קִרְיַת חֻצוֹת (qir.yat chu.tsot)
qir.yat chu.tsot
Kiriath-huzoth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Qiryat-Chuzzot, rendered in English as Kiriath-Huzoth, translates to "city of streets" or "city of thoroughfares." It identifies a specific location within the territory of Moab, mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible. The term combines qiryah ("city") with chuzzot ("streets" or "open places"), suggesting an urban center defined by its layout or perhaps its role as a crossroads.
This place appears in Numbers 22:39 during the narrative of Balaam. Here, King Balak brings the prophet to this high place, hoping to secure a curse against Israel from that vantage point. The text does not elaborate on the city’s size or significance beyond its name and location, leaving its exact site unknown to modern scholars.
As a proper noun occurring in a single verse, Qiryat-Chuzzot serves primarily as a geographical marker in the Balaam story. Its inclusion highlights the specific routes Balak took to find a strategic position for divination. The name itself offers a glimpse into how ancient settlements were identified by their physical characteristics, even if those details are lost to history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kiriath-huzoth means "city of streets." It appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific stop on King Balak’s journey to find a high place from which to curse Israel. This detail reminds us that God’s plans unfold across real geography and human history, even when the locations are obscure.
In Numbers 22:39, Balaam and Balak arrive at this city before moving to another height. The text does not dwell on the city’s importance; it simply records the place as part of a larger story about God’s protection over His people. We see that no matter where we are or what path we take, God remains sovereign.
For your faith, this verse offers comfort. Even in places that seem insignificant or forgotten, God is present and active. You do not need to know every detail of your journey to trust the One who guides it. His care extends to the smallest steps you take each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- huzoth1×
- Kiriath-1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קִרְיַ֥ת1×
- חֻצֽוֹת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 22:39
Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth.
This verse records the arrival at Kiriath-huzoth, serving as a geographical marker in Balak’s attempt to find a strategic vantage point against Israel.