Biblical Places & Regions Glossary
A comprehensive guide to the major geographical locations mentioned in the Bible — cities, regions, mountains, rivers, and landmarks. Each entry includes its biblical significance, modern location (where known), and approximate reference count across the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament.
Cities & Towns
Ai
Modern location: Et-Tell or Khirbet el-Maqatir, West Bank
Approximately 40 references
Canaanite city near Bethel. Israel's initial attack failed due to Achan's sin but succeeded after the sin was addressed.
Key references: Ezra 2:28, Genesis 12:8, Genesis 13:3, Isaiah 10:28, Jeremiah 49:3, Joshua 7:2, Joshua 7:3, Joshua 7:4, Joshua 7:5, Joshua 8:1 (and 24 more)
Antioch
Modern location: Antakya, Turkey
Approximately 13 references
Capital of the Roman province of Syria and third-largest city of the Roman Empire. Where believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). Major base for Paul's missionary journeys. The church in Antioch sent famine relief to Judea, and the dispute over Gentile circumcision arose there before Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem for the council recorded in Acts 15. Not to be confused with Antioch of Pisidia (see separate entry).
Key references: Acts 11:19, Acts 11:20, Acts 11:22, Acts 11:26, Acts 11:27, Acts 13:1, Acts 14:26, Acts 15:22, Acts 15:23, Acts 15:30 (and 3 more)
Antioch of Pisidia
Also known as: Pisidian Antioch
Modern location: Near Yalvaç, Turkey
Approximately 4 references
City in the Roman province of Galatia in Asia Minor (not the Syrian Antioch). Paul visited on his first missionary journey, preaching in the synagogue and winning many converts before facing persecution (Acts 13:14-52, 14:19-21). Paul later recalls the persecutions he endured at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra in 2 Timothy 3:11.
Key references: Acts 13:14, Acts 14:19, Acts 14:21, 2 Timothy 3:11
Arimathea
Modern location: Uncertain; possibly Rentis, West Bank
Approximately 4 references
Home of Joseph of Arimathea, who provided his own tomb for Jesus' burial.
Key references: John 19:38, Luke 23:51, Mark 15:43, Matthew 27:57
Ashdod
Also known as: Azotus
Modern location: Ashdod, Israel
Approximately 17 references
One of the five Philistine cities. Where the captured Ark of the Covenant was placed before Dagon, which fell before it.
Key references: 1 Samuel 5:1, 1 Samuel 5:5, 1 Samuel 5:6, 1 Samuel 5:7, 1 Samuel 6:17, 2 Chronicles 26:6, Amos 1:8, Amos 3:9, Isaiah 20:1, Jeremiah 25:20 (and 5 more)
Ashkelon
Modern location: Ashkelon, Israel
Approximately 12 references
One of the five Philistine cities on the Mediterranean coast. Samson killed thirty men there.
Key references: 1 Samuel 6:17, 2 Samuel 1:20, Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Jeremiah 47:5, Jeremiah 47:7, Judges 1:18, Judges 14:19, Zechariah 9:5, Zephaniah 2:4 (and 1 more)
Assos
Modern location: Ruins near Behramkale, Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Coastal city in Mysia (Asia Minor). Paul walked there from Troas while the rest of his party sailed.
Key references: Acts 20:13, Acts 20:14
Athens
Modern location: Athens, Greece
Approximately 4 references
Intellectual capital of the ancient world. Paul preached his Areopagus sermon about the "unknown god."
Key references: 1 Thessalonians 3:1, Acts 17:15, Acts 17:16, Acts 18:1
Baalath
Modern location: Uncertain; possibly in the Aijalon Valley, Israel
Approximately 3 references
A town in the territory of Dan (Joshua 19:44) that Solomon fortified along with other store cities (1 Kings 9:18, 2 Chronicles 8:6).
Key references: 1 Kings 9:18, 2 Chronicles 8:6, Joshua 19:44
Babylon
Also known as: Babel
Modern location: Ruins near Hillah, Iraq
Approximately 274 references
Capital of the Babylonian Empire. Site of the Tower of Babel. Under Nebuchadnezzar, conquered Jerusalem and exiled Judah. In Revelation, symbolizes worldly opposition to God. Located within the broader region of Shinar (see separate entry).
Key references: 1 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 32:31, 2 Chronicles 33:11, 2 Chronicles 36:6, 2 Chronicles 36:7, 2 Chronicles 36:10, 2 Chronicles 36:18, 2 Chronicles 36:20, 2 Kings 17:24, 2 Kings 17:30 (and 234 more)
Beersheba
Modern location: Be'er Sheva, Israel
Approximately 19 references
Southernmost major city. "From Dan to Beersheba" described the full extent of Israel. Associated with the patriarchs.
Key references: 1 Kings 5:5, 1 Samuel 3:20, 1 Samuel 8:2, 2 Chronicles 24:1, 2 Kings 12:2, 2 Kings 23:8, 2 Samuel 3:10, 2 Samuel 24:7, Amos 8:14, Genesis 21:14 (and 8 more)
Berea
Modern location: Veria, Greece
Approximately 2 references
Macedonian city where Paul found "more noble" Jews who examined the Scriptures daily.
Key references: Acts 17:10, Acts 17:13
Beth-shan
Also known as: Beth-shean
Modern location: Beit She'an, Israel
Approximately 9 references
City in the Jezreel Valley where the Philistines hung the body of Saul on its walls after the battle of Gilboa.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:29, 1 Kings 4:12, 1 Samuel 31:10, 1 Samuel 31:12, 2 Samuel 21:12, Joshua 17:11, Joshua 17:16, Judges 1:27
Beth-shemesh
Modern location: Judahite Beth-shemesh: Tell er-Rumeileh, Israel
Approximately 21 references
Several towns bore this name ("house of the sun"). The most prominent was a Levitical city on the border of Judah and Philistia where the Ark was returned by the Philistines on a cart (1 Samuel 6). Other Beth-shemesh locations include a town in Issachar (Joshua 19:22), one in Naphtali (Joshua 19:38, Judges 1:33), and a reference to Heliopolis in Egypt (Jeremiah 43:13). The refs below include all locations sharing this name.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:44, 1 Kings 4:9, 1 Samuel 6:9, 1 Samuel 6:12, 1 Samuel 6:13, 1 Samuel 6:15, 1 Samuel 6:19, 1 Samuel 6:20, 2 Chronicles 25:21, 2 Chronicles 25:23 (and 9 more)
Bethany
Modern location: Al-Eizariya, West Bank
Approximately 11 references
Village near Jerusalem on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus often stayed there. The ascension took place nearby (Luke 24:50). Note: John 1:28 mentions a "Bethany beyond the Jordan" where John was baptizing — a different location east of the Jordan River, not this village.
Key references: John 11:1, John 11:18, John 12:1, Luke 19:29, Luke 24:50, Mark 11:1, Mark 11:11, Mark 11:12, Mark 14:3, Matthew 21:17 (and 1 more)
Bethel
Modern location: Beitin, West Bank
Approximately 72 references
Where Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven. Later became a worship center, including one of Jeroboam I's golden calf shrines.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:28, 1 Kings 12:29, 1 Kings 12:32, 1 Kings 12:33, 1 Kings 13:1, 1 Kings 13:4, 1 Kings 13:10, 1 Kings 13:11, 1 Kings 13:32, 1 Samuel 7:16 (and 55 more)
Bethlehem
Modern location: Bethlehem, West Bank
Approximately 49 references
Birthplace of David and Jesus. Called "the city of David" (distinct from the Jerusalem citadel). Micah prophesied the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. Ruth and Boaz lived there.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:51, 1 Chronicles 2:54, 1 Chronicles 4:4, 1 Chronicles 11:16, 1 Chronicles 11:17, 1 Chronicles 11:18, 1 Chronicles 11:26, 1 Samuel 16:4, 1 Samuel 17:12, 1 Samuel 17:15 (and 37 more)
Bethphage
Modern location: Near Jerusalem
Approximately 3 references
Village near the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent disciples to find a donkey there before the triumphal entry.
