Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Scorpions, probably the general name given to the ridge containing the pass between the south of the Dead Sea and Zin, es-Sufah, by which there is an ascent to the level of the land of Palestine. Scorpions are said to abound in this whole district, and hence the name (Num. 34:4). It is called “Maaleh-acrabbim” in Josh. 15:3, and “the ascent of Akrabbim” in Num. 34:4.
Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)
(the ascent of, or the going up to); also MAALEH-ACRABBIM (the scorpion pass), A pass between the south end of the Dead Sea and Zin, forming one of the landmarks on the south boundary at once of Judah, (Joshua 15:3) and of the Holy Land. (Numbers 34:4) Also the boundary of the Amorites. (Judges 1:36) As to the name, scorpions abound in the whole of this district.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898) & Schaff's Bible Dictionary
AKRAB'BIM (scorpions), a range of hills on the southern boundary of Judah, Num 34:4 ; Josh 15:3, and on the border of the territory of the Amorites. Jud 1:36. The "ascent of" and the "going up to" Akrabbim is the famous "Scorpion Pass," where the route from Petra to Hebron passes out of the Ghur, or Wady, el-Fikreh. " Scorpions still abound in the region. It was also called Maalehacrabbim. Josh 15:3.
Hitchcock's Bible Names (1869)
scorpions