שָׁוֵה קִרְיָתַיִם

שָׁוֵה קִרְיָתַיִם

Shaveh-Kirjathajim, a place East of the Jordan

Definition

Shaveh-Kirjathajim is a proper name for a location east of the Jordan River, mentioned only once in the Bible. The name itself means 'plain of a double city' or 'level field of Kirjathaim,' suggesting it was a notable geographical feature or settlement in the ancient landscape. It appears in Genesis 14:5 as one of the places conquered by the coalition of kings led by Chedorlaomer during their campaign against the Rephaim. This single reference places it within the historical narrative of the war of the kings, which sets the stage for Abram's (Abraham's) rescue of his nephew Lot.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in Genesis 14:5. It is used in a historical-geographical context, listing the territories and peoples defeated by the invading eastern kings. Its usage is purely as a place name to specify a location in the Transjordan region, with no further narrative development or symbolic usage elsewhere in Scripture.

Etymology

The name is a compound of two Hebrew elements: 'Shaveh' (שָׁוֵה), derived from a root meaning 'level' or 'plain,' and 'Kirjathaim' (קִרְיָתַיִם), the dual form of 'qiryah' (קִרְיָה), meaning 'city.' Thus, the name literally translates to 'plain of the double city' or 'level place of Kirjathaim.' The dual ending on 'city' may indicate a twin-city settlement or emphasize its size and importance.

Semantic Range

While the place itself is not theologically central, its mention in Genesis 14:5 is significant for establishing the historical and geographical scope of the war that led to Lot's capture. This event directly precipitates Abram's first recorded military action and his subsequent encounter with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), a pivotal moment for understanding kingship, priesthood, and God's covenant faithfulness. Thus, understanding this location enriches the reader's grasp of the narrative's historical realism and the context for Abram's faith in action. In the ancient Near East, place names often described the physical geography or notable features of a location. A 'plain of a double city' would have identified a strategically or economically significant settlement on flat land, possibly controlling trade routes. Its conquest by eastern kings reflects the constant political turmoil and power struggles between city-states and tribal regions in the period of the patriarchs. Kirjathaim (H7156) — A separate, more frequently mentioned Moabite city with a similar name, possibly located in the same general region but distinct from the Shaveh-Kirjathajim of Genesis 14:5.

Word Details