Key references: Luke 19:29, Mark 11:1, Matthew 21:1
Bethsaida
Modern location: Et-Tell or El-Araj, Israel
Approximately 7 references
City on the Sea of Galilee. Home of Philip, Andrew, and Peter. Jesus fed the 5,000 nearby.
Key references: John 1:44, John 12:21, Luke 9:10, Luke 10:13, Mark 6:45, Mark 8:22, Matthew 11:21
Caesarea
Also known as: Caesarea Maritima
Modern location: Caesarea, Israel
Approximately 15 references
Roman port city on the Mediterranean coast built by Herod the Great. Seat of the Roman governor of Judea. Where Peter baptized Cornelius (Acts 10) and Paul was imprisoned for two years before his voyage to Rome (Acts 23-26). Not to be confused with Caesarea Philippi (see separate entry).
Key references: Acts 8:40, Acts 9:30, Acts 10:1, Acts 10:24, Acts 11:11, Acts 12:19, Acts 18:22, Acts 21:8, Acts 21:16, Acts 23:23 (and 5 more)
Caesarea Philippi
Also known as: Paneas, Banias
Modern location: Banias, Golan Heights
Approximately 2 references
City at the foot of Mount Hermon, rebuilt by the tetrarch Philip and named in honor of Caesar Augustus. Distinct from the coastal Caesarea Maritima. This is where Peter confessed Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:13-20, Mark 8:27-30).
Key references: Matthew 16:13, Mark 8:27
Cana
Modern location: Kafr Kanna or Khirbet Qana, Israel
Approximately 4 references
Village in Galilee. Site of Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding.
Key references: John 2:1, John 2:11, John 4:46, John 21:2
Capernaum
Modern location: Kfar Nahum, Israel
Approximately 16 references
Fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus' base of operations during his Galilean ministry. Home of Peter.
Key references: John 2:12, John 4:46, John 6:17, John 6:24, John 6:59, Luke 4:23, Luke 4:31, Luke 7:1, Luke 10:15, Mark 1:21 (and 6 more)
Cenchrea
Modern location: Near Corinth, Greece
Approximately 2 references
Port near Corinth. Phoebe served the church there (Romans 16:1).
Key references: Acts 18:18, Romans 16:1
Chorazin
Modern location: Khirbet Kerazeh, Israel
Approximately 2 references
Town near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus pronounced woe on it along with Bethsaida for not repenting despite his miracles.
Key references: Luke 10:13, Matthew 11:21
Colossae
Modern location: Ruins near Honaz, Turkey
Approximately 1 references
City in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor to which Paul wrote Colossians, addressing Christ's supremacy. Near Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13).
Key references: Colossians 1:2
Corinth
Modern location: Near modern Corinth, Greece
Approximately 6 references
Major Greek commercial city. Paul founded a church there and wrote two letters to it.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Timothy 4:20, Acts 18:1, Acts 19:1
Damascus
Modern location: Damascus, Syria
Approximately 60 references
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. Capital of Aram (Syria). Figures throughout Israel's history from Abraham to the prophets. In the NT, site of Paul's conversion.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 18:5, 1 Chronicles 18:6, 1 Kings 11:24, 1 Kings 15:18, 1 Kings 19:15, 1 Kings 20:34, 2 Chronicles 16:2, 2 Chronicles 24:23, 2 Chronicles 28:5, 2 Chronicles 28:23 (and 45 more)
Derbe
Modern location: Kerti Hüyük, Turkey
Approximately 3 references
City in Lycaonia visited by Paul.
Key references: Acts 14:6, Acts 14:20, Acts 16:1
Dothan
Modern location: Tell Dothan, West Bank
Approximately 3 references
City where Joseph's brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites. Later, Elisha was surrounded by Aramean forces there, and God opened his servant's eyes to see the angelic army.
Key references: 2 Kings 6:13, Genesis 37:17
Ekron
Modern location: Tel Miqne, Israel
Approximately 22 references
Northernmost of the five Philistine cities. The Ark was sent there before being returned to Israel.
Key references: 1 Samuel 5:10, 1 Samuel 6:16, 1 Samuel 6:17, 1 Samuel 7:14, 1 Samuel 17:52, 2 Kings 1:2, 2 Kings 1:3, 2 Kings 1:6, 2 Kings 1:16, Amos 1:8 (and 10 more)
Emmaus
Modern location: Uncertain; possibly Emmaus-Nicopolis or Abu Ghosh
Approximately 1 references
Village where two disciples encountered the risen Jesus on the road from Jerusalem.
Key references: Luke 24:13
Ephesus
Modern location: Near Selçuk, Turkey
Approximately 16 references
Major city in Asia Minor. Paul spent over two years there. One of the seven churches in Revelation.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 15:32, 1 Corinthians 16:8, 1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:18, 2 Timothy 4:12, Acts 18:19, Acts 18:21, Acts 18:24, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:17 (and 6 more)
Gath
Modern location: Tell es-Safi, Israel
Approximately 33 references
One of the five Philistine cities. Home of Goliath. David took refuge there when fleeing Saul.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:21, 1 Chronicles 8:13, 1 Chronicles 18:1, 1 Chronicles 20:6, 1 Chronicles 20:8, 1 Kings 2:39, 1 Kings 2:40, 1 Kings 2:41, 1 Samuel 5:8, 1 Samuel 6:17 (and 21 more)
Gaza
Also known as: Azzah
Modern location: Gaza City
Approximately 21 references
Southernmost Philistine city. Where Samson was imprisoned and pulled down the temple of Dagon.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:28, 1 Kings 5:4, 1 Samuel 6:17, 2 Kings 18:8, Amos 1:6, Amos 1:7, Deuteronomy 2:23, Genesis 10:19, Jeremiah 25:20, Jeremiah 47:1 (and 10 more)
Gibeah
Modern location: Tell el-Ful, near Jerusalem
Approximately 43 references
City of Benjamin; Saul's hometown and royal residence. Scene of the crime in Judges 19-21.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 11:31, 1 Samuel 10:26, 1 Samuel 11:4, 1 Samuel 13:2, 1 Samuel 13:15, 1 Samuel 14:2, 1 Samuel 14:16, 1 Samuel 15:34, 1 Samuel 22:6, 1 Samuel 23:19 (and 32 more)
Gomorrah
Modern location: Possibly near the southern Dead Sea
Approximately 23 references
Destroyed alongside Sodom by divine judgment. Frequently referenced as a symbol of judgment throughout Scripture.
Key references: Amos 4:11, Deuteronomy 29:22, Deuteronomy 32:32, Genesis 10:19, Genesis 13:10, Genesis 14:2, Genesis 14:8, Genesis 14:10, Genesis 14:11, Genesis 18:20 (and 13 more)
Hamath
Modern location: Hama, Syria
Approximately 35 references
City-state in northern Syria. "The entrance of Hamath" marked the ideal northern boundary of Israel.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 13:5, 1 Chronicles 18:3, 1 Chronicles 18:9, 1 Kings 8:65, 2 Chronicles 7:8, 2 Chronicles 8:4, 2 Kings 14:25, 2 Kings 14:28, 2 Kings 17:24, 2 Kings 17:30 (and 23 more)
Haran
Also known as: Harran
Modern location: Harran, Turkey
Approximately 12 references
City in upper Mesopotamia where Abraham's family settled after Ur. Abraham departed from there for Canaan.
Key references: 2 Kings 19:12, Ezekiel 27:23, Genesis 11:31, Genesis 11:32, Genesis 12:4, Genesis 12:5, Genesis 27:43, Genesis 28:10, Genesis 29:4, Isaiah 37:12 (and 2 more)
Hebron
Modern location: Hebron (Al-Khalil), West Bank
Approximately 61 references
One of the oldest cities in the world. The patriarchs were buried at Machpelah. David's first capital before Jerusalem.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:1, 1 Chronicles 3:4, 1 Chronicles 6:40, 1 Chronicles 6:42, 1 Chronicles 11:1, 1 Chronicles 11:3, 1 Chronicles 12:24, 1 Chronicles 12:39, 1 Chronicles 29:27, 1 Kings 2:11 (and 46 more)
Heshbon
Modern location: Tell Hesban, Jordan
Approximately 38 references
Capital of Sihon, king of the Amorites, conquered by Moses. Assigned to Reuben and Gad.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:66, Deuteronomy 1:4, Deuteronomy 2:24, Deuteronomy 2:26, Deuteronomy 2:30, Deuteronomy 3:2, Deuteronomy 3:6, Deuteronomy 4:46, Deuteronomy 29:6, Isaiah 15:4 (and 27 more)
Iconium
Modern location: Konya, Turkey
Approximately 6 references
City in Asia Minor visited by Paul on his missionary journeys.
