“Tell me your name, and I will tell you who you are.” This also applies to the place names in the Bible. There are places that have always been associated with positive connotations, and others that are fraught with problems. The biblical authors often set their narratives in specific locations with theological intent. It is therefore worthwhile to take a closer look at the respective locations of the biblical texts.

In order to situate a biblical narrative within the topography of the Levant and to make use of the literary connotations of place names within the narrative, it is necessary to locate biblical toponyms as precisely as possible. Even if, for many places, only an approximate area can be specified, such knowledge significantly shapes our understanding of the texts and their theological message. However, definitively identifying locations is difficult insofar as knowledge of the location of individual places has been lost or has shifted over time.

Furthermore, as the topography of the final biblical text can differ markedly from that of the individual literary precursors, one must be cautious when analysing the topography of the final text, so as not to prematurely interpret the synchronic picture—which follows literary conventions—as a basis for locating biblical place names (diachronic caveat). Against this background, historical and literary topography must be distinguished.

Thus, this project brings together historical, archaeological, linguistic and topographical research within the field of theology, fostering dialogue between these disciplines. Moreover, the international integration of the research project is necessary, as the research findings must be cross-referenced with the material evidence in Israel.