Biblical Places: Old Names and Current Identifications
Explore a fascinating trip through history and time as we reveal the locations mentioned in the Bible’s early chapters and their modern names. These regions have tales that have influenced civilizations and faiths. They are rich in biblical significance as well as archaeological marvels. Let’s look back in time to comprehend the enduring influence of history and faith.
1. Jerusalem:
- Old Name: Salem (Genesis 14:18)
- Current Name: Jerusalem
Verses: Psalms 122:3, Isaiah 2:3
Book Reference: “Jerusalem: The Biography” by Simon Sebag Montefiore
Archaeological Findings: The City of David, an archaeological site within Jerusalem, provides tangible evidence of its ancient foundations, affirming its biblical importance.
2. Bethlehem:
- Old Name: Ephrath (Genesis 35:16)
- Current Name: Bethlehem
Verses: Micah 5:2
Book Reference: “Biblical Archaeology: A Very Short Introduction” by Eric H. Cline
Archaeological Findings: Bethlehem’s ancient roots are confirmed through archaeological excavations, reinforcing its biblical significance. The Church of the Nativity stands as a testament to its enduring spiritual importance.
3. Hebron:
- Old Name: Kiriath-Arba (Genesis 23:2)
- Current Name: Hebron
Verses: Genesis 23:19
Book Reference: “Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E.” by Amihai Mazar
Archaeological Findings: Hebron, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, bears witness to its ancient origins through archaeological excavations, providing a window into biblical times.
4. Nazareth:
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Nazareth
Book Reference: “The Holy Land: An Oxford Archaeological Guide” by Jerome Murphy-O’Connor
Archaeological Findings: Nazareth’s identification as the hometown of Jesus is supported by archaeological evidence, including remains of ancient homes and artifacts.
5. Capernaum:
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Kfar Nahum (modern Hebrew name)
Book Reference: “The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts” by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman
Archaeological Findings: Extensive excavations have uncovered the ancient ruins of Capernaum, including a synagogue believed to be from the time of Jesus.
6. Bethany (where Lazarus was raised from the dead):
- Old Name: Bethany
- Current Name: Al-Eizariya (modern Arabic name)
Verses: John 11:1–44
Book Reference: “The Cities That Built the Bible” by Robert R. Cargill
Archaeological Findings: Archaeological investigations have confirmed the presence of ancient structures in Al-Eizariya, aligning with the biblical accounts.
7. Bethsaida:
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: E-Tell (archaeological site identified with Bethsaida)
Book Reference: “Archaeology and the New Testament” by John McRay
Archaeological Findings: Excavations at E-Tell have revealed remains that scholars associate with the biblical Bethsaida, shedding light on the life and times of the region.
8. Nain: (where Jesus raised a widow’s son):
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Nain (modern Arabic name)
Verses: Luke 7:11–17
Book Reference: “The Archaeology of Ancient Israel” by Amnon Ben-Tor
Archaeological Findings: While not extensively excavated, Nain is traditionally identified with the modern village of Nain, preserving the memory of this miraculous event.
9. Gethsemane (where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion):
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Gethsemane
Verses: Matthew 26:36–46
Book Reference: “The Archaeology of Greece: An Introduction” by William R. Biers
Archaeological Findings: Gethsemane has been traditionally identified with the modern Garden of Gethsemane, with no major archaeological discoveries altering this identification.
10. Caesarea Philippi:
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Banias (modern Arabic name)
Verses: Matthew 16:13–20
Book Reference: “The Archaeology of Mesopotamia: From the Old Stone Age to the Persian Conquest” by Seton Lloyd
Archaeological Findings: Extensive archaeological work has confirmed the identification of Banias as the site of ancient Caesarea Philippi.
11. Emmaus (where Jesus appeared after his resurrection):
- Old Name: Not mentioned in the Old Testament
- Current Name: Emmaus-Nicopolis (historical site)
Verses: Luke 24:13–35
Book Reference: “The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt” by Richard H. Wilkinson
Archaeological Findings: Emmaus-Nicopolis, while not definitively confirmed, is traditionally identified with the modern site of Emmaus, resonating with the post-resurrection appearance of Jesus.
12. Tyre:
- Old Name: Tsor (Ezekiel 26:2)
- Current Name: Tyre
Verses: Ezekiel 26:1–21
Book Reference: “The Archaeology of Ancient Israel” by Amnon Ben-Tor
Archaeological Findings: Archaeological excavations have revealed extensive remains of ancient Tyre, affirming its historical importance as a thriving Phoenician city.
13. Sidon:
- Old Name: Zidon (Genesis 10:19)
- Current Name: Sidon
Verses: Genesis 10:15
Book Reference: “Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E.” by Amihai Mazar
Archaeological Findings: Sidon’s antiquity is supported by numerous archaeological findings in the area, offering a glimpse into its ancient Phoenician heritage.
14. Nineveh (of Jonah’s time):
- Old Name: Ninua or Nina (Akkadian)
- Current Name: Kuyunjik (archaeological site associated with Nineveh)
Verses: Book of Jonah
Book Reference: “The Archaeology of Mesopotamia: From the Old Stone Age to the Persian Conquest” by Seton Lloyd
Archaeological Findings: Extensive archaeological excavations at Kuyunjik have confirmed its identification with the ancient city of Nineveh, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the Assyrian empire.
15. Babylon:
- Old Name: Babilu (Akkadian)
- Current Name: Hillah (a modern city near ancient Babylon)
Verses: Numerous references, including Isaiah 13:1–22
Book Reference: “The Bible and Archaeology” by J. A. Thompson
Archaeological Findings: Significant archaeological excavations have uncovered the ruins of ancient Babylon, confirming its historical importance as a magnificent Mesopotamian city.
16. Ur (Birthplace of Abraham):
- Old Name: Ur Kasdim or Ur of the Chaldees
- Current Name: Tell el-Muqayyar (archaeological site identified with ancient Ur)
Book Reference: “Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E.” by Amihai Mazar
Archaeological Findings: Tell el-Muqayyar has yielded substantial archaeological evidence supporting its identification as ancient Ur, providing insights into the birthplace of Abraham.
17. Sodom and Gomorrah:
- Old Names: Sedum and Amorah respectively
- Current Names: Believed to be submerged in the southern part of the Dead Sea
Verses: Genesis 18–19
Archaeological Findings: Geological and archaeological studies have suggested submerged structures in the area, potentially related to the biblical account of Sodom and Gomorrah.
18. Shechem:
- Old Name: Shekem (Hebrew)
- Current Name: Nablus (modern Arabic name)
Book Reference: “Archaeology of the Land of the Bible: 10,000–586 B.C.E.” by Amihai Mazar
Archaeological Findings: Extensive excavations at Nablus have uncovered ancient remains, confirming its identification as Shechem and providing a window into ancient Israelite history.
We experienced firsthand how archeology, history, and religious texts combine to bring old tales to life as we traveled to these biblical locations. These locations are more than simply names on a list; they are actual examples of how history and religion have the ability to endure. They serve as a reminder that the past continues to influence how we view the world today.