Key references: 2 Timothy 3:11, Acts 13:51, Acts 14:1, Acts 14:19, Acts 14:21, Acts 16:2
Jericho
Modern location: Jericho, West Bank
Approximately 64 references
First city conquered by Israel after crossing the Jordan. Its walls fell after Israel marched around them for seven days. In the NT, where Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus and met Zacchaeus.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:63, 1 Chronicles 19:5, 1 Kings 16:34, 2 Chronicles 28:15, 2 Kings 2:4, 2 Kings 2:5, 2 Kings 2:15, 2 Kings 2:18, 2 Kings 25:5, 2 Samuel 10:5 (and 49 more)
Jerusalem
Also known as: Jebus
Modern location: Jerusalem, Israel/Palestine
Approximately 782 references
Capital of the united kingdom under David and Solomon, and later of the southern kingdom of Judah. Site of the Temple built by Solomon. Central to Israelite worship and prophecy. The "City of David" (2 Samuel 5:7) originally referred to the specific fortress/ridge David captured, not the whole city. The identification of Jerusalem with the "Salem" of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18) is traditional (cf. Psalm 76:2) but not certain.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:4, 1 Chronicles 3:5, 1 Chronicles 5:36, 1 Chronicles 5:41, 1 Chronicles 6:17, 1 Chronicles 8:28, 1 Chronicles 8:32, 1 Chronicles 9:3, 1 Chronicles 9:34, 1 Chronicles 9:38 (and 726 more)
Jezreel
Modern location: Zerin (Tel Jezreel), Israel
Approximately 36 references
City in the valley of the same name where Ahab and Jezebel had their royal palace. Site of Naboth's vineyard and Jezebel's death. The broader Jezreel Valley was a major battleground throughout Israel's history.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 4:3, 1 Kings 4:12, 1 Kings 18:45, 1 Kings 18:46, 1 Kings 21:1, 1 Kings 21:23, 1 Samuel 25:43, 1 Samuel 29:1, 1 Samuel 29:11, 2 Chronicles 22:6 (and 22 more)
Joppa
Modern location: Jaffa (Yafo), Israel
Approximately 10 references
Mediterranean port city. Peter raised Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead there and received his vision about Cornelius.
Key references: Acts 9:36, Acts 9:38, Acts 9:42, Acts 9:43, Acts 10:5, Acts 10:8, Acts 10:23, Acts 10:32, Acts 11:5, Acts 11:13
Kiriath-jearim
Modern location: Abu Ghosh area, Israel
Approximately 20 references
Where the Ark rested for twenty years after its return from the Philistines, until David brought it to Jerusalem.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:50, 1 Chronicles 2:52, 1 Chronicles 2:53, 1 Chronicles 13:5, 1 Chronicles 13:6, 1 Samuel 6:21, 1 Samuel 7:1, 1 Samuel 7:2, 2 Chronicles 1:4, Ezra 2:25 (and 9 more)
Lachish
Modern location: Tell ed-Duweir, Israel
Approximately 24 references
Major fortified city in the Shephelah (Judean foothills). Conquered by Joshua. Later besieged by Sennacherib of Assyria and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The Lachish Letters are important archaeological finds.
Key references: 2 Chronicles 11:9, 2 Chronicles 25:27, 2 Chronicles 32:9, 2 Kings 14:19, 2 Kings 18:14, 2 Kings 18:17, 2 Kings 19:8, Isaiah 36:2, Isaiah 37:8, Jeremiah 34:7 (and 12 more)
Laodicea
Modern location: Ruins near Denizli, Turkey
Approximately 6 references
One of the seven churches in Revelation, rebuked for being "lukewarm."
Key references: Colossians 2:1, Colossians 4:13, Colossians 4:15, Colossians 4:16, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 3:14
Lydda
Modern location: Lod, Israel
Approximately 3 references
City where Peter healed Aeneas. Near Joppa.
Key references: Acts 9:32, Acts 9:35, Acts 9:38
Lystra
Modern location: Near Hatunsaray, Turkey
Approximately 6 references
City in Lycaonia where Paul was first worshipped as Hermes, then stoned. Timothy's hometown.
Key references: 2 Timothy 3:11, Acts 14:6, Acts 14:8, Acts 14:21, Acts 16:1, Acts 16:2
Medeba
Modern location: Madaba, Jordan
Approximately 5 references
Moabite city on the plateau east of the Dead Sea.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 19:7, Isaiah 15:2, Joshua 13:9, Joshua 13:16, Numbers 21:30
Megiddo
Modern location: Tel Megiddo, Israel
Approximately 12 references
Strategic fortress overlooking the Jezreel Valley. "Armageddon" (Har-Megiddo) in Revelation derives from this name.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 7:29, 1 Kings 4:12, 1 Kings 9:15, 2 Chronicles 35:22, 2 Kings 9:27, 2 Kings 23:29, 2 Kings 23:30, Joshua 12:21, Joshua 17:11, Judges 1:27 (and 2 more)
Miletus
Modern location: Ruins near Balat, Turkey
Approximately 3 references
Coastal city in Asia Minor. Paul gave his farewell address to the Ephesian elders there.
Key references: 2 Timothy 4:20, Acts 20:15, Acts 20:17
Mizpah
Also known as: Mizpeh
Modern location: Tell en-Nasbeh, near Jerusalem
Approximately 36 references
Several cities bore this name ("watchtower"). The most prominent was in Benjamin, where Samuel gathered Israel for prayer and judgment, and where Gedaliah governed after the fall of Jerusalem.
Key references: 1 Kings 15:22, 1 Samuel 7:5, 1 Samuel 7:6, 1 Samuel 7:7, 1 Samuel 7:11, 1 Samuel 7:12, 1 Samuel 7:16, 1 Samuel 10:17, 2 Chronicles 16:6, 2 Kings 25:23 (and 23 more)
Nazareth
Modern location: Nazareth, Israel
Approximately 12 references
Small Galilean village where Jesus grew up. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?"
Key references: Acts 10:38, John 1:45, John 1:46, Luke 1:26, Luke 2:4, Luke 2:39, Luke 2:51, Luke 4:16, Mark 1:9, Matthew 2:23 (and 2 more)
Nineveh
Modern location: Ruins near Mosul, Iraq
Approximately 17 references
Capital of the Assyrian Empire. The city to which Jonah was sent. Prophesied against by Nahum.
Key references: 2 Kings 19:36, Genesis 10:11, Genesis 10:12, Isaiah 37:37, Jonah 1:2, Jonah 3:2, Jonah 3:3, Jonah 3:4, Jonah 3:5, Jonah 3:6 (and 6 more)
Paphos
Modern location: Paphos, Cyprus
Approximately 2 references
City on the western coast of Cyprus. Paul and Barnabas encountered the sorcerer Bar-Jesus (Elymas) there before the Roman proconsul Sergius Paulus. In the Roman period this refers to Nea Paphos, not Old Paphos inland at Kouklia.
Key references: Acts 13:6, Acts 13:13
Perga
Modern location: Ruins near Antalya, Turkey
Approximately 3 references
City in Pamphylia where John Mark left Paul and Barnabas.
Key references: Acts 13:13, Acts 13:14, Acts 14:25
Pergamum
Also known as: Pergamos
Modern location: Bergama, Turkey
Approximately 2 references
One of the seven churches in Revelation, described as where "Satan's throne" is.
Key references: Revelation 1:11, Revelation 2:12
Philadelphia
Modern location: Alaşehir, Turkey
Approximately 2 references
One of the seven churches, commended for keeping God's word despite having little strength.
Key references: Revelation 1:11, Revelation 3:7
Philippi
Modern location: Near Kavala, Greece
Approximately 4 references
Roman colony in Macedonia. Site of Paul's first European convert (Lydia) and imprisonment.
