קִרְיָתַ֫יִם (qir.ya.ta.yim)
qir.ya.ta.yim
Kartan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun qiryataim, meaning "two cities," appears only once in the Old Testament as a proper name in Joshua 21:32. It identifies Kartan, a town allocated to the Gershonite Levites within the territory of Naphtali. The double form suggests either a settlement comprising two distinct parts or a city built near another significant urban center.
While the root qiryah simply means "city," the dual ending gives this specific location a unique identity in the biblical record. This single mention highlights the careful distribution of land among the priestly tribes, ensuring they had established homes within the broader tribal divisions of Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Kartan, meaning "two cities," appears in a quiet moment of Israel’s history. It was one of the towns given to the Levites, those who served in the temple and taught God’s law. This detail shows that even in the distribution of land, God provided for those set apart for service.
Though the name is brief, it reminds us that God cares about the practical needs of His people. The Levites had homes and pasture lands, just like everyone else. This care extends to you too, as God provides for your daily life and spiritual journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Kartan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קַרְתָּ֖ן1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 21:32
Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its pasture lands, the city of refuge for the man slayer, Hammothdor with its pasture lands, and Kartan with its pasture lands: three cities.
This verse lists Kartan among the cities given to the Levites from Naphtali, highlighting its role in supporting those dedicated to temple service.