עֲרָד (a.rad)
a.rad
Arad
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name `Arad` carries the meaning of "wild ass," a fitting title for a rugged location in the southern frontier. In the Hebrew Bible, it primarily refers to a Canaanite city situated north of the wilderness of Judah. This settlement appears frequently in the narratives of Israel’s journey, particularly in Numbers and Joshua, marking a significant stop on the route toward the Promised Land.
The sources highlight that this place was fortified and held strategic importance during the conquest period. The text records specific conflicts there, such as when the king of Arad attacked Israel (Numbers 21:1) and later when the Israelites vowed to destroy the city completely (Judges 1:16). The name’s association with a swift, untamed animal may reflect the harsh, wild nature of the Negev region where it stood.
Beyond the geographic location, the name also identifies a Benjamite ancestor named Arad, son of Beriah, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 8:15. This individual is noted for driving out the inhabitants of Gath, linking the family line to military action against Canaanite strongholds. The dual usage of the name underscores how personal identities and territorial markers often overlapped in ancient Israelite genealogy and history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Arad means "wild ass," a title that fits its location on the rugged southern frontier of Judah. This city stood as a fortified checkpoint in the wilderness, marking a significant stop for Israel on their journey toward the Promised Land. Its presence in the text reminds us that the path to God's promises often winds through difficult and contested territories.
When the king of Arad attacked Israel, it was not just a military skirmish but a test of trust. The people had to rely on divine help rather than their own strength. Later, the name appears in genealogies, linking personal identity to the broader story of conquest and settlement. This shows how individual lives are woven into the larger narrative of God's work among His people.
Whether viewed as a geographic obstacle or an ancestral figure, Arad highlights the reality of spiritual warfare and heritage. It invites us to consider our own "frontiers"—the challenges that stand between us and the fullness of God's promises. Like those who journeyed through the wilderness, we are called to persevere with faith, knowing that God is present even in the most hostile lands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Arad4×
- and/ Arad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲרָד֙1×
- עֲרָ֖ד1×
- עֲרָ֔ד1×
- עֲרָ֑ד1×
- וַ/עֲרָ֖ד1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:1
The Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the South, heard that Israel came by the way of Atharim. He fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.
This verse records the first military conflict at Arad, showing how external opposition often arises when God's people move forward in faith.
-
Judges 1:16
The children of the Kenite, Moses’ brother-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people.
Here Arad serves as a geographic landmark for the Kenites' settlement, illustrating how tribal movements and family lines intersected in the southern region.
-
I Chronicles 8:15
Zebadiah, Arad, Eder,
This mention of Arad as a Benjamite ancestor connects the name to the broader genealogical record of Israel's tribes, showing how personal identities contributed to national history.