Key references: 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Acts 16:12, Acts 20:6, Philippians 1:1
Pirathon
Modern location: Far'ata, West Bank
Approximately 1 references
City in Ephraim; home of the judge Abdon.
Key references: Judges 12:15
Rabbah
Also known as: Rabbath-ammon
Modern location: Rabbath-ammon: Amman, Jordan
Approximately 15 references
Most references are to the capital of the Ammonites (Rabbath-ammon), besieged by David's army during the Bathsheba incident (2 Samuel 11-12) and prophesied against by Ezekiel and Amos. A separate, less prominent Rabbah in the hill country of Judah is mentioned in Joshua 15:60.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 20:1, 2 Samuel 11:1, 2 Samuel 12:26, 2 Samuel 12:27, 2 Samuel 12:29, 2 Samuel 17:27, Amos 1:14, Deuteronomy 3:11, Ezekiel 21:25, Ezekiel 25:5 (and 4 more)
Ramah
Modern location: Ramah of Benjamin: Er-Ram, near Jerusalem
Approximately 37 references
Several towns bore this name ("height"). The most prominent Ramah was in Benjamin (1 Samuel 1:19, 7:17), the hometown of Samuel. Jeremiah 31:15 uses Ramah as the setting for poetic imagery of Rachel weeping for her exiled children; Matthew 2:18 applies this prophetically to Herod's massacre of the infants. Another Ramah (Ramah of the Negev) and Ramoth in Gilead are distinct locations.
Key references: 1 Kings 15:17, 1 Kings 15:21, 1 Kings 15:22, 1 Samuel 1:19, 1 Samuel 2:11, 1 Samuel 7:17, 1 Samuel 8:4, 1 Samuel 15:34, 1 Samuel 16:13, 1 Samuel 19:18 (and 25 more)
Ramoth-gilead
Modern location: Tell er-Rumeith, Jordan
Approximately 21 references
A city of refuge east of the Jordan in Gilead. Ahab was mortally wounded in battle there against Aram (1 Kings 22), and Jehu was anointed king there by Elisha's servant (2 Kings 9).
Key references: 1 Kings 4:13, 1 Kings 22:3, 1 Kings 22:4, 1 Kings 22:6, 1 Kings 22:12, 1 Kings 22:15, 1 Kings 22:20, 1 Kings 22:29, 2 Chronicles 18:2, 2 Chronicles 18:3 (and 11 more)
Rome
Modern location: Rome, Italy
Approximately 8 references
Capital of the Roman Empire. Paul wrote Romans before visiting. Peter and Paul traditionally martyred there.
Key references: 2 Timothy 1:17, Acts 18:2, Acts 19:21, Acts 23:11, Acts 28:14, Acts 28:16, Romans 1:7, Romans 1:15
Salem
Modern location: Traditionally Jerusalem
Approximately 2 references
The city of Melchizedek, "king of Salem" (Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 7:1-2). Traditionally identified with Jerusalem (cf. Psalm 76:2). Not to be confused with Salim (G4530), the place near where John was baptizing (John 3:23), which is a distinct location in the Jordan Valley.
Key references: Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 7:2
Samaria
Also known as: Shomron
Modern location: Sebastia, West Bank
Approximately 120 references
Capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, built by King Omri. Later gave its name to the surrounding region. In the NT, the Samaritans were a distinct ethnic and religious group between Judea and Galilee.
Key references: 1 Kings 13:32, 1 Kings 16:24, 1 Kings 16:28, 1 Kings 16:29, 1 Kings 16:32, 1 Kings 18:2, 1 Kings 20:1, 1 Kings 20:10, 1 Kings 20:17, 1 Kings 20:34 (and 102 more)
Sardis
Modern location: Ruins near Salihli, Turkey
Approximately 3 references
One of the seven churches in Revelation, told "you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead."
Key references: Revelation 1:11, Revelation 3:1, Revelation 3:4
Shechem
Modern location: Tell Balata, near Nablus, West Bank
Approximately 65 references
Ancient city in the hill country of Ephraim. Abraham's first stop in Canaan. Where Joshua renewed the covenant. Later the first capital of the northern kingdom under Jeroboam.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:52, 1 Chronicles 7:28, 1 Kings 12:1, 1 Kings 12:25, 2 Chronicles 10:1, Genesis 12:6, Genesis 33:18, Genesis 33:19, Genesis 34:2, Genesis 34:4 (and 45 more)
Shiloh
Modern location: Khirbet Seilun, West Bank
Approximately 32 references
Central Israelite sanctuary during the Judges period. The Tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant were kept there.
Key references: 1 Kings 2:27, 1 Kings 14:2, 1 Kings 14:4, 1 Samuel 1:3, 1 Samuel 1:9, 1 Samuel 1:24, 1 Samuel 2:14, 1 Samuel 3:21, 1 Samuel 4:3, 1 Samuel 4:4 (and 20 more)
Sidon
Also known as: Zidon
Modern location: Sidon (Saida), Lebanon
Approximately 31 references
Ancient Phoenician city, often paired with Tyre. Jezebel was from Sidon. Jesus visited the region of Tyre and Sidon.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:13, 1 Kings 17:9, 2 Samuel 24:6, Ezekiel 27:8, Ezekiel 28:21, Ezekiel 28:22, Genesis 10:15, Genesis 10:19, Genesis 49:13, Isaiah 23:2 (and 21 more)
Smyrna
Modern location: Izmir, Turkey
Approximately 2 references
One of the seven churches in Revelation. Along with Philadelphia, Smyrna receives commendation without rebuke. The church is told not to fear suffering and is promised "the crown of life" (Revelation 2:8-11).
Key references: Revelation 1:11, Revelation 2:8
Sodom
Modern location: Possibly near the southern Dead Sea
Approximately 48 references
Destroyed by God with fire and brimstone along with Gomorrah for its wickedness. Lot was rescued before its destruction.
Key references: Amos 4:11, Deuteronomy 29:22, Deuteronomy 32:32, Ezekiel 16:46, Ezekiel 16:48, Ezekiel 16:49, Ezekiel 16:53, Ezekiel 16:55, Ezekiel 16:56, Genesis 10:19 (and 37 more)
Syracuse
Modern location: Syracuse, Sicily
Approximately 1 references
Sicilian city where Paul's ship stopped on the voyage to Rome.
Key references: Acts 28:12
Tarsus
Modern location: Tarsus, Turkey
Approximately 3 references
Paul's hometown in Cilicia. A center of learning in the Roman world.
Key references: Acts 9:30, Acts 11:25, Acts 22:3
Thessalonica
Modern location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Approximately 5 references
City in Macedonia. Paul founded a church there and wrote two letters to it.
Key references: 2 Timothy 4:10, Acts 17:1, Acts 17:11, Acts 17:13, Philippians 4:16
Thyatira
Modern location: Akhisar, Turkey
Approximately 4 references
City in Asia Minor, known for purple dye. Lydia was from there. One of the seven churches in Revelation.
Key references: Acts 16:14, Revelation 1:11, Revelation 2:18, Revelation 2:24
Tiberias
Modern location: Tiberias, Israel
Approximately 3 references
City on the Sea of Galilee, built by Herod Antipas. The sea is sometimes called the Sea of Tiberias.
Key references: John 6:1, John 6:23, John 21:1
Troas
Modern location: Ruins near Dalyan, Turkey
Approximately 6 references
Port in northwestern Asia Minor. Paul received his Macedonia vision there. Eutychus fell from a window there.
Key references: 2 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:8, Acts 16:11, Acts 20:5, Acts 20:6
Tyre
Modern location: Tyre (Sour), Lebanon
Approximately 53 references
Major Phoenician port city known for trade and wealth. Allied with Israel under Hiram. Subject of prophetic judgment in Ezekiel and Isaiah.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 14:1, 1 Kings 5:15, 1 Kings 7:13, 1 Kings 9:11, 1 Kings 9:12, 2 Chronicles 2:2, 2 Chronicles 2:10, 2 Samuel 5:11, 2 Samuel 24:7, Amos 1:9 (and 40 more)
Ur
Modern location: Tell el-Muqayyar, Iraq
Approximately 4 references
Ancient Sumerian city from which Abraham was called by God. "Ur of the Chaldeans."
