עַקְרַבִּים (ma.a.leh aq.rab.bim)
ma.a.leh aq.rab.bim
Akrabbim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase ma‘aleh ‘aqrabbim, literally "ascent of scorpions," names a specific geographic landmark on the southern boundary of ancient Palestine. It appears in three biblical passages: Numbers 34:4, Joshua 15:3, and Judges 1:36. The term combines ma‘aleh ("ascent" or "pass") with ‘aqrabbim ("scorpions"), suggesting a steep, rugged climb through terrain known for these venomous creatures.
This location marked the southern limit of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah. In Numbers and Joshua, it defines the border between Canaan and the wilderness of Zin. Judges 1:36 uses it to describe a territory held by the Amorites, indicating that while Israel claimed the land, control was not yet fully established in this southern region.
The name likely reflects both the physical danger of the ascent and the actual presence of scorpions in the arid landscape. Translators render it as "Scorpion Pass" or similar phrases to convey its meaning. The reference serves primarily as a boundary marker, helping readers visualize the extent of Israel’s inheritance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Akrabbim, meaning "ascent of scorpions," evokes a steep and dangerous climb through rugged terrain. In the biblical narrative, this landmark marked the southern boundary of the land promised to Judah, separating the fertile inheritance from the harsh wilderness. It serves as a reminder that entering God's promises often involves navigating difficult and uncertain paths.
While the Israelites claimed this territory, Judges 1:36 notes that the Amorites still held it, showing that possession was not yet fully realized. This tension between promise and reality invites us to trust God’s timing. The journey may feel steep and fraught with danger, but the boundary itself signifies a divine assignment rather than a dead end.
For your faith, this word highlights the importance of perseverance. Just as the ancient borders defined the extent of Israel's inheritance, your spiritual walk is marked by specific challenges that test your resolve. You are not wandering aimlessly; you are moving toward a place prepared for you, even when the path feels like an ascent through difficult ground.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- scorpions3×
- to/ [the] ascent of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַקְרַבִּים֙2×
- עַקְרַבִּ֑ים1×
- לְ/מַעֲלֵ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 34:4
Your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and it shall pass southward of Kadesh Barnea; and it shall go from there to Hazar Addar, and pass along to Azmon.
This verse establishes Akrabbim as the starting point of the southern border, defining the limit of the land God assigned to His people.
-
Joshua 15:3
and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, went up to Addar, and turned toward Karka;
Here the boundary is traced in detail, showing how this dangerous pass served as a critical marker for the tribe of Judah's inheritance.
-
Judges 1:36
The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.
This occurrence reveals that while the border was defined, the land was not yet fully conquered, highlighting the gap between promise and possession.