The Hebrew word Bêyth Gâmûwl, represented by H1014, is a proper name for a location. Its name is derived from words meaning house of (the) weaned. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, identifying it as a specific place East of the Jordan.
The single biblical reference to H1014 places it within a prophecy of judgment. In the book of Jeremiah, the word of the Lord is proclaimed against Moab, listing numerous cities that will face ruin. Bêyth Gâmûwl is mentioned in this list of condemned places, appearing as "Bethgamul" in the oracle against Moab Jeremiah 48:23.
Several related words appear alongside Bêyth Gâmûwl in its only scriptural context, identifying it as part of a larger geographic region:
- H7156 Qiryâthayim (double city): This city is listed immediately before Bethgamul in the prophecy of judgment against Moab, linking them geographically as targets of the same divine decree Jeremiah 48:23.
- H1010 Bêyth Baʻal Mᵉʻôwn (house of Baal of the habitation): This location, appearing as "Bethmeon," is mentioned directly after Bethgamul in the same verse, further solidifying the regional focus of the judgment described in Jeremiah Jeremiah 48:23.
The significance of H1014 is tied exclusively to its role in biblical prophecy.
- Object of Divine Judgment: Its sole mention in scripture is as a recipient of God's proclaimed judgment upon the nation of Moab, as spoken through the prophet Jeremiah.
- Geographic Marker: Bêyth Gâmûwl serves to specifically identify one of the towns within Moab that would be overthrown, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the prophecy. It is grouped with Kiriathaim and Beth-meon, showing it was part of a known cluster of Moabite cities Jeremiah 48:23.
In summary, H1014 is not a common term but the specific name of a place, Bêyth Gâmûwl. Its single appearance in the Bible serves a very precise function: to name one of the cities in Moab destined for judgment. The meaning of its name, "house of (the) weaned," is secondary to its scriptural role as a landmark within a prophecy of divine retribution.
TRV