Key references: Genesis 11:28, Genesis 11:31, Genesis 15:7, Nehemiah 9:7
Ziklag
Modern location: Uncertain; possibly Tell esh-Sharia
Approximately 15 references
City given to David by Achish of Gath during his exile. Raided by Amalekites while David was away.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 4:30, 1 Chronicles 12:1, 1 Chronicles 12:21, 1 Samuel 27:6, 1 Samuel 30:1, 1 Samuel 30:14, 1 Samuel 30:26, 2 Samuel 1:1, 2 Samuel 4:10, Joshua 15:31 (and 2 more)
Regions & Nations
Achaia
Modern location: Southern Greece
Approximately 10 references
Roman province in southern Greece with Corinth as its capital. Paul ministered there extensively.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 16:15, 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 2 Corinthians 1:1, 2 Corinthians 9:2, 2 Corinthians 11:10, Acts 18:12, Acts 18:27, Acts 19:21, Romans 15:26
Ammon
Modern location: Around Amman, Jordan
Approximately 106 references
Territory east of the Jordan. The Ammonites descended from Lot. Frequent enemies of Israel.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 18:11, 1 Chronicles 19:1, 1 Chronicles 19:2, 1 Chronicles 19:3, 1 Chronicles 19:6, 1 Chronicles 19:7, 1 Chronicles 19:9, 1 Chronicles 19:11, 1 Chronicles 19:12, 1 Chronicles 19:15 (and 88 more)
Arabia
Modern location: Northwestern Saudi Arabia / Jordan
Approximately 2 references
Paul went to Arabia after his conversion (Galatians 1:17). Likely the Nabatean kingdom.
Key references: Galatians 1:17, Galatians 4:25
Aram
Also known as: Syria, Aram-Damascus
Modern location: Syria
Approximately 141 references
Region in modern Syria. The Arameans were frequent adversaries of Israel. Aramaic became the lingua franca of the Near East.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:17, 1 Chronicles 2:23, 1 Chronicles 7:34, 1 Chronicles 18:5, 1 Chronicles 18:6, 1 Chronicles 19:6, 1 Chronicles 19:10, 1 Chronicles 19:12, 1 Chronicles 19:14, 1 Chronicles 19:15 (and 116 more)
Ararat
Modern location: Eastern Turkey / Armenian highlands
Approximately 4 references
In the Bible, Ararat refers to a kingdom or region in the area of ancient Urartu (eastern Anatolia/Armenia), not a single peak. Noah's ark came to rest "on the mountains of Ararat" (Genesis 8:4 — a range, not a specific summit). Ararat is also named as a kingdom in 2 Kings 19:37 and Jeremiah 51:27. The traditional identification with the modern peak called Mount Ararat is medieval, not biblical.
Key references: 2 Kings 19:37, Genesis 8:4, Isaiah 37:38, Jeremiah 51:27
Asher
Modern location: Western Galilee coast, Israel
Approximately 43 references
Coastal territory in northwestern Canaan. Blessed by Jacob and Moses for its abundance and rich food.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:2, 1 Chronicles 6:47, 1 Chronicles 6:59, 1 Chronicles 7:30, 1 Chronicles 7:40, 1 Chronicles 12:37, 1 Kings 4:16, 2 Chronicles 30:11, Deuteronomy 27:13, Deuteronomy 33:24 (and 31 more)
Asia
Modern location: Western Turkey
Approximately 18 references
Roman province in western Asia Minor (not the continent). Contained the seven churches of Revelation.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 16:19, 1 Peter 1:1, 2 Corinthians 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:15, Acts 2:9, Acts 6:9, Acts 16:6, Acts 19:10, Acts 19:22, Acts 19:26 (and 8 more)
Assyria
Also known as: Asshur
Modern location: Northern Iraq
Approximately 150 references
Mesopotamian empire that conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC and deported its people.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:17, 1 Chronicles 5:6, 1 Chronicles 5:26, 2 Chronicles 28:16, 2 Chronicles 28:20, 2 Chronicles 28:21, 2 Chronicles 30:6, 2 Chronicles 32:1, 2 Chronicles 32:4, 2 Chronicles 32:7 (and 127 more)
Bashan
Modern location: Golan Heights/southern Syria
Approximately 60 references
Fertile plateau east of the Sea of Galilee, known for oaks and cattle. King Og of Bashan was defeated by Moses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:11, 1 Chronicles 5:12, 1 Chronicles 5:16, 1 Chronicles 5:23, 1 Chronicles 6:47, 1 Chronicles 6:56, 1 Kings 4:13, 1 Kings 4:19, 2 Kings 10:33, Amos 4:1 (and 43 more)
Benjamin
Modern location: North of Jerusalem
Approximately 166 references
Small territory between Judah and Ephraim. Tribe of King Saul and the apostle Paul. Note: the reference count includes tribal, personal, and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:2, 1 Chronicles 6:45, 1 Chronicles 6:50, 1 Chronicles 7:6, 1 Chronicles 7:10, 1 Chronicles 8:1, 1 Chronicles 8:40, 1 Chronicles 9:3, 1 Chronicles 9:7, 1 Chronicles 11:31 (and 149 more)
Bithynia
Modern location: Northwestern Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Region in northwestern Asia Minor. Paul was prevented from entering by the Spirit.
Key references: 1 Peter 1:1, Acts 16:7
Canaan
Modern location: Israel/Palestine and parts of Lebanon/Syria
Approximately 92 references
The land promised by God to Abraham. Before the conquest, inhabited by various peoples (Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, etc.).
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:8, 1 Chronicles 1:13, 1 Chronicles 16:18, Deuteronomy 32:49, Exodus 6:4, Exodus 15:15, Exodus 16:35, Genesis 9:18, Genesis 9:22, Genesis 9:25 (and 79 more)
Cappadocia
Modern location: Central Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Region in central Asia Minor. Mentioned at Pentecost and in 1 Peter 1:1.
Key references: 1 Peter 1:1, Acts 2:9
Chaldea
Also known as: land of the Chaldeans
Modern location: Southern Iraq
Approximately 76 references
Southern Mesopotamia. Abraham came from "Ur of the Chaldeans." Later synonymous with the Neo-Babylonian Empire.
Key references: 2 Kings 24:2, 2 Kings 25:4, 2 Kings 25:5, 2 Kings 25:10, 2 Kings 25:13, 2 Kings 25:24, 2 Kings 25:25, 2 Kings 25:26, Daniel 1:4, Daniel 9:1 (and 66 more)
Cilicia
Modern location: Southern Turkey
Approximately 8 references
Coastal region in southeastern Asia Minor. Paul was from Tarsus in Cilicia.
Key references: Acts 6:9, Acts 15:23, Acts 15:41, Acts 21:39, Acts 22:3, Acts 23:34, Acts 27:5, Galatians 1:21
Dan
Modern location: Tel Dan, northern Israel
Approximately 70 references
Originally a tribal territory near the coast, but the tribe migrated north and settled near the headwaters of the Jordan. "From Dan to Beersheba" described the full extent of Israel. Jeroboam set up one of his golden calves at Dan. Note: the reference count includes tribal, personal (the patriarch), and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:2, 1 Chronicles 21:2, 1 Chronicles 27:22, 1 Kings 5:5, 1 Kings 12:29, 1 Kings 12:30, 1 Kings 15:20, 1 Samuel 3:20, 2 Chronicles 2:13, 2 Chronicles 16:4 (and 53 more)
Decapolis
Modern location: Northern Jordan / Golan
Approximately 3 references
League of ten Greco-Roman cities east of the Jordan and Sea of Galilee. Jesus ministered in this area.
