What is…
Edrei

Hebrew: אֶדְרֶעִי —meaning: mighty; strength

Edrei is the name of two biblical towns.

Edrei, in Bashan

also known as: Eḏreʿi, Edr'a, Adraa and later Daraa, Syria

This is one of the chief towns of the kingdom of Bashan (Joshua 12:4-5).

Here King Og was defeated by the Israelites, and the strength of the Amorites was broken (Numbers 21:33-35).

Edrei subsequently belonged to the Tribe of Manasseh, for a short time apparently, and afterwards it became the abode of bandits and outlaws (Joshua 13:31).

It has been identified by archaeologists with Edr'a at modern Daraa, Syria, which stands on a rocky promontory on the southwest edge of the Lejah, the largest lava field in southern Syria—called the Argob by the ancient Hebrews, and Trachonitis by the Greeks (Luke 3:1).

The ruins of Edrei are the most extensive in the Hauran. They are 3 miles in circumference. A number of the ancient houses still remain; the walls, roofs, and doors being all of stone.

Elevated about 20 feet above the plain, it was a labyrinth of clefts and crevasses in the rock, formed by volcanic action. Because of its impenetrable condition, it became a refuge for outlaws, a seemingly impregnable natural fortress, about 20 miles in length and 15 in width.

Beneath Edrei there is also a subterranean city, hollowed out probably as a refuge for the population of the upper city in times of danger.

The city is referred to be the Roman historian Eusebius.

Today, Edrei is called Daraa, Syria.

Modern Daraa, Syria, site of ancient Edrei—satellite view
Q & A

Edrei, of Naphtali

This is an ancient fortified city located within the Tribe of Naphtali (Joshua 19:37).

Joshua mentions this Edrei along with the fortified cities of:

Q & A
Article Version: October 10, 2025