Aram
“High or exalted”
Summary
A name denoting both a geographical region in upper Mesopotamia (Syria) and several individuals in Scripture, including a son of Shem and an ancestor of Christ.
☩Aram as a Region
Aram refers to the region north of Canaan comprising what is now Syria and upper Mesopotamia. Balaam came from 'Aram' at Balak's command, specifically from 'the mountains of the east.' The region was known by various compound names: Aram-naharaim ('Aram of the two rivers,' or Mesopotamia), Aram-zobah (a Syrian kingdom defeated by David), Aram-Damascus (the Syrian kingdom centered on Damascus), and Padan-aram (where Jacob served Laban). The Arameans and their kingdoms feature prominently in Israel's history, often as adversaries during the period of the kings.
☩Aram as a Person
Aram was one of the five sons of Shem, from whom the Aramean peoples descended. His brothers were Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, and Lud. Through Arphaxad came the line leading to Abraham. Another Aram appears in the genealogy of Christ as recorded by Matthew, though Luke uses the variant spelling 'Arni.' Additionally, an Aram is listed among the descendants of Asher.
Related Verses21 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Aram," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Aram; Arameans," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).