Key references: Mark 5:20, Mark 7:31, Matthew 4:25
Edom
Also known as: Seir, Idumea
Modern location: Southern Jordan
Approximately 101 references
Territory south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by Esau's descendants. Long rivalry with Israel. Subject of Obadiah's prophecy. In the NT period, known as Idumea; Herod the Great was Idumean.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:43, 1 Chronicles 1:51, 1 Chronicles 1:54, 1 Chronicles 18:11, 1 Chronicles 18:12, 1 Chronicles 18:13, 1 Kings 9:26, 1 Kings 11:14, 1 Kings 11:15, 1 Kings 11:16 (and 84 more)
Egypt
Also known as: Mizraim
Modern location: Egypt
Approximately 660 references
Ancient civilization along the Nile. Israel sojourned and was enslaved there before the Exodus (the biblical tradition gives both 400 and 430 years for the period of sojourning/affliction; the exact chronology is debated). A place of both refuge (for Abraham, Jacob, and the infant Jesus) and oppression.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:8, 1 Chronicles 1:11, 1 Chronicles 13:5, 1 Chronicles 17:21, 1 Kings 3:1, 1 Kings 5:1, 1 Kings 5:10, 1 Kings 6:1, 1 Kings 8:9, 1 Kings 8:16 (and 582 more)
Ephraim
Modern location: Central West Bank
Approximately 180 references
Territory of the tribe of Ephraim in central Canaan. Often used as a synonym for the entire northern kingdom. Note: the reference count includes tribal, personal, and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:51, 1 Chronicles 6:52, 1 Chronicles 7:20, 1 Chronicles 7:22, 1 Chronicles 9:3, 1 Chronicles 12:31, 1 Chronicles 27:10, 1 Chronicles 27:14, 1 Chronicles 27:20, 1 Kings 4:8 (and 154 more)
Gad
Modern location: Central-western Jordan
Approximately 72 references
Territory east of the Jordan between Reuben (south) and Manasseh (north). Note: the reference count includes the patriarch, the tribe, the prophet Gad (David's seer), and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:2, 1 Chronicles 5:11, 1 Chronicles 6:48, 1 Chronicles 6:65, 1 Chronicles 12:15, 1 Chronicles 21:9, 1 Chronicles 21:11, 1 Chronicles 21:13, 1 Chronicles 21:18, 1 Chronicles 21:19 (and 59 more)
Galatia
Modern location: Central Turkey
Approximately 4 references
Region in central Asia Minor. Paul wrote Galatians to churches there about faith and the Mosaic law.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 16:1, 1 Peter 1:1, 2 Timothy 4:10, Galatians 1:2
Galilee
Modern location: Northern Israel
Approximately 61 references
Northern region where Jesus grew up and conducted most of his ministry. Home to many apostles.
Key references: Acts 9:31, Acts 10:37, Acts 13:31, John 1:43, John 2:1, John 2:11, John 4:3, John 4:43, John 4:45, John 4:46 (and 50 more)
Gilead
Modern location: Northwestern Jordan
Approximately 134 references
Mountainous region east of the Jordan, assigned to Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh. Known for its balm (Jeremiah 8:22).
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:21, 1 Chronicles 2:22, 1 Chronicles 2:23, 1 Chronicles 5:9, 1 Chronicles 5:10, 1 Chronicles 5:14, 1 Chronicles 5:16, 1 Chronicles 6:65, 1 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Chronicles 7:17 (and 113 more)
Goshen
Modern location: Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt
Approximately 15 references
Fertile region in the eastern Nile Delta where Jacob's family settled. The Israelites lived there during slavery.
Key references: Exodus 8:18, Exodus 9:26, Genesis 45:10, Genesis 46:28, Genesis 46:29, Genesis 46:34, Genesis 47:1, Genesis 47:4, Genesis 47:6, Genesis 47:27 (and 4 more)
Israel
Also known as: the Promised Land, the Holy Land
Modern location: Israel/Palestine
Approximately 2575 references
Name given to Jacob after wrestling with God (Genesis 32:28), and by extension the nation descended from him. Also refers to the land promised to Abraham's descendants, and specifically the northern kingdom after the divided monarchy (as distinct from Judah). The reference count below includes all uses of the name — patriarchal, national, and geographic — since the Hebrew text uses the same word for all.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:34, 1 Chronicles 1:43, 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 2:7, 1 Chronicles 4:10, 1 Chronicles 5:1, 1 Chronicles 5:3, 1 Chronicles 5:17, 1 Chronicles 5:26, 1 Chronicles 6:23 (and 2287 more)
Issachar
Modern location: Jezreel Valley, Israel
Approximately 43 references
Territory in the Jezreel Valley and lower Galilee.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 6:47, 1 Chronicles 6:57, 1 Chronicles 7:1, 1 Chronicles 7:5, 1 Chronicles 12:33, 1 Chronicles 12:41, 1 Chronicles 26:5, 1 Chronicles 27:18, 1 Kings 4:17 (and 30 more)
Italy
Modern location: Italy
Approximately 4 references
The Italian peninsula. Aquila and Priscilla came from Italy. Paul was sent there for trial.
Key references: Acts 18:2, Acts 27:1, Acts 27:6, Hebrews 13:24
Judah
Also known as: Judea
Modern location: Southern Israel/West Bank
Approximately 866 references
Territory of the tribe of Judah; later the southern kingdom after the divided monarchy. The tribe from which David and Jesus descended. Note: the reference count includes tribal, personal (the patriarch), and geographic uses, since the Hebrew text uses the same word.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 2:3, 1 Chronicles 2:4, 1 Chronicles 2:10, 1 Chronicles 4:1, 1 Chronicles 4:21, 1 Chronicles 4:27, 1 Chronicles 4:41, 1 Chronicles 5:2, 1 Chronicles 5:17 (and 790 more)
Kinnereth
Also known as: Sea of Galilee, Sea of Tiberias, Lake Gennesaret, Chinnereth
Modern location: Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret) and nearby ruins, Israel
Approximately 10 references
Name referring both to a fortified city and its surrounding district on the northwestern shore of the lake (Joshua 19:35, 1 Kings 15:20), and to the freshwater lake itself (Numbers 34:11, "Sea of Kinnereth"). In the NT the lake is called the Sea of Galilee, Sea of Tiberias, or Lake Gennesaret. It was the center of Jesus' Galilean ministry, and many of the apostles were fishermen on its waters.
Key references: 1 Kings 15:20, Deuteronomy 3:17, Joshua 11:2, Joshua 12:3, Joshua 13:27, Joshua 19:35, Numbers 34:11, Luke 5:1, Mark 6:53, Matthew 14:34
Lebanon
Modern location: Lebanon
Approximately 71 references
Mountainous territory north of Israel, famous for its cedars used in Solomon's Temple. Symbolizes majesty in poetry.
Key references: 1 Kings 5:13, 1 Kings 5:20, 1 Kings 5:23, 1 Kings 5:28, 1 Kings 7:2, 1 Kings 9:19, 1 Kings 10:17, 1 Kings 10:21, 2 Chronicles 2:7, 2 Chronicles 2:15 (and 54 more)
Macedonia
Modern location: Northern Greece
Approximately 22 references
Roman province in northern Greece. Paul received the "Macedonian call" vision. Contained Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
Key references: 1 Corinthians 16:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:10, 1 Timothy 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:16, 2 Corinthians 2:13, 2 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 11:9 (and 10 more)
Manasseh
Modern location: Northern West Bank and Golan
Approximately 146 references
Territory of the half-tribes of Manasseh — one portion west of the Jordan and one east. Note: the reference count includes tribal, personal (the patriarch and kings named Manasseh), and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 3:13, 1 Chronicles 5:18, 1 Chronicles 5:23, 1 Chronicles 5:26, 1 Chronicles 6:46, 1 Chronicles 6:47, 1 Chronicles 6:55, 1 Chronicles 6:56, 1 Chronicles 7:14, 1 Chronicles 7:17 (and 123 more)
Mesopotamia
Modern location: Parts of modern Iraq, southeastern Turkey, and northeastern Syria
Approximately 2 references
The land "between the rivers" (Tigris and Euphrates). Referenced in Stephen's speech about Abraham (Acts 7:2) and in the Pentecost crowd list (Acts 2:9). The ancient region encompassed parts of modern Iraq, southeastern Turkey, and northeastern Syria.
