### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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