:15), targeted with a promise of reward (15:16), allotted within Judah’s cities (15:49), and remembered in the Judges retelling (Judges 1:11-12). Geographical Setting Kirjath Sannah lay in the Judean hill country roughly 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of Hebron. Most modern researchers point to the mound of Tell Rabud. The territory is characterized by gently terraced slopes and fertile valleys, well suited for grain and vineyards. Control of such a city secured the southern approach to the Judean highlands and guarded strategic routes toward the coastal plain. Historical Significance in the Conquest 1. The Caleb-Othniel Campaign 2. Achsah’s Petition Immediately after the capture, Achsah secured water rights: “Give me a blessing. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water” (Joshua 15:19). The episode shows that possession of the land had to be matched by responsible stewardship. Kirjath Sannah became a symbol of inheritance accompanied by practical provision. 3. Role in Early Judges Judges 1:11-12 echoes Joshua, confirming the accuracy of the tribal records and demonstrating the continuity of Judah’s leadership after Joshua’s death. The double account safeguards the historical reliability of Israel’s settlement and highlights God’s covenant faithfulness across generations. Theological Themes • Covenant Possession: The conquest of Kirjath Sannah illustrates Israel’s mandate to occupy specific, divinely promised territory. Lessons for Ministry Today 1. Leadership offers opportunity: Caleb empowered the next generation rather than hoarding victories. Spiritual leaders are called to raise successors, not merely secure personal triumphs. Related Passages and Implications • Joshua 14:6-15 – Caleb’s earlier request for Hebron sets the stage for the Kirjath Sannah capture, showing continuity in faith-filled ambition. Summary Kirjath Sannah, though mentioned only five times, occupies a pivotal place in the conquest narrative. Its capture demonstrates covenant obedience, courageous leadership, the transmission of godly heritage, and the necessity of practical provision within God’s gifts. As such, it remains a vivid reminder that every victory entrusted by the LORD must be inhabited, cultivated, and passed on for His glory. Forms and Transliterations סֵ֖פֶר סֵֽפֶר׃ סַנָּ֖ה סנה ספר ספר׃ san·nāh sanNah sannāh sê·p̄er Sefer sêp̄erLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:15 HEB: לְפָנִ֖ים קִרְיַת־ סֵֽפֶר׃ NAS: of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher. KJV: of Debir before [was] Kirjathsepher. INT: of Debir formerly was Kiriath-sepher Joshua 15:16 Joshua 15:49 Judges 1:11 Judges 1:12 5 Occurrences |
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