In the Bible, what is commonly referred to as Armenia, particularly in older translations, corresponds to the land of Ararat, a high land located in western Asia.
Understanding Armenia's Biblical Reference
While the term "Armenia" appears in some English translations of the Bible, such as the Authorized Version (King James Version), it is specifically in reference to the region known as Ararat in the original Hebrew text. This distinction is important for understanding its biblical context.
The Land of Ararat
The Hebrew word for this region is Ararat. The Authorized Version of the Bible uses "Armenia" in one specific instance:
- 2 Kings 19:37: "And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead."
However, the Revised Version and most modern translations correctly render this as "Ararat," which reflects the original Hebrew. This indicates that "Armenia" was an interpretive translation of "Ararat" in older versions, referring to the same geographical high land.
Geographical Context
Biblically, Ararat, or the land associated with what is now modern Armenia, is described as a high land situated in western Asia. Its geographical location is specified as lying between the Caspian Sea to the east and the Black Sea to the west. This region is known for its mountainous terrain.
Significance in Biblical Narrative
The most significant biblical association with this land is its role in the story of Noah's Ark. After the Great Flood, the ark is recorded to have come to rest in this region:
- Genesis 8:4: "And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat."
This verse firmly establishes the land of Ararat as a pivotal location in the early history of humanity according to the biblical account.
Key Biblical Aspects of Armenia/Ararat
To summarize the biblical understanding of Armenia (Ararat):
| Aspect | Biblical Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary Name | Ararat (the original Hebrew term) |
| Translated Name | Armenia (used in some older English translations, e.g., Authorized Version) |
| Key Verse (Armenia) | 2 Kings 19:37 (referring to the escape of Sennacherib's sons) |
| Geographical Area | A high land in western Asia, located between the Caspian and Black Seas |
| Main Significance | The resting place of Noah's Ark after the Deluge (Genesis 8:4) |
In essence, when the Bible refers to Armenia (or more accurately, Ararat), it points to a specific mountainous region in western Asia, historically significant as the landing site of Noah's Ark and mentioned in connection with ancient kingdoms.
