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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Kirjathsepher</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/k/kirjathsepher.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/joshua/15-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/k/kirjathsepher.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Kirjathsepher</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sephar.htm" title="Kirjath-sephar">◄</a> Kirjathsepher <a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sepher.htm" title="Kirjath-Sepher">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Etymology and Meaning</b> <br>Kirjathsepher, also known as Debir, is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Kirjathsepher" is often translated as "City of Books" or "City of Scribes," suggesting a place of learning or record-keeping. This etymology reflects the city's possible role as a center of culture or administration in ancient Canaan.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b> <br>Kirjathsepher is first mentioned in the context of the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In the Book of Joshua, it is listed among the cities captured by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. <a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15-16</a> states: "From there he marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, 'I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage to the one who strikes down and captures Kiriath-sepher.'"<br><br>The narrative continues with Othniel, the son of Kenaz and Caleb's younger brother, capturing the city and receiving Acsah as his wife (<a href="/joshua/15-17.htm">Joshua 15:17</a>). This account is also mirrored in <a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Judges 1:11-13</a>, emphasizing the city's importance in the tribal allotments and conquests.<br><br><b>Historical and Archaeological Context</b> <br>Kirjathsepher is identified with the archaeological site of Tell Beit Mirsim, located in the southern part of the Judean hills. Excavations at this site have revealed significant remains from the Canaanite and Israelite periods, including fortifications and domestic structures. These findings support the biblical narrative of a well-established city that played a role in the region's history.<br><br><b>Role in Israelite Settlement</b> <br>The capture of Kirjathsepher by Othniel highlights the city's strategic importance during the Israelite settlement of Canaan. As a fortified city, it served as a key location for controlling the surrounding territory. The marriage alliance between Caleb's family and Othniel through the capture of Kirjathsepher underscores the intertwining of military conquest and familial alliances in the establishment of Israelite society.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b> <br>Kirjathsepher's mention in the context of Caleb and Othniel's account illustrates themes of faithfulness, reward, and divine providence. Caleb's offer of his daughter as a reward for capturing the city reflects the values of courage and initiative. Othniel's successful conquest and subsequent role as a judge in Israel (<a href="/judges/3-9.htm">Judges 3:9-11</a>) demonstrate God's provision and empowerment of leaders who are faithful to His commands.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b> <br>While Kirjathsepher is not frequently mentioned in the biblical text, its role in the conquest narratives and its association with notable figures like Caleb and Othniel highlight its importance in the early history of Israel. The city's capture and integration into Israelite territory symbolize the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs and the establishment of His people in the Promised Land.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Kirjathsepher</span><p>(<i>city of books</i>). (<a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15,16</a>; <a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Judges 1:11,12</a>) [<a href="../d/debir.htm">DEBIR</a>]<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>City of books, <a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15</a>; same as Kirjath-sannah (q.v.), now represented by the valley of ed-Dhaberiyeh, south-west of Hebron. The name of this town is an evidence that the Canaanites were acquainted with writing and books. "The town probably contained a noted school, or was the site of an oracle and the residence of some learned priest." The "books" were probably engraved stones or bricks. <a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/jerome/the_principal_works_of_st_jerome/letter_lxvi_to_pammachius.htm"><span class="l">Letter Lxvi. To Pammachius.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 56, 57 and Conington's note. [1985] Genesis 23:19. [1986] ie <b>Kirjathsepher</b> close<br> to Hebron (Joshua 15:13-15) where Sarah was buried. [1987] Cf. Joshua 15:14. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxvi to pammachius.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/k/kirjathsepher.htm"><span class="l"><b>Kirjathsepher</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>Kirjathsepher</b> (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants<br> of Debir: and the name of Debir before was <b>Kirjathsepher</b>. (KJV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kirjathsepher.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/smiteth.htm"><span class="l">Smiteth (156 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (YLT). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth <b>Kirjathsepher</b>, and taketh it,<br> to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/smiteth.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sepher.htm"><span class="l">Kirjath-sepher (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Kirjath-sepher. <b>Kirjathsepher</b>, Kirjath-sepher. Kis . Easton's Bible Dictionary <b>...</b><br> (WBS YLT). <b>Kirjathsepher</b>, Kirjath-sepher. Kis . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kirjath-sepher.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sephar.htm"><span class="l">Kirjath-sephar (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Kirjath-sephar. Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sephar. <b>Kirjathsepher</b> . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>...</b> Kirjath-sannah, Kirjath-sephar. <b>Kirjathsepher</b> . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kirjath-sephar.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/thence.htm"><span class="l">Thence (152 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants<br> of Debir: and the name of Debir before was <b>Kirjathsepher</b>. (KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/thence.htm - 37k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Kirjathsepher (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15</a></span><br />And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was <span class="boldtext">Kirjathsepher</span>. <br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joshua/15-16.htm">Joshua 15:16</a></span><br />And Caleb said, He that smiteth <span class="boldtext">Kirjathsepher</span>, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Judges 1:11</a></span><br />And from thence he went against the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was <span class="boldtext">Kirjathsepher</span>: <br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/judges/1-12.htm">Judges 1:12</a></span><br />And Caleb said, He that smiteth <span class="boldtext">Kirjathsepher</span>, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.<br /><span class="source">(KJV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/k/kirjathsepher.htm">Kirjathsepher</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sepher.htm">Kirjath-sepher (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smiteth.htm">Smiteth (156 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kiriath-sepher.htm">Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kiriathsepher.htm">Kiriathsepher</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kis.htm">Kis (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sannah.htm">Kirjath-sannah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sephar.htm">Kirjath-sephar (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirjathsannah.htm">Kirjathsannah (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/writing.htm">Writing (194 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/debir.htm">Debir (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/captures.htm">Captures (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/achsah.htm">Achsah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/smites.htm">Smites (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/thence.htm">Thence (152 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/formerly.htm">Formerly (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/captured.htm">Captured (143 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/libraries.htm">Libraries</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/sepharvaim.htm">Sepharvaim (6 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sephar.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Kirjath-sephar"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Kirjath-sephar" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/k/kirjath-sepher.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Kirjath-Sepher"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Kirjath-Sepher" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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