### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bêyth Birʼîy**, represented by `{{H1011}}`, means **house of a creative one**. It is a proper name for a place in Palestine, transliterated as **Bethbirei**. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entire biblical text.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of **Bethbirei** `{{H1011}}` is in a geographical list found in the book of Chronicles. The verse states, "And at Bethmarcaboth, and Hazarsusim, and at **Bethbirei**, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities unto the reign of David" [[1 Chronicles 4:31]]. Here, it functions purely as a place name, listed alongside other locations like Bethmarcaboth `{{H1024}}`, Hazarsusim `{{H2702}}`, and Shaaraim `{{H8189}}` to define a specific territory during a particular historical period.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear in the same verse, providing context for the location of **Bethbirei**:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr**: This word for **city** is used to categorize **Bethbirei** and the other places mentioned. The verse explicitly calls them "their **cities**" [[1 Chronicles 4:31]].
* `{{H1024}}` **Bêyth ham-Markâbôwth**: Listed directly alongside **Bethbirei**, this name means "place of (the) chariots," suggesting a location with a specific strategic or functional purpose.
* `{{H8189}}` **Shaʻărayim**: Another of the **cities** in the list, its name means "double gates" and appears elsewhere as a location in Palestine [[1 Samuel 17:52]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak**: This verb, meaning "to **reign**," establishes the time frame for this list of cities, connecting them to the era of a specific monarch.
* `{{H1732}}` **Dâvid**: The name **David** identifies the king whose reign marks the period in which these locations were recognized as "their cities" [[1 Chronicles 4:31]].
### Theological Significance
While not theologically developed due to its single mention, the significance of `{{H1011}}` can be seen in its name and historical context:
* **Etymological Meaning:** The name itself, "house of a creative one," points to a potential origin or identity for the location, though the biblical text does not elaborate further on this meaning.
* **Historical Marker:** Its inclusion in the list provides a precise historical anchor. The phrase "unto the **reign** `{{H4427}}` of **David** `{{H1732}}`" connects this obscure town to one of the most significant periods in Israelite history [[1 Chronicles 4:31]].
* **Territorial Record:** As one of "their **cities**" `{{H5892}}`, **Bethbirei** plays a small but concrete role in the biblical record of land possession and tribal boundaries, helping to establish the geography of ancient Israel.
### Summary
In summary, **Bêyth Birʼîy** `{{H1011}}` is a place name, **Bethbirei**, whose significance is almost entirely geographical and historical. Its meaning, "house of a creative one," is intriguing but undeveloped in scripture. The word's sole appearance in [[1 Chronicles 4:31]] serves to document it as one of several cities belonging to an Israelite group up to the time of King David's reign, solidifying its place in the biblical map and timeline.
TRV