כִּסְלֹת תָּבֹר

Kisloth-Tabor, a place in Palestine

Definition

Kisloth-Tabor is a place name mentioned in the Old Testament, referring to a town or region in the territory allotted to the tribe of Zebulun. The name means 'flanks of Tabor' or 'sides of Tabor,' indicating its geographical location on the slopes or foothills of Mount Tabor. It is listed as part of Zebulun's inheritance in Joshua 19:12, situated between Sarid and Daberath. This single biblical reference places it within the context of the Israelite settlement in Canaan following the conquest.

Biblical Usage

This proper noun is used only once in the Old Testament, in Joshua 19:12, within a detailed list of the borders and cities given to the tribe of Zebulun. Its usage is purely geographical, serving to define a boundary point in the tribal allotment. No narrative or prophetic context is associated with it beyond this administrative record.

Etymology

The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: the feminine plural form of 'kesel' (H3689), meaning 'flank,' 'loin,' or 'side,' and 'Tabor' (H8396), the name of the prominent mountain in the Jezreel Valley. Thus, it literally translates to 'the flanks (or sides) of Tabor,' describing its physical position relative to the mountain.

Semantic Range

As a geographical place name, Kisloth-Tabor reflects the ancient Israelite practice of naming locations based on prominent natural features. Its mention in a tribal boundary list (Joshua 19:12) highlights the importance of land inheritance and precise territorial divisions within the covenant community, a central theme in the book of Joshua. Its location on the slopes of Mount Tabor, a significant landmark, would have made it a recognizable reference point for the original audience.

Tabor (Tâbôr, H8396) — The mountain itself, whereas Kisloth-Tabor refers to settlements on its sides.

Word Details

Scripture References