Bible Dictionary
Irha-heres
Irha-heres is a reading of Isaiah 19:18, understood by some manuscripts as “city of destruction” and by others as “city of the sun.” It may refer to Heliopolis in Egypt.
Definition
Irha-heres is a reading associated with Isaiah’s reference to a city in Egypt. Some manuscripts or readings understand the name as “city of destruction,” while others give “city of the sun.”
Biblical Usage
The name occurs only in Isaiah’s prophecy, where the city is included in a prediction concerning the future influence of the Jews in Egypt.
Historical Background
The name may refer to Heliopolis. The supplied material suggests that the prophecy could relate to a period when Jews increased in number and influence there, possibly during the time of the Ptolemies.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
According to some MSS., meaning “city of destruction.” Other MSS. read ’Irhahares; rendered “city of the sun”, Isa. 19:18, where alone the word occurs. This name may probably refer to Heliopolis. The prophecy here points to a time when the Jews would so increase in number there as that the city would fall under their influence. This might be in the time of the Ptolemies. (See ON.)