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There are a few various words for "city in the Hebrew, each with their own etymological connotation:
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עִיר (ir): The root of this word is ערה, which carries the general sense of "watching" or "being awake." The concept of a city might derive from the idea of a place where people are awake and active. Strong's #5892.
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קריה (kiryah) from which "Iscariot is derived: The root of this word is קרה, which has meanings related to "meeting" or "calling." "Kiryah" might suggest a place where people gather or are called together. Strong's #7151.
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עיריה (iriyah): This word is derived from the root ערי, which is related to the concept of "watching" or "guarding." In this context, "iriyah" might refer to a place where there is organized oversight or governance. Strong's #5892 (same as עִיר).
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בירה (birah): castle, fortress. It is used to describe the temple in Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 29:1, 19). It is also used to describe a fortress near the temple in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:8; Nehemiah 7:2).
In the phrase "בשושן הבירה" (Birah Shushan), it refers to a fortress in the city of Shushan (Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 1:2, 5; Esther 2:3, 5, 8; Esther 3:15; Esther 8:14; Esther 9:6, 11, 12; Daniel 8:2). This fortress is mentioned in relation to significant events in the Book of Esther and other historical accounts. Strong's #1002.
See also Strong's #7152 Qiryot cities/buildings |