אֲרָם

From the study of Isaiah 7:1

Range of meaning

The Arameans, a group of related peoples speaking Aramaic, and their states. Here it means specifically Aram-Damascus, the strongest Aramean kingdom of the 9th–8th centuries BC.

Against the English

KJV and WEB say 'Syria', following the Greek and Latin habit. BSB, NIV and ESV say 'Aram'.

How it drifted

Greek writers called the region 'Syria', and the Septuagint and Vulgate sometimes used that name. KJV followed them. Today 'Syria' names a modern Arab state, which invites a misleading equation.

Used elsewhere in the period

Assyrian annals of Tiglath-pileser III name 'Raḫiānu of Damascus' as a tribute-payer and later a rebel. Damascus fell to Assyria in 732 BC and its territory was made into Assyrian provinces (2 Kings 16:9).

From the study of 2 Chronicles 16:7

Range of meaning

The Aramean peoples and their states. In this period it means chiefly the kingdom of Aram-Damascus, the strongest power immediately north of Israel in the 9th century BC.

Against the English

KJV, WEB (and, as far as I know, ESV) render "Syria", following the Greek and Latin tradition. BSB, NIV and NASB keep "Aram". "Syria" can make modern readers think of the present-day nation-state, which is a different and much later entity.

How it drifted

"Syria" comes from Greek usage (the Septuagint has Συρία) carried through the Latin Vulgate into the KJV. It is an accurate ancient equivalent, but the modern country has since taken over the name.

Used elsewhere in the period

Ben-hadad of Damascus appears in 1 Kgs 15:18–20 and here in 2 Chr 16:2–4. Aram-Damascus became Israel's and Judah's chief northern enemy in the following century (1 Kgs 20; 22; 2 Kgs 6–13; 2 Chr 24:23–24; 28:5). Aramaic inscriptions such as the Tel Dan stele (9th century) show Aramean kings boasting of victories over Israel and the house of David.

From the study of 1 Kings 20:1

Range of meaning

The Arameans, an Iron Age people speaking Aramaic, and their territory and states in what is now Syria and northern Iraq. Kings uses the name above all for Aram-Damascus, the kingdom with its capital at Damascus.

Against the English

BSB, NASB and NIV say 'Aram'. KJV, ESV and WEB say 'Syria', following the Greek (Syria) and Latin (Syria) translations.

How it drifted

'Syria' was the Greek and Roman regional name, carried into the KJV through the Septuagint and Vulgate. Modern readers now attach it to the 20th-century nation-state.

Used elsewhere in the period

Assyrian texts call this state 'Aram' and also 'the land of Imērishu' (Damascus). The Tel Dan Stele (9th century BC) is an Aramaic inscription by a king of Aram boasting of victories over Israel and the 'house of David'.