עֶקְרוֹנִי (eq.ro.ni)
eq.ro.ni
Ekron
N:N--LGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--LG
Word Overview
The word ‘eqroni identifies a person as an inhabitant or native of Ekron, one of the five major Philistine cities. As a gentilic adjective derived from the city name Ekron, it functions primarily as a noun to denote someone belonging to that specific region and political entity.
Although the term appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its context is significant. It occurs in Joshua 13:3 during the description of the land still unconquered by Israel, listing Ekron among the Philistine territories. Later, it appears in 1 Samuel 5:8, where the Philistine leaders consult regarding the Ark of the Covenant before sending it back to Beth-shemesh.
The underlying city name, Ekron, is associated with the concept of "emigration" or "rooting out." This etymology highlights the distinct cultural and geographic identity of the Philistines, who were settled in the coastal plain rather than being indigenous to the central hill country. The brief usage underscores the ongoing tension between Israel and this powerful neighboring coalition during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eqroni simply marks someone as a resident of Ekron, one of the five major Philistine cities along the coast. In Joshua 13:3, it helps define the boundaries of land that Israel had not yet fully taken. This shows that God’s promises were being fulfilled step by step, even when progress felt slow or incomplete.
In 1 Samuel 5:10, we see the Ekronites reacting with fear when they receive the Ark of the Covenant. Their panic highlights a truth many believers hold dear: no power on earth can stand against God’s presence. When we face situations that feel overwhelming or out of our control, this history reminds us that God is sovereign over every nation and every heart.
Though the Ekronites did not know God as Israel did, their story points to a larger reality. The same God who guided Israel into the land also holds authority over all people. We can trust that He works in ways we may not immediately understand, bringing peace and justice according to His perfect timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Ekronites1×
- and/ the/ Ekronite[s]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הָ/עֶקְרוֹנִ֖י1×
- הָֽ/עֶקְרֹנִ֜ים1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 13:3
from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is counted as Canaanite; the five lords of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim,
The term identifies the northern boundary of Philistine territory, showing that some areas remained unconquered during the division of the land.
-
I Samuel 5:10
So they sent God’s ark to Ekron. As God’s ark came to Ekron, the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel here to us, to kill us and our people.”
This verse captures the Ekronites' terror upon receiving the Ark, illustrating their recognition that the God of Israel holds power over life and death.