The Hebrew word Bêyth-Dâgôwn, represented by H1016, is a place name defined as house of Dagon. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, identifying two distinct locations in Palestine. Its meaning is derived from the combination of the Hebrew words for "house" and "Dagon."
In the biblical narrative, H1016 is used exclusively in the book of Joshua to identify specific geographical locations during the allotment of land. First, it is listed as one of sixteen cities H5892 that came with their villages H2691 in a particular region Joshua 15:41. It is also mentioned as a key landmark in a description of a territorial border, which turneth H7725 toward Beth-Dagon before reaching the territory of Zebulun H2074 Joshua 19:27.
Several related words help clarify the context in which Bêyth-Dâgôwn appears:
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This word establishes Beth-Dagon as an inhabited and defined settlement, listed among other cities Joshua 15:41.
- H2691 châtsêr (village): Used in conjunction with ʻîyr, this term denotes the hamlets and surrounding yards that were associated with the main city of Beth-Dagon Joshua 15:41.
- H2074 Zᵉbûwlûwn (Zebulun): The territory of this tribe is used as a reference point in the boundary line that runs through Beth-Dagon, highlighting the latter's role as a geographical marker Joshua 19:27.
- H1516 gayʼ (valley): This term for a gorge or narrow valley is part of the same geographical description as Beth-Dagon, painting a picture of the region's topography Joshua 19:27.
The significance of H1016 is primarily geographical and historical, tied to the Israelite settlement of the promised land.
- Territorial Boundary Marker: Beth-Dagon serves as a critical landmark for delineating tribal inheritance. Its position on a border helps define the precise extent of a territory as recorded in the book of Joshua Joshua 19:27.
- Enumerated City: Its inclusion in a list of sixteen cities with their villages confirms its status as a recognized and significant town within a larger district Joshua 15:41.
- Compound Name: The name Bêyth-Dâgôwn H1016 is explicitly defined as "house of Dagon." This points to a pre-Israelite identity or association for the location, preserved in its name.
In summary, Bêyth-Dâgôwn H1016 is a proper noun for two places in Palestine, mentioned solely within the geographical lists of the book of Joshua. Its role in scripture is not theological but functional, serving to identify an inhabited city Joshua 15:41 and to mark a specific point on a tribal boundary line Joshua 19:27. The name itself, meaning "house of Dagon," offers a direct glimpse into the identity of the location as it was known when Israel took possession of the land.
TRV