Who or what is Kerioth-Hezron in the Bible?

Ancient Context: Kerioth-Hezron

Geographical Setting

An ancient Judean city listed in the territorial allotment of the tribe of Judah.

⚡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)

Kerioth-Hezron is a city mentioned in Joshua 15:25, identified with the ruined site of Kuryatain, 4 1/2 miles North of Tell `Arad. It has been suggested that Kerioth was the birthplace of Judas Iscariot.

What is the meaning of Kerioth-Hezron in the Bible?

Kerioth-Hezron is a city mentioned in Joshua 15:25, identified with the ruined site of Kuryatain, 4 1/2 miles North of Tell `Arad. It has been suggested that Kerioth was the birthplace of Judas Iscariot.

SIGNIFICANCE

Identifying this location helps clarify the southern boundaries of the tribal territory of Judah and provides geographical context for the origin of the apostle Judas Iscariot.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Kerioth-Hezron (located near modern Kuryatain, 4.5 miles north of Tell 'Arad, in the Negev region of southern Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.

Bible Study Reflection Prompts:

Why did the biblical author mention Kerioth-Hezron in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Kerioth-Hezron clarify?

Scripture Passages Mentioned: Joshua 15:25

Source Attribution & Provenance

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.

How to Cite This Entry

          "Kerioth-Hezron." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/keriothhezron/
        

Kerioth-Hezron