Key references: Acts 2:9, Acts 7:2
Moab
Modern location: Central Jordan
Approximately 181 references
Territory east of the Dead Sea. The Moabites descended from Lot. Ruth was a Moabitess, ancestor of David and Jesus.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:46, 1 Chronicles 4:22, 1 Chronicles 8:8, 1 Chronicles 11:22, 1 Chronicles 18:2, 1 Chronicles 18:11, 1 Kings 11:7, 1 Kings 11:33, 1 Samuel 12:9, 1 Samuel 14:47 (and 148 more)
Mysia
Modern location: Northwestern Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Region in northwestern Asia Minor that Paul passed through.
Key references: Acts 16:7, Acts 16:8
Naphtali
Modern location: Northern Israel (Upper Galilee)
Approximately 51 references
Territory in northern Galilee. Isaiah prophesied that "the land of Naphtali" would see a great light — fulfilled in Jesus' ministry.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:2, 1 Chronicles 6:47, 1 Chronicles 6:61, 1 Chronicles 7:13, 1 Chronicles 12:35, 1 Chronicles 12:41, 1 Chronicles 27:19, 1 Kings 4:15, 1 Kings 7:14, 1 Kings 15:20 (and 37 more)
Pamphylia
Modern location: Antalya region, Turkey
Approximately 5 references
Coastal region in southern Asia Minor. John Mark departed at Perga in Pamphylia.
Key references: Acts 2:10, Acts 13:13, Acts 14:24, Acts 15:38, Acts 27:5
Paran
Modern location: Northeastern Sinai, Egypt
Approximately 11 references
Wilderness where Israel wandered and from which the twelve spies were sent into Canaan.
Key references: 1 Kings 11:18, 1 Samuel 25:1, Deuteronomy 1:1, Deuteronomy 33:2, Genesis 21:21, Habakkuk 3:3, Numbers 10:12, Numbers 12:16, Numbers 13:3, Numbers 13:26
Phoenicia
Modern location: Lebanon
Approximately 3 references
Coastal territory north of Israel (modern Lebanon). Early Christians fled persecution there.
Key references: Acts 11:19, Acts 15:3, Acts 21:2
Phrygia
Modern location: Central Turkey
Approximately 3 references
Region in central Asia Minor. Mentioned in Paul's travels.
Key references: Acts 2:10, Acts 16:6, Acts 18:23
Pisidia
Modern location: Lake District, Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Region in southern Asia Minor. Paul visited Antioch of Pisidia on his first journey.
Key references: Acts 13:14, Acts 14:24
Pontus
Modern location: Northern Turkey
Approximately 2 references
Region on the Black Sea coast. Aquila was from Pontus. Mentioned in 1 Peter 1:1.
Key references: 1 Peter 1:1, Acts 2:9
Reuben
Modern location: Central-western Jordan
Approximately 72 references
Territory east of the Dead Sea, assigned to the tribe of Reuben. Note: the reference count includes the patriarch, tribal, and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 5:1, 1 Chronicles 5:3, 1 Chronicles 5:18, 1 Chronicles 6:48, 1 Chronicles 6:63, Deuteronomy 11:6, Deuteronomy 27:13, Deuteronomy 33:6, Exodus 1:2 (and 58 more)
Sheba
Modern location: Traditionally southern Arabia (modern Yemen), though debated
Approximately 23 references
Ancient kingdom in southern Arabia, traditionally associated with the Sabaean civilization. The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon with gold, spices, and precious stones (1 Kings 10). The exact location is debated; candidates include modern Yemen, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 1:9, 1 Chronicles 1:22, 1 Chronicles 1:32, 1 Kings 10:1, 1 Kings 10:4, 1 Kings 10:10, 1 Kings 10:13, 2 Chronicles 9:1, 2 Chronicles 9:3, 2 Chronicles 9:9 (and 13 more)
Shinar
Modern location: Southern Iraq
Approximately 8 references
Ancient name for Babylonia/southern Mesopotamia. Location of the Tower of Babel.
Key references: Daniel 1:2, Genesis 10:10, Genesis 11:2, Genesis 14:1, Genesis 14:9, Isaiah 11:11, Joshua 7:21, Zechariah 5:11
Simeon
Modern location: Negev, Israel
Approximately 44 references
Territory within the southern part of Judah's allotment, in the Negev. Note: the reference count includes the patriarch, tribal, and geographic uses.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 4:24, 1 Chronicles 4:42, 1 Chronicles 6:50, 1 Chronicles 12:26, 2 Chronicles 15:9, 2 Chronicles 34:6, Deuteronomy 27:12, Exodus 1:2, Exodus 6:15 (and 29 more)
Spain
Modern location: Spain
Approximately 2 references
Paul expressed his desire to visit Spain (Romans 15:24, 28).
Key references: Romans 15:24, Romans 15:28
Zebulun
Modern location: Lower Galilee, Israel
Approximately 45 references
Territory in lower Galilee. Paired with Naphtali in Isaiah's messianic prophecy.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 2:1, 1 Chronicles 6:48, 1 Chronicles 6:62, 1 Chronicles 12:34, 1 Chronicles 12:41, 1 Chronicles 27:19, 2 Chronicles 30:10, 2 Chronicles 30:11, 2 Chronicles 30:18, Deuteronomy 27:13 (and 33 more)
Mountains
Carmel
Modern location: Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
Approximately 22 references
Mountain range on the Mediterranean coast. Site of Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal.
Key references: 1 Kings 18:19, 1 Kings 18:20, 1 Kings 18:42, 1 Samuel 15:12, 1 Samuel 25:2, 1 Samuel 25:5, 1 Samuel 25:7, 1 Samuel 25:40, 2 Kings 2:25, 2 Kings 4:25 (and 11 more)
Gilboa
Modern location: Mount Gilboa, Israel
Approximately 8 references
Where Saul and his sons died in battle against the Philistines.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 10:1, 1 Chronicles 10:8, 1 Samuel 28:4, 1 Samuel 31:1, 1 Samuel 31:8, 2 Samuel 1:6, 2 Samuel 1:21, 2 Samuel 21:12
Hermon
Modern location: Mount Hermon, Syria-Lebanon border
Approximately 13 references
Highest peak in the region (over 9,000 feet). Northern boundary of Israelite conquest. Source of the Jordan River.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:23, Deuteronomy 3:8, Deuteronomy 3:9, Deuteronomy 4:48, Joshua 11:3, Joshua 11:17, Joshua 12:1, Joshua 12:5, Joshua 13:5, Joshua 13:11 (and 3 more)
Hor
Modern location: Traditionally Jebel Harun, near Petra, Jordan
Approximately 12 references
Mountain where Aaron died and was buried, on the border of Edom.
Key references: Deuteronomy 32:50, Numbers 20:22, Numbers 20:23, Numbers 20:25, Numbers 20:27, Numbers 21:4, Numbers 33:37, Numbers 33:38, Numbers 33:39, Numbers 33:41 (and 2 more)
Olivet
Also known as: Mount of Olives
Modern location: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
Approximately 12 references
Hill east of Jerusalem. Jesus often went there to pray. Site of his arrest, ascension, and prophesied return.
Key references: Acts 1:12, John 8:1, Luke 19:29, Luke 19:37, Luke 21:37, Luke 22:39, Mark 11:1, Mark 13:3, Mark 14:26, Matthew 21:1 (and 2 more)
Sinai
Also known as: Horeb
Modern location: Traditionally Jebel Musa, Sinai, Egypt
Approximately 39 references
Where God gave the Law to Moses. Also where Elijah fled and encountered God in the still small voice.
Key references: Deuteronomy 33:2, Exodus 16:1, Exodus 19:1, Exodus 19:2, Exodus 19:11, Exodus 19:18, Exodus 19:20, Exodus 19:23, Exodus 24:16, Exodus 31:18 (and 28 more)
Tabor
Modern location: Mount Tabor, Israel
Approximately 10 references
Mountain in the Jezreel Valley. Deborah and Barak gathered forces there. Traditionally the Mount of Transfiguration.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:62, 1 Samuel 10:3, Hosea 5:1, Jeremiah 46:18, Joshua 19:22, Judges 4:6, Judges 4:12, Judges 4:14, Judges 8:18, Psalms 89:13
Zion
Also known as: Mount Zion
Modern location: Mount Zion, Jerusalem
Approximately 160 references
Originally the Jebusite fortress captured by David. Came to refer to the Temple mount and, by extension, Jerusalem and God's people.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 11:5, 1 Kings 8:1, 2 Chronicles 5:2, 2 Kings 19:21, 2 Kings 19:31, 2 Samuel 5:7, Amos 1:2, Amos 6:1, Isaiah 1:8, Isaiah 1:27 (and 150 more)
Valleys
Valley of Hinnom
Also known as: Gehenna, Ge-Hinnom, Ben-Hinnom
Modern location: Hinnom Valley, Jerusalem
Approximately 13 references
Valley south of Jerusalem where child sacrifice was practiced. Became a symbol of divine judgment; Jesus used "Gehenna" for the place of final punishment.
