Bible Dictionary
Assyria, Asshur
Assyria, also called Asshur, was the great country east of the Euphrates and along the Tigris, with Nineveh as its later capital. Its name was associated with Ashur, son of Shem, and with the Assyrian national god.
Definition
Assyria, or Asshur, was the great country situated along the Tigris, whose later capital was Nineveh. Its name was associated with Asshur, the son of Shem, who was also worshiped by the Assyrians as their chief god.
Biblical Usage
Assyria is presented in Scripture as a significant country and power, while Asshur is used as its associated name. Nineveh is identified as its capital in the genealogical and geographical accounts.
Historical Background
The country lay along the Tigris and was connected by name with Asshur, son of Shem, and with the Assyrian national worship.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
was a great and powerful country lying on the Tigris, (Genesis 2:14) the capital of which was Nineveh. (Genesis 10:11) etc. It derived its name apparently from Asshur, the son of Shem, (Genesis 10:22) who in later times was worshipped by the Assyrians as their chief god.