Location
Overview
The Tigris, called Hiddekel in the Hebrew Bible, is the eastern of the two great rivers of Mesopotamia. Its name reflects its swift current.
A river of Eden
It is the third river flowing from Eden: "the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria" (Genesis 2:14) — a description that matches the Tigris precisely.
Daniel's vision
Centuries later the prophet Daniel was standing "by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel," when he lifted his eyes and saw the glorious heavenly man whose appearance was like lightning (Daniel 10:4–6).
The river of Assyria
Flowing past Asshur and Nineveh, the Tigris was the artery of the Assyrian Empire, the very nation God would later use to discipline his people.
Events Here
Daniel receives his final vision by the Hiddekel
The Hiddekel (Tigris) named as the third river of Eden
Scripture References
2 versesGenesis1 verse
Genesis 2:14
And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. toward: or, eastward to Assyria
Daniel1 verse
Daniel 10:4
And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel;
Archaeology & History
The Tigris rises in the mountains of eastern Turkey and runs about 1,900 km through Iraq, past the ruins of Nineveh at Mosul, before joining the Euphrates. Faster and more flood-prone than its twin, it watered the heartland of Assyria and, later, the city of Baghdad.
Frequently asked about Tigris River (Hiddekel)
Where is Tigris River (Hiddekel) today?
Today, Tigris River (Hiddekel) corresponds to Tigris (Dijlah).
What does the name Tigris River (Hiddekel) mean?
The name Tigris River (Hiddekel) means “Rapid, arrow-swift”.
What happened at Tigris River (Hiddekel) in the Bible?
Key biblical events at Tigris River (Hiddekel) include daniel receives his final vision by the hiddekel; the hiddekel (tigris) named as the third river of eden.
Where is Tigris River (Hiddekel) first mentioned in the Bible?
Tigris River (Hiddekel) is first mentioned in Genesis 2:14.
How often is Tigris River (Hiddekel) mentioned in the Bible?
Tigris River (Hiddekel) is mentioned in 2 verses across 2 books: Genesis, Daniel.
What river is the Hiddekel?
The Hiddekel is the Tigris — one of the four rivers of Eden, described in Genesis as flowing "toward the east of Assyria."
What happened by the Tigris in the Bible?
Besides being a river of Eden, it is where the prophet Daniel received his great closing vision of a glorious heavenly man (Daniel 10).