אַשְׁקְלוֹן (ash.qe.lon)
ash.qe.lon
Ashkelon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 11 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Ashkelon was a major Philistine city located on the Mediterranean coast, southwest of Jerusalem. The name itself carries a heavy symbolic weight in Hebrew tradition, often interpreted as "the fire of infamy" or linked to the idea of being weighed and found wanting. This etymology reflects how the biblical authors viewed the city not just as a geographic location, but as a representative of opposition to God’s people.
In Scripture, Ashkelon appears primarily in prophetic books like Jeremiah, Zephaniah, and Zechariah. These passages rarely describe daily life there; instead, they depict the city as a target of divine judgment. The prophets use Ashkelon to illustrate the consequences of pride and hostility toward Israel, serving as a warning that even powerful coastal nations are subject to God’s authority.
The city’s prominence in these texts highlights its historical significance as a rival power. By focusing on Ashkelon’s downfall, the biblical writers emphasize that no earthly stronghold can resist the sovereignty of God. The repeated mention of this specific place reinforces the theme that judgment begins with those who stand against His purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ashkelon stands in Scripture as a symbol of human pride and opposition to God’s people. The prophets used this coastal city to show that earthly powers, no matter how strong, cannot resist divine authority. When Jeremiah describes Ashkelon being brought to nothing, it reminds us that judgment falls on those who stand against God’s purposes. Yet even in these warnings, there is a deeper truth about God’s sovereignty over all nations.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of uncertainty. It shows that no stronghold—whether political, social, or personal—can ultimately defy God’s will. When you face opposition or fear the plans of others, remember that God sees it all. He is not limited by human strength or geography. His authority extends to every corner of the earth, including places like Ashkelon.
This perspective invites trust rather than anxiety. You do not need to worry about the outcome of conflicts or the pride of others. God’s justice and power are absolute. By focusing on His sovereignty, you can find peace even when the world seems unstable. The hope lies not in human strength but in the one who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 11 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ashkelon8×
- and/ Ashkelon2×
- from/ Ashkelon1×
- for/ Ashkelon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן2×
- אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן2×
- אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן2×
- מֵֽ/אַשְׁקְל֑וֹן1×
- לְ/אַשְׁקְל֣וֹן1×
- אַשְׁקְל֤וֹן1×
- אַשְׁקְל֛וֹן1×
- אַשְׁקְל֗וֹן1×
- אַשְׁקְל֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 14:19
Yahweh’s Spirit came mightily on him, and he went down to Ashkelon and struck thirty men of them. He took their plunder, then gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the riddle. His anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.
This verse shows Samson’s victory over Ashkelon’s people, highlighting the city as a target of divine judgment through a chosen leader.
-
Jeremiah 47:5
Baldness has come on Gaza; Ashkelon is brought to nothing. You remnant of their valley, how long will you cut yourself?
Here, Ashkelon is described as being brought to nothing, illustrating the prophets’ message that pride leads to downfall.
-
Zephaniah 2:7
The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for Yahweh, their God, will visit them and restore them.
This passage contrasts Ashkelon’s desolation with Judah’s restoration, showing God’s care for His people amid judgment on others.