עַטְרוֹת אַדָּר (at.rot ad.dar)
at.rot ad.dar
Ataroth-addar
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Ataroth-Addar identifies a specific settlement assigned to the tribe of Gad, located near the western boundary of Benjamin. Its meaning translates to "crowns of glory," combining the word for crown or wreath with Addar, a term often associated with autumn or splendor. This title suggests a place of significance or beauty within the tribal allotments.
Scripture mentions this town only twice, both in the book of Joshua where it is listed among the fortified cities given to Gad (Joshua 13:27) and later in Chronicles as part of their heritage (1 Chronicles 6:78). The rarity of its appearance highlights its role primarily as a geographical marker in the distribution of the land rather than a site of major narrative events.
Etymologically, the name reflects the value placed on honor and distinction. By calling it "crowns of glory," the text may imply that this town was considered a jewel among Gad’s holdings. The brief references serve to document the precise boundaries and possessions of the tribes as they settled in Canaan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Ataroth-addar means "crowns of glory," a name that turns a simple map coordinate into a picture of honor. In Joshua, this town marks the edge of Ephraim’s land, near Beth Horon. It reminds us that every piece of God’s provision carries His dignity.
We often look for grand miracles, but Scripture shows us faithful detail in places like this. The Lord assigned boundaries so each tribe knew its place and purpose. Even a small town with a royal name reflects His care for order and belonging.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Ataroth2×
- Addar2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עַטְר֣וֹת2×
- אַדָּ֔ר2×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 16:5
This was the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families. The border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper.
This verse places Ataroth-addar as the eastern boundary of Ephraim’s inheritance, showing how God defined the limits of their land.
-
Joshua 18:13
The border passed along from there to Luz, to the side of Luz (also called Bethel), southward. The border went down to Ataroth Addar, by the mountain that lies on the south of Beth Horon the lower.
Here the border moves south to Ataroth-addar near Beth Horon, marking a specific point in the division of the Promised Land.