Bible Dictionary
Aram
Aram was the name of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and a descendant of Asher; it also denotes the region commonly called Syria or Aram. In the New Testament genealogies, Aram is the Greek form of Ram, an ancestor of David’s line.
Definition
Aram is both a personal name and the designation of a region commonly identified with Syria or parts of Mesopotamia. The name is associated with highlands or an elevated region.
Biblical Usage
Aram was the name of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and a descendant of Asher. In the New Testament genealogies, Aram is the Greek form of Ram, an ancestor in David’s line.
Historical Background
As a geographical term, Aram extended from northeast Palestine toward the Euphrates and included several smaller kingdoms, with Damascus eventually becoming their chief center.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The son of Shem (Gen. 10:22); according to Gen. 22:21, a grandson of Nahor. In Matt. 1:3, 4, and Luke 3:33, this word is the Greek form of Ram, the father of Amminadab (1 Chr. 2:10). The word means high, or highlands, and as the name of a country denotes that elevated region extending from the northeast of Palestine to the Euphrates. It corresponded generally with the Syria and Mesopotamia of the Greeks and Romans. In Gen. 25:20; 31:20, 24; Deut. 26:5, the word “Syrian” is properly “Aramean” (R.V., marg.). Damascus became at length the capital of the several smaller kingdoms comprehended under the designation “Aram” or “Syria.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(high).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-ram ('aram):</p><p>(1) A son of Shem (Ge 10:22; 1Ch 1:17). See ARAMEANS; SYRIA.</p><p>(2) A grandson of Nahor (Ge 22:21).</p><p>(3) A descendant of Asher (1Ch 7:34).</p><p>(4) Aram, King James Version: Greek form of Ram (thus the Revised Version (British and American) Mt 13:4; Arni Lu 3:33), grandson of Perez.</p>