### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Bêyth-ʼÊl**, represented by `{{H1008}}`, literally means **house of God**. It is formed from the words `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house) and `{{H410}}` **ʼêl** (God). Appearing **70 times** across **63 unique verses**, it primarily refers to a significant and historically layered place in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Bethel** is first established by Jacob after he has a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. He renames the place, which was formerly called Luz, declaring it the "house of God" [[Genesis 28:19]]. Years later, God commands Jacob to return to **Bethel** and build an altar [[Genesis 35:1]], and Jacob identifies it as the place where God answered him in his distress [[Genesis 35:3]]. The location later becomes a major center of idolatry when King Jeroboam sets up one of his golden calves there to prevent Israel from worshipping in Jerusalem [[1 Kings 12:29]]. This act leads to prophetic condemnation, with prophets like Amos warning the people not to seek **Bethel** [[Amos 5:5]] and foretelling the destruction of its altars [[Amos 3:14]]. The judgment against **Bethel** culminates when King Josiah destroys its altar and high place as part of his reforms [[2 Kings 23:15]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the identity and history of Bethel:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): The foundational word for "house," used to form the first part of Bethel's name. It can refer to a physical building, a family, or a place [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H410}}` **ʼêl** (God): A primary name for God, meaning mighty one or power, which forms the second part of Bethel's name [[Genesis 31:13]].
* `{{H3870}}` **Lûwz** (Luz): The original name of the city before Jacob renamed it **Bethel** ([[Genesis 28:19]], [[Judges 1:23]]). The name is used interchangeably in some passages [[Joshua 16:2]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): Frequently associated with **Bethel**, first with Abram [[Genesis 12:8]] and Jacob [[Genesis 35:1]], and later as the site of Jeroboam's profane altar [[1 Kings 13:4]].
* `{{H5695}}` **ʻêgel** (calf): This word refers to the golden **calf** Jeroboam placed in **Bethel**, which became a symbol of Israel's sin [[2 Kings 10:29]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of `{{H1008}}` is demonstrated through its dramatic historical arc from a holy site to a symbol of apostasy.
* **Place of Divine Revelation:** It is initially sanctified by a direct encounter between Jacob and God. Jacob anoints a pillar there, and God identifies Himself as "the God of **Bethel**" [[Genesis 31:13]]. The prophet Hosea recalls this history, stating that God found Jacob and spoke with the people in **Bethel** [[Hosea 12:4]].
* **Center of False Worship:** Under Jeroboam, **Bethel** becomes the heart of the northern kingdom's rebellion against the prescribed worship in Jerusalem. It is called "the king's chapel" and "the king's court" [[Amos 7:13]], representing a state-sponsored religion established in opposition to God's command.
* **Object of Prophetic Judgment:** The corruption of worship at **Bethel** draws severe judgment. A man of God from Judah cries against its altar [[1 Kings 13:1]], and prophets like Amos and Hosea declare its ruin ([[Amos 5:5]], [[Hosea 10:15]]). Jeremiah uses Israel's misplaced trust in **Bethel** as an analogy for Moab's coming shame in its god, Chemosh [[Jeremiah 48:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1008}}` **Bêyth-ʼÊl** is far more than a geographical location. It begins as a place of sacred memory, the "house of God," consecrated by patriarchal encounters. However, its story serves as a powerful biblical case study of how a holy place can be desecrated by idolatry, becoming a symbol of national sin and a target of divine judgment. The narrative of **Bethel** illustrates the enduring conflict between true worship ordained by God and the false worship devised by humans.
TRV