The Bible not only offers spiritual guidance, but also serves as a historical text recording the names of various ancient nations. Understanding these nations and their modern-day equivalents can provide valuable context for biblical studies, historical research, and for deciphering bible prophecy.
Here are some of the nations mentioned in the Bible by name, and their current name:
Ancient Name in the Bible |
Modern Location/Name |
| Assyria – Along with “Syria,” it was also called “Aram” and “Mesopotamia.” The name Aram in Hebrew signifies the high elevation found in this mountainous land. | Syria and parts of Iraq |
| Babylon – The Bible mentions that Babylon was located in the land of Shinar, on the banks of the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia. (See Psalm 137). Also, Genesis 10:10: “Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar” | Iraq – Babylon is located within modern-day Iraq, roughly 50 miles south of Baghdad. |
| Canaan – Genesis 10:19, ESV – “And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon in the direction of Gerar as far as Gaza, and in the direction of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha.” | Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Jordan and Syria |
| Cush – Genesis 10:6, ESV – “The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan.” | Sudan and parts of Ethiopia |
| Moab | Jordan |
| Edom – Genesis 36:1, ESV – “These are the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).” | Jordan |
| Egypt | Egypt |
| Israel | Israel |
| Persian | Iran |
| Philistia | Part of Gaza Strip, Israel |