Arioch
malePatriarchalMeaning: “Lion-like; servant of the moon-god”
The king of Ellasar, one of the four allied kings who fought the cities of the plain in Genesis 14.
Biography
Arioch was the king of Ellasar, one of the four-king coalition that, under Chedorlaomer of Elam, campaigned against the five kings of the Jordan plain (Genesis 14:1, 9). The eastern alliance's victory and plunder of Sodom — including the capture of Abraham's nephew Lot — set in motion Abraham's daring nighttime rescue.
Life Timeline
Joins Chedorlaomer’s coalition in the war of the kings
On the Bible timeline
Arioch belongs to the The Patriarchs era (c. 2100 – 1800 BC).
- c. 2091 BCThe Call of Abraham
- c. 1898 BCJoseph Sold into Egypt
Themes & lessons from Arioch
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Arioch appears.
People they appear with
Places in their story
Scripture Appearances
2 verses in 1 bookGenesis2 verses
Genesis 14:1
And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;
Genesis 14:9
With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
Frequently asked about Arioch
Who was Arioch in the Bible?
The king of Ellasar, one of the four allied kings who fought the cities of the plain in Genesis 14.
What does the name Arioch mean?
The name Arioch means “Lion-like; servant of the moon-god”.
What did Arioch do in the Bible?
Arioch served as king of ellasar.
Where does Arioch appear in the Bible?
Arioch is mentioned 2 times across 1 book: Genesis.
What can we learn from Arioch?
The story of Arioch touches on themes of chedorlaomer, sodom, abraham, armies — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Arioch's life.
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