אֶ֫רֶךְ (e.rekh)
e.rekh
Erech
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Erech refers to an ancient city in Babylonia, situated on the left bank of the Euphrates River. Lexical sources place it approximately forty miles northwest of Ur, positioning it along the route toward Babylon. The name itself carries the meaning "long," a detail that connects the geographical location with its linguistic roots.
This city appears in Scripture as part of the early genealogies and historical narratives found in Genesis. It is also known by the Aramaic form Arkevey, reflecting the multilingual nature of the region during that period. The mention of Erech serves to anchor the biblical narrative in specific, real-world geography, highlighting the interconnectedness of the ancient Near Eastern cities.
Understanding Erech provides context for the movements and settlements described in the early chapters of Genesis. Its location near major waterways like the Euphrates underscores its significance as a center of civilization. The brief references to this city remind readers of the historical setting in which these foundational stories unfold, offering a tangible link to the ancient world.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Erech appears in the genealogies of Genesis, marking a specific location in ancient Mesopotamia. This brief mention connects the biblical narrative to real-world geography, reminding us that God’s story unfolds within human history and culture.
By naming cities like Erech, Scripture grounds its accounts in tangible places. This invites readers to see the faith not as abstract myth, but as a living tradition rooted in actual communities and landscapes.
Reflecting on these details can deepen your appreciation for the historical context of the Bible. It encourages a sense of connection to the ancient world and the people who first heard these stories.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Erech1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶ֖רֶךְ1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:10
The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
This verse lists Erech as part of Nimrod's initial kingdom, highlighting its early prominence in the region.