Welcome to our full A-Z list of road names in the Bible!
Disclaimer: This list shares the most widely accepted meanings of names, based on their original language. However, some interpretations remain open to debate among scholars. New insights may further our understanding over time.
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Jump straight to the letter you want:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Adummim, Ascent of
Original (Hebrew): מַעֲלֵה אֲדֻמִּים (Maʿaleh ʾAḏummîm)
Meaning: “Ascent of the Red Ones” (likely referring to the reddish color of the rocks).
First Appearance: Joshua 15:7
Description: A steep pass on the border between Judah and Benjamin, leading up from the Jordan Valley towards Jerusalem and Jericho. The name itself, “Ascent of the Red Ones,” likely comes from the reddish color of the rocks in this area. It was part of the ancient route connecting Jericho to Jerusalem. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is set on this road, highlighting its reputation for danger.
Arabah, Road through the
Original (Hebrew): דֶּרֶךְ הָעֲרָבָה (Dereḵ hā-ʿArāḇā)
Meaning: “Road of the Arabah” or “Way of the Plain.” The Arabah is the rift valley that runs south from the Sea of Galilee to the Gulf of Aqaba, including the Dead Sea and the desert region south of it.
First Appearance: Deuteronomy 2:8
Description: Refers to a road or route running through the Arabah valley. The name “Arabah” itself means “desert plain” or “wilderness,” describing the geographical character of the route. The Israelites traveled through this area during their wilderness wanderings, after being refused passage through Edom. Other mentions include Deuteronomy 1:1 (referring to the general area), and 2 Kings 25:4 (King Zedekiah’s attempted escape).
B
Beth-horon, Road that goes up to
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Road that goes up to Beth-horon.” Beth-horon means “House of Hollows” or “House of Caves.”
First Appearance: Joshua 10:10
Description: A strategic pass leading up to the two towns named Beth-horon (Upper and Lower Beth-horon), controlling access between the coastal plain and the central hill country. The name refers to the destination of the road, a place characterized by caves or hollows. Joshua pursued the Amorite kings down this pass after the battle at Gibeon.
C
No names starting with C.
D
Damascus, Road to
Original (Greek): ὁδός (hodos) – “way” or “road”
Meaning: The road leading to Damascus (the capital of Syria). Damascus means “a place well-watered.”
First Appearance: Acts 9:2
Description: This is the road where Saul (later Paul) had his dramatic conversion experience. He was traveling to Damascus, a major city and the capital of Syria, with authorization to persecute Christians when he was blinded by a light from heaven and encountered the risen Jesus.
E
Egypt, Road/Highway from
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Road/Highway from Egypt.” Egypt likely means “double straits.”
First Appearance: Isaiah 11:16
Description: This refers to the major route connecting Israel and Egypt. Isaiah prophesies that there will be a highway for those returning from Assyria, reminiscent of the Exodus route. It is also described in Genesis as the way to Shur.
Emmaus, Road to
Original (Greek): ὁδός (hodos) – “way” or “road”
Meaning: The road connecting Jerusalem to Emmaus. Emmaus’ meaning is uncertain.
First Appearance: Luke 24:13
Description: After Jesus’ resurrection, two disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus, a village near Jerusalem. The resurrected Jesus appeared to them and walked with them, but they did not recognize him until he broke bread with them.
F
No names starting with F.
G
No names starting with G.
H
Hebron, Way/Road to
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Road Leading to Hebron. Hebron means “association” or “league.”
First Appearance: Genesis 37:14
Description: Joseph is sent by Jacob to his brothers and meets a man who informs him they have gone on from Shechem, further north.
Horonaim, Way/Road to
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Road leading to Horonaim. Horonaim means “two caverns.”
First Appearance: Isaiah 15:5
Description: A road mentioned in prophecies against Moab.
I
No names starting with I.
J
No names starting with J.
K
King’s Highway, The
Original (Hebrew): דֶּרֶךְ הַמֶּלֶךְ (Dérek̄ hamMéleḵ)
Meaning: “The King’s Road” or “The Royal Road”
First Appearance: Numbers 20:17
Description: An important ancient trade route running north-south on the east side of the Jordan River, through the Transjordan region. The name implies its importance and possibly that it was maintained by royal authority. The Israelites requested passage through this road during their journey to the Promised Land but were refused by the Edomites and Amorites.
L
No names starting with L.
M
No names starting with M.
N
No names starting with N.
O
No names starting with O.
P
No names starting with P.
Q
No names starting with Q.
R
No names starting with R.
S
Sea, The Road to the/Road to the Red Sea
Original (Hebrew): דֶּרֶךְ יַם־סוּף (Dereḵ Yam-Sūp̄)
Meaning: “Road of the Sea of Reeds” or “Road to the Red Sea.” “Yam Suph” is often translated “Red Sea,” but literally means “Sea of Reeds.”
First Appearance: Numbers 14:25, Numbers 21:4, Deuteronomy 1:40
Description: This refers to the route the Israelites took during the Exodus, specifically the path leading towards the Red Sea (or Sea of Reeds) after they were turned back from entering Canaan directly.
Shechem, Way/Road to
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Road to Shechem.” Shechem means “shoulder.”
First Appearance: Genesis 37:14
Description: A major city north of Jerusalem. Jacob sends Joseph to find his brothers this way.
Shur, Way/Road to
Original (Hebrew): דֶּרֶךְ שׁוּר (Dereḵ Shur)
Meaning: “Road to Shur.” Shur means “wall” or “fortress.”
First Appearance: Genesis 16:7
Description: Shur was a region or wilderness east of Egypt, on the way to Assyria. Hagar fled towards Shur when she ran away from Sarai. The road to Shur would be a major route out of Egypt. 1 Samuel 27:8 also gives context of this place.
Spies, Way/Road taken by the
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Way of the Spies”
First Appearance: Joshua 2:16
Description: The route taken by the spies that Rahab helps escape from Jericho. She instructs them to go to the hills to escape. The name indicates the specific purpose of this route at this moment in the narrative.
T
No names starting with T.
U
No names starting with U.
V
No names starting with V.
W
Wilderness, Way/Road of the
Original (Hebrew): Various
Meaning: “Road of/to/through the Wilderness”
First Appearance: Exodus 13:18
Description: This is a general term, but it’s significant as it refers to the route taken by the Israelites leaving Egypt. The “Wilderness” here is a general term for the desert regions the Israelites wandered in.
Wilderness of Beth-aven, Road through the
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: “Road through the Wilderness of Beth-aven.” Beth-aven means “house of vanity” or “house of wickedness.”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 13:18
Description: The route taken by a group of Philistines.
Wilderness of Damascus, Way/Road to the
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Road leading to the wilderness of Damascus. Damascus means “a place well-watered.”
First Appearance: 1 Kings 19:15
Description: God commands Elijah to take this route, on the way to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha.
Wilderness of Edom, Way/Road through the
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Road to/through the wilderness of Edom. Edom means “red.”
First Appearance: 2 Kings 3:8
Description: The route taken by the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom to fight against Moab.
Wilderness of Ziph, Way/Road in the
Original (Hebrew):
Meaning: Road in the Wilderness of Ziph. Ziph means “flowing.”
First Appearance: 1 Samuel 23:14
Description: David hid from Saul by a road in the Wilderness of Ziph.
X
No names starting with X.
Y
No names starting with Y.
Z
No names starting with Z.