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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: Kiriath-Sepher</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/k/kiriath-sepher.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/kiriath-sepher.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> > Kiriath-Sepher</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/kiriathsepher.htm" title="Kiriathsepher">◄</a> Kiriath-Sepher <a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-se'pher.htm" title="Kir'iath-se'pher">►</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="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</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>Kiriath-sepher, also known as Debir, is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament. The name "Kiriath-sepher" 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 times.<br><br><b>Biblical References</b> <br>Kiriath-sepher 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, 'To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.'"<br><br>The city is also mentioned in the Book of Judges, where the narrative is repeated with slight variations. <a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Judges 1:11-12</a> recounts, "From there they marched against the inhabitants of Debir (formerly known as Kiriath-sepher). And Caleb said, 'To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.'"<br><br><b>Historical and Archaeological Context</b> <br>Kiriath-sepher 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 Bronze and Iron Ages, providing insights into the city's historical context during the biblical period. The strategic location of Kiriath-sepher made it an important city in the region, contributing to its prominence in the biblical narrative.<br><br><b>Role in Israelite Conquest</b> <br>The capture of Kiriath-sepher is closely associated with Caleb, one of the faithful spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Caleb's offer of his daughter Acsah as a reward for capturing the city highlights the importance of Kiriath-sepher in the conquest narrative. Othniel, Caleb's younger brother, successfully captures the city and marries Acsah, as recorded in both Joshua and Judges. This event underscores the themes of faithfulness and reward in the Israelite conquest.<br><br><b>Theological Significance</b> <br>Kiriath-sepher's mention in the Bible serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the Israelites. The city's capture is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites taking possession of the Promised Land, a central theme in the books of Joshua and Judges. The account of Caleb and Othniel exemplifies the virtues of courage, faith, and divine reward, which are recurrent themes throughout the biblical text.<br><br><b>Cultural and Literary Aspects</b> <br>The dual naming of the city as both Kiriath-sepher and Debir reflects a common biblical practice of cities having multiple names, often indicating different aspects of their identity or history. The narrative involving Caleb, Acsah, and Othniel is also notable for its portrayal of familial relationships and the role of women in the biblical narrative, as Acsah's request for springs of water from her father Caleb demonstrates her agency and the importance of resource allocation in the ancient Near Eastern context.<a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">KIRIATH-SEPHER</span><p>kir-i-ath-se'-fer (qiryath cepher; translated by many, as if it were Hebrew, as "house of books." Septuagint polis grammaton; the King James Version, Kirjath Sepher; other suggestions have been made: "border-town" (Moore) or "tolltown" (G.A. Smith): In two parallel passages (<a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15</a> <a href="/judges/1-11.htm">Judges 1:11 f</a>), it is mentioned as identical with DEBIR (which see), which has been frequently identified with edh-Dhaheriyeh. Sayce would place Kiriath-Sepher to the W. of Gath. See P E F S, 1893, 33-35.<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7158.htm"><span class="l">7158. Qiryath Sannah -- "city of writing," a city in Judah</span></a><br><b>...</b> "city of writing," a city in Judah. Transliteration: Qiryath Sannah or Qiryath Sepher<br> Phonetic Spelling: (keer-yath' san-naw') Short Definition: <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7158.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/swete/an_introduction_to_the_old_testament_in_greek_additional_notes/chapter_iv_the_greek_versions.htm"><span class="l">The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>, qryt sphr, polis grammaton, Joshua 15:15 f., Macpelah, hmkplh, to<br> spelaion to diploun, Genesis 23:17, 19 (xxv.9, xlix.30, l.13). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter iv the greek versions.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/k/kiriathsepher.htm"><span class="l"><b>Kiriathsepher</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia <b>KIRIATH</b>-<b>SEPHER</b>. kir <b>...</b> Dhaheriyeh. Sayce would<br> place <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>Sepher</b> to the W. of Gath. See PEFS, 1893, 33-35. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kiriathsepher.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kiriath-sepher.htm"><span class="l"><b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b> (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>. <b>Kiriathsepher</b>, <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>. Kir'iath-se'pher . Int. <b>...</b> (ASV<br> BBE JPS NAS). <b>Kiriathsepher</b>, <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>. Kir'iath-se'pher . Reference Bible <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kiriath-sepher.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kiriath.htm"><span class="l">Kiriath (34 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). Joshua 15:15 He went up against the inhabitants of Debir:<br> now the name of Debir before was <b>Kiriath</b><b>Sepher</b>. (WEB JPS ASV BBE NAS NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kiriath.htm - 17k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/sepher.htm"><span class="l">Sepher (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance Sepher (4 Occurrences). Joshua 15:15 He went up against<br> the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir before was <b>Kiriath</b><b>Sepher</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/sepher.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/d/debir.htm"><span class="l">Debir (12 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In Joshua 15:15-17 and Judges 1:11-13 is an account of how Othniel captured Debir,<br> which "beforetime was <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>," and won thereby the hand of Achsah <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/d/debir.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-se'pher.htm"><span class="l">Kir'iath-se'pher (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Kir'iath-se'pher. <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>, Kir'iath-se'pher. Kirioth . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>...</b> <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>, Kir'iath-se'pher. Kirioth . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/k/kir'iath-se'pher.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/achsah.htm"><span class="l">Achsah (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> anklet"): The daughter of Caleb whom he gave in marriage to his younger kinsman<br> Othniel the son of Kenaz, as a reward for smiting <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b> (Joshua 15:16 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/achsah.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/caleb.htm"><span class="l">Caleb (39 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Both accounts agree in mentioning Othniel, a younger brother of Caleb, as the conqueror<br> of <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b> or Debir; as his reward he receives the hand of Achsah <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/caleb.htm - 24k</font><p><a href="/topical/o/overcomes.htm"><span class="l">Overcomes (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB WEY BBE DBY NAS NIV). Joshua 15:16 And Caleb said, I will give Achsah, my daughter,<br> as wife to the man who overcomes <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b> and takes it. (BBE). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/o/overcomes.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/beforetime.htm"><span class="l">Beforetime (21 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (ASV JPS). Joshua 15:15 And he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir:<br> now the name of Debir beforetime was <b>Kiriath</b>-<b>sepher</b>. (ASV JPS). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/beforetime.htm - 13k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Caleb-in-the-Bible.html">Who is Caleb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/who-was-Othniel.html">Who was Othniel? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/life-David.html">Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><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">Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joshua/15-15.htm">Joshua 15:15</a></span><br />And he went up thence against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir beforetime was <span class="boldtext">Kiriath-sepher</span>.<br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE JPS NAS)</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">Kiriath-sepher</span>, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. <br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE JPS NAS)</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. ( Now the name of Debir beforetime was <span class="boldtext">Kiriath-sepher</span>. )<br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE JPS NAS)</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">Kiriath-sepher</span>, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. <br /><span class="source">(ASV BBE JPS NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/k/kiriath-sepher.htm">Kiriath-Sepher</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kiriath-sepher.htm">Kiriath-sepher (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/formerly.htm">Formerly (55 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/k/kirioth.htm">Kirioth (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/attacks.htm">Attacks (45 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/k/kiriathsepher.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Kiriathsepher"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Kiriathsepher" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/k/kir'iath-se'pher.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Kir'iath-se'pher"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Kir'iath-se'pher" /></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>