Key references: 2 Chronicles 28:3, 2 Chronicles 33:6, 2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31, Jeremiah 7:32, Jeremiah 19:2, Jeremiah 19:6, Jeremiah 32:35, Joshua 15:8, Joshua 18:16 (and 1 more)
Rivers & Bodies of Water
Euphrates
Also known as: the River, the Great River
Modern location: Euphrates River, Turkey/Syria/Iraq
Approximately 21 references
One of the four rivers of Eden. Formed the ideal northeastern boundary of the promised land. Major river of Mesopotamia.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 5:9, 1 Chronicles 18:3, 2 Chronicles 35:20, 2 Kings 23:29, 2 Kings 24:7, 2 Samuel 8:3, Deuteronomy 1:7, Deuteronomy 11:24, Genesis 2:14, Genesis 15:18 (and 11 more)
Jordan
Modern location: Jordan River
Approximately 198 references
Principal river of Israel, flowing from Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. Israel crossed it to enter the Promised Land. Jesus was baptized there.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 6:63, 1 Chronicles 12:16, 1 Chronicles 12:38, 1 Chronicles 19:17, 1 Chronicles 26:30, 1 Kings 2:8, 1 Kings 7:46, 1 Kings 17:3, 1 Kings 17:5, 1 Samuel 13:7 (and 169 more)
Shihor
Modern location: Eastern Nile Delta
Approximately 4 references
River or stream on the border of Egypt, sometimes identified with the eastern branch of the Nile.
Key references: 1 Chronicles 13:5, Isaiah 23:3, Jeremiah 2:18, Joshua 13:3
Tigris
Also known as: Hiddekel
Modern location: Tigris River, Turkey/Iraq
Approximately 2 references
One of the four rivers of Eden. Along with the Euphrates, defines Mesopotamia ("between the rivers").
Key references: Daniel 10:4, Genesis 2:14
Islands
Crete
Modern location: Crete, Greece
Approximately 5 references
Large Mediterranean island. Titus was left there to appoint elders. Paul's ship passed it en route to Rome.
Key references: Acts 27:7, Acts 27:12, Acts 27:13, Acts 27:21, Titus 1:5
Cyprus
Modern location: Cyprus
Approximately 5 references
Mediterranean island, home of Barnabas. First stop on Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey.
Key references: Acts 11:19, Acts 13:4, Acts 15:39, Acts 21:3, Acts 27:4
Malta
Modern location: Malta
Approximately 1 references
Island where Paul was shipwrecked and bitten by a viper. He healed the chief official's father there.
Key references: Acts 28:1
Patmos
Modern location: Patmos, Greece
Approximately 1 references
Aegean island where John received Revelation while in exile.
Key references: Revelation 1:9
Landmarks
Armageddon
Also known as: Har-Megiddo
Modern location: Debated; possibly symbolic, possibly related to the Megiddo plain
Approximately 1 references
In Revelation 16:16, the place where the kings of the earth are assembled. The name likely derives from Hebrew Har-Megiddo ("mountain of Megiddo"). Whether this refers to a literal location or is symbolic is widely debated among interpreters. No battle is explicitly narrated at this site in Revelation 16; the term has become a byword for an apocalyptic final conflict.
Key references: Revelation 16:16
Bethesda
Also known as: Bethzatha
Modern location: Near St. Anne's Church, Jerusalem
Approximately 1 references
Pool in Jerusalem where Jesus healed a man who had been ill for 38 years (John 5).
Key references: John 5:2
Gabbatha
Modern location: Jerusalem (exact location debated)
Approximately 1 references
The Stone Pavement where Pilate judged Jesus (John 19:13).
Key references: John 19:13
Gethsemane
Modern location: At the foot of the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
Approximately 2 references
Garden east of Jerusalem where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest.
Key references: Mark 14:32, Matthew 26:36
Golgotha
Modern location: Jerusalem (exact location debated)
Approximately 3 references
"Place of a Skull" — where Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem.
Key references: John 19:17, Mark 15:22, Matthew 27:33
Kidron
Also known as: Kidron Valley, Cedron
Modern location: Kidron Valley, Jerusalem
Approximately 1 references
Valley/brook between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Jesus crossed it on the way to Gethsemane.
Key references: John 18:1
Mars' Hill
Also known as: Areopagus, Mars Hill
Modern location: Athens, Greece
Approximately 4 references
The Areopagus in Athens, a term that can refer to the hill and/or the council associated with it. Acts 17 places Paul there for his speech about the "unknown god," but the precise setting is debated.
Key references: Acts 17:19, Acts 17:22
Siloam
Modern location: Silwan, Jerusalem
Approximately 3 references
Pool in Jerusalem where Jesus healed a blind man (John 9).
Key references: John 9:7, John 9:11, Luke 13:4
Other
Kadesh
Also known as: Kadesh-barnea, Meribah-kadesh
Modern location: Debated; commonly identified with Ein el-Qudeirat or Ein Qadis, northeastern Sinai
Approximately 18 references
Oasis area in the wilderness south of Canaan where Israel camped during the wilderness wandering. From here the twelve spies were sent into Canaan (Numbers 13), and here Miriam died and was buried. Moses struck the rock there instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20). The identification of Kadesh-barnea with a specific modern site is debated; Ein el-Qudeirat and Ein Qadis in the northeastern Sinai are the leading candidates. Some refs may also include a distinct Kadesh in the territory of Naphtali (Judges 4:6).
Key references: Deuteronomy 1:46, Deuteronomy 32:51, Ezekiel 47:19, Ezekiel 48:28, Genesis 14:7, Genesis 16:14, Genesis 20:1, Judges 11:16, Judges 11:17, Numbers 13:26 (and 8 more)
Succoth
Modern location: Transjordan Succoth: Tell Deir Alla, Jordan; Exodus Succoth: eastern Nile Delta, Egypt
Approximately 18 references
Two distinct places bear this name ("booths/shelters"). (1) A city east of the Jordan in the territory of Gad, where Jacob built shelters after meeting Esau (Genesis 33:17) and which Gideon punished for refusing aid (Judges 8:5-16). Located at Tell Deir Alla, Jordan. (2) An Egyptian staging point, the first stop of the Israelites after departing Rameses during the Exodus (Exodus 12:37, 13:20). Located in the eastern Nile Delta. The refs below include both locations.
Key references: 1 Kings 7:46, 2 Chronicles 4:17, Exodus 12:37, Exodus 13:20, Genesis 33:17, Joshua 13:27, Judges 8:5, Judges 8:6, Judges 8:8, Judges 8:14 (and 6 more)
Timnah
Also known as: Timnath, Timnath-serah
Modern location: Sorek Valley Timnah: Tel Batash, Israel; others debated
Approximately 12 references
Several places bore this name. (1) A town on the border of Judah and Philistia where Samson found his first wife (Judges 14). Identified with Tel Batash in the Sorek Valley. (2) A town in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:57), in the story of Judah and Tamar (Genesis 38:12-14). (3) Timnath-serah / Timnath-heres in Ephraim, where Joshua was buried (Joshua 19:50, 24:30). The refs below include all locations sharing this name.
Key references: 2 Chronicles 28:18, Genesis 38:12, Genesis 38:13, Genesis 38:14, Joshua 15:10, Joshua 15:57, Joshua 19:43, Judges 14:1, Judges 14:2, Judges 14:5
This glossary contains 161 entries covering the major places mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. Reference counts are approximate, based on morphological analysis of the Westminster Leningrad Codex (Hebrew) and Open Greek New Testament.