Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Location: Padan-aram, also known as Paddan-aram, is a region mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is located in the northern part of Mesopotamia, which is modern-day northeastern Syria and southeastern Turkey. The name "Padan-aram" translates to "the field of Aram," indicating its association with the Arameans, a Semitic people who inhabited the region. Biblical Significance: Padan-aram holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, particularly in the patriarchal accounts of Genesis. It is primarily known as the homeland of the patriarchs' ancestors and a place of refuge and family connections. Key Biblical References: 1. Abraham's Family Origins: Padan-aram is first introduced in the context of Abraham's family. Terah, Abraham's father, originally came from Ur of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran, which is part of the broader region of Padan-aram. This connection is foundational to understanding the familial ties that later draw Abraham's descendants back to this area. 2. Isaac and Rebekah: In Genesis 24, Abraham sends his servant to Padan-aram to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant travels to the city of Nahor, where he meets Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, who is Abraham's nephew. Rebekah's marriage to Isaac strengthens the familial bonds between the patriarchs and their kin in Padan-aram. Genesis 25:20 : "And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Padan-aram and sister of Laban the Aramean, to be his wife." 3. Jacob's Sojourn: Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, flees to Padan-aram to escape the wrath of his brother Esau after receiving the blessing of the firstborn. In Padan-aram, Jacob stays with his uncle Laban, Rebekah's brother, and marries Laban's daughters, Leah and Rachel. This period is marked by significant events, including Jacob's vision of the ladder to heaven and his eventual return to Canaan. Genesis 28:5 : "So Isaac sent Jacob on his way, and he went to Padan-aram, to Laban son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau." 4. Jacob's Return: After many years in Padan-aram, Jacob returns to Canaan with his family and possessions. His time in Padan-aram is characterized by both blessings and challenges, including the birth of his children, who would become the progenitors of the twelve tribes of Israel. Genesis 31:18 : "He drove all his livestock ahead of him, along with all the goods he had accumulated in Padan-aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan." Cultural and Historical Context: Padan-aram was a region of great cultural and economic significance in the ancient Near East. It was part of the larger Mesopotamian civilization, known for its advanced cities, trade networks, and cultural developments. The Arameans, who inhabited the region, played a crucial role in the history of the Near East, influencing language, culture, and politics. Theological Implications: The narratives involving Padan-aram highlight themes of divine providence, covenantal faithfulness, and the importance of family and kinship in God's unfolding plan. The region serves as a backdrop for God's continued guidance and blessing upon the patriarchs, ensuring the fulfillment of His promises to Abraham and his descendants. Strong's Hebrew 6307. Paddan -- the place where Rachel died... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition the place where Rachel died NASB Word Usage Aram (1), Paddan (1), Paddan-aram (10). Padan, Padan-aram. ... /hebrew/6307.htm - 6k Library Jacob-Wrestling The Nations of the North-East part 2 The Pilgrim's Longings Go Back? Never! Jacob's Waking Exclamation Appendix D. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! No Compromise Chapter xxv Thesaurus Padan-aram (10 Occurrences)Padan-aram. Padanaram, Padan-aram. Padan-'aram . Easton's Bible Dictionary The plain of Aram, or the plain of the highlands, (Genesis ... /p/padan-aram.htm - 9k Padan-'aram (1 Occurrence) Paddan (11 Occurrences) Padanaram (10 Occurrences) Rebecca (28 Occurrences) Padan (1 Occurrence) Paddan-aram (10 Occurrences) Aram-naharaim (5 Occurrences) Paddanaram Aramnaharaim Resources What is the Valley of Succoth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Padan-'aram (1 Occurrence)Genesis 48:7 Subtopics Related Terms |