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H751 · Hebrew · Old Testament
אֶרֶךְ
ʾErekh
Proper noun
Erech / Uruk

Definition

The name Erekh (biblical Erech) is one of the oldest cities in human history, corresponding to ancient Uruk in Mesopotamia — one of the world's first great urban centers. It appears in Genesis 10 as one of the cities founded by Nimrod.

Usage & Theological Significance

Erech (modern Warka/Uruk) was built by Nimrod, described as the first 'mighty man' on earth and a 'mighty hunter before the LORD.' The founding of Erech represents humanity's post-flood project of self-organization apart from God — a precursor to Babel. Archaeologically, Uruk was indeed among the earliest cities, flourishing around 4000-3000 BC, giving Scripture remarkable historical accuracy in its Table of Nations.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 10:10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
Genesis 10:8 Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man.
Genesis 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, 'Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.'
Genesis 11:4 Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens.
Ezra 4:9 the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites.

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