Bible Dictionary
Ashteroth Karnaim
Ashteroth Karnaim means “Ashteroth of the two horns.” It was an ancient place east of the Jordan associated with the Rephaim and later mentioned in the Maccabean period.
Definition
Ashteroth Karnaim means “Ashteroth of the two horns” or “two peaks.” It was an ancient place associated with the Rephaim and located in the region east of the Jordan.
Biblical Usage
Ashteroth Karnaim is named as the abode of the Rephaim. The related form Karnaim or Carnion appears in the Maccabean accounts concerning the land of Gilead.
Historical Background
The name may refer to the crescent moon or to two peaks. The site has been identified in the supplied material with Es-Sunamein, south of Damascus, though the identification is presented as probable.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Ashteroth of the two horns, the abode of the Rephaim (Gen. 14:5). It may be identified with Ashtaroth preceding; called “Karnaim”, i.e., the “two-horned” (the crescent moon). The Samaritan version renders the word by “Sunamein,” the present es-Sunamein, 28 miles south of Damascus.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Ashteroth of the two horns or peaks) a place of very great antiquity, the abode of the Rephaim. (Genesis 14:5) The name reappears but once, as Carnaim or Carnion, 1 Macc. 5:26,43,44; 2 Macc. 12:21,26, in “the land of Galaad.” It is probably the modern Es-Sanamein, on the Haj route, about 25 miles south of Damascus.