Bible Dictionary
Arphaxad
Arphaxad was a son of Shem and an ancestor in the genealogical line leading to Abraham. In Judith, the name also refers to a king of the Medes who was defeated by Nebuchadnezzar.
Definition
Arphaxad is the King James form of Arpachshad, a son of Shem and an ancestor in the genealogical line leading to Abraham. He was born the year after the Deluge and died at the age of 438 years. The name also designates a king of the Medes in Judith.
Biblical Usage
In Genesis, Chronicles, and Luke, Arphaxad belongs to the genealogy descending from Shem. In Judith, Arphaxad is a Median king who reigned at Ecbatana and was defeated and slain by Nebuchadrezzar.
Historical Background
Arphaxad was associated with Mesopotamia and, according to the cited Jewish historical tradition, with the ancestry of the Chaldeans. The name has also been regarded as connected with the territory of Ur of the Chaldees.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Son of Shem, born the year after the Deluge. He died at the age of 438 years (Gen. 11:10-13; 1 Chr. 1:17, 18; Luke 3:36). He dwelt in Mesopotamia, and became, according to the Jewish historian Josephus, the progenitor of the Chaldeans. The tendency is to recognize in the word the name of the country nearest the ancient domain of the Chaldeans. Some regard the word as an Egypticized form of the territorial name of Ur Kasdim, or Ur of the Chaldees.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(stronghold of the Chaldees).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ar-fak'-sad:</p><p>(1) the King James Version form (Ge 10:22,24; 11:12,13; 1Ch 1:17) of the Revised Version (British and American) ARPACHSHAD, which see. See also TABLE OF NATIONS.</p><p>(2) In Apocrypha (Judith 1) a king of the Medes, who reigned in Ecbatana. He was defeated and slain by Nebuchadrezzar.</p>