Bible Location

Syria

Also known as: Syria (Aramea)

Syria is a broad historical and geographical term for territory north and northeast of ancient Israel. In many Old Testament English translations, "Syria" represents the Hebrew name Aram, particularly the Aramean kingdom centered on Damascus.

The Aramean states were important neighbors and frequent rivals of Israel and Judah. Damascus became the principal center of Aram-Damascus and figures prominently in the ministries of Elijah and Elisha.

In New Testament times Syria was also the name of a Roman province, within which Antioch became one of the most important centers of early Christianity.

Biblical Significance

The Old Testament records extensive interaction between Israel and the Aramean kingdoms. Aram-Damascus became particularly important during the divided monarchy.

Elijah was instructed to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, and Elisha later interacted repeatedly with Aramean rulers and military commanders, including the healing of Naaman.

During the Syro-Ephraimite crisis, Rezin of Damascus allied with Pekah of Israel against Judah. Assyria subsequently conquered Damascus.

In the New Testament, Damascus remained important, while Antioch in Roman Syria became a major center of the Christian mission. Believers were first called Christians at Antioch, and Paul and Barnabas were sent from the church there.

Historical Background

Aram was not always a single unified state. Numerous Aramean kingdoms developed across Syria and upper Mesopotamia during the early first millennium BC.

Aram-Damascus became the most important Aramean state in biblical relations with Israel and Judah.

Successive Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic, and Roman conquests changed the political organization and terminology of the region.

Under Rome, Syria became a major eastern province whose boundaries and administrative subdivisions changed over time.

Modern Identification

Biblical Aram and later Roman Syria overlapped substantially with portions of modern Syria but should not be assumed to possess the same borders as the modern Syrian state.

When an Old Testament English translation uses "Syria," the underlying geographical reference may specifically be Aram or Aram-Damascus rather than the entire region called Syria today.

AVWJ should distinguish Aram, Aram-Damascus, and Roman Syria according to the historical period of each passage.

Scripture References

1 Kings 19:15 2 Kings 5:1 2 Kings 8:7 2 Kings 16:5 Isaiah 7:1 Acts 15:23

Related Resources

View Location Map

Sources

Bible: 1 Kings 19:15, 1 Kings 20, 2 Kings 5-8, 2 Kings 16:5-9, Isaiah 7, Acts 9:1-30, Acts 11:19-26, Acts 13:1-3, Acts 15:23; Assyrian inscriptions; Aramean inscriptions; classical and Roman geographical sources