Pronunciation: [ˌɛʃtɪmˈə͡ʊə] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Eshtemoa" follows the English alphabet and can be transcribed in IPA as ɛʃtəm'oʊə. The letter combination "sh" represents the /ʃ/ sound, while the letter "a" at the end is pronounced as a schwa /ə/ sound. The two letter "o" are pronounced as the long vowel /oʊ/ sound. "Eshtemoa" is a biblical name of a town in ancient Israel and is typically spelled in modern Hebrew as אֶשְׁתְּמֹעַ.
Eshtemoa is a proper noun that refers to a historical town mentioned in the Bible. It is primarily known for its mention in the Old Testament as a city allotted to the tribe of Judah. The name "Eshtemoa" has Hebrew origins and its meaning is not entirely clear. However, it is believed to derive from the Hebrew word "shetama," which means "fertility" or "bloom." This could suggest that the town was known for its fertility and prosperous agricultural lands.
Located in the southern region of ancient Israel, Eshtemoa was situated around 18 miles southwest of Hebron. It was initially given to Caleb, a prominent figure among the Israelites who played a significant role in the conquest of the Promised Land. The town is mentioned in the book of Joshua and is believed to have served as a city of refuge, a place where individuals involved in unintentional manslaughter could find asylum and be protected from revenge.
While the ancient town of Eshtemoa has gradually disappeared over time, remnants of its existence can still be traced back to archaeological discoveries. It serves as a reminder of the rich history and religious significance associated with biblical narratives, and it continues to be referenced and studied by scholars and historians interested in understanding the ancient civilizations of the region.
The word "Eshtemoa" is of Hebrew origin with possible roots in the ancient Canaanite language. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Eshet Moav", which means "wife of Moab". In the Bible, Eshtemoa refers to both a city and a person.
Eshtemoa appears in the Old Testament in the Book of Joshua (Joshua 15:50) as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah during the division of the Promised Land. It is also mentioned in the Book of Chronicles (1 Chronicles 4:17) as the name of a person belonging to the tribe of Judah.
The precise etymology of "Eshtemoa" beyond its Hebrew origins is uncertain, as it is believed to have been derived from an older Canaanite name or word.
