Bible Dictionary
Arba
Arba was regarded as the ancestor or chief hero of the Anakim. Hebron was therefore called Kirjath-arba, or “city of Arba.”
Definition
Arba was regarded as the ancestor or chief hero of the Anakim and as the founder or namesake of the city called Kirjath-arba.
Biblical Usage
Hebron is called Kirjath-arba, the city of Arba, in passages describing the territory and inheritance of Judah and the Levitical cities.
Historical Background
The supplied material variously describes Arba as the greatest man among the Anakim and the father of Anak. Hebron was built on the site associated with him.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Four, a giant, father of Anak. From him the city of Hebron derived its name of Kirjath-arba, i.e., the city of Araba (Josh. 14:15; 15:13; 21:11; Gen. 13:18; 23:2). (See HEBRON.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(city of the four), the progenitor of the Anakim, or sons of Anak, from whom their chief city, Hebron, received its name of Kirjath-Arba. (Joshua 14:15; 15:13; 21:11)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar'-ba ('arba`, "four"): Variously described as "the greatest man among the Anakim" (Jos 14:15), "the father of Anak" (Jos 15:13), "the father of Anok" (Jos 21:11 margin). Thus he seems to have been regarded as the ancestor of the Anakim, and as the most famous hero of that race. He was the reputed founder of the city called after him, on the site of which Hebron was built (Jos 21:11).</p>