### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Bêyth hâ-ʻÊmeq**, represented by `{{H1025}}`, is a place name meaning **house of the valley**. This name is formed from the words for "house" and "valley" with the article interposed. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it serves as a geographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to **Bêyth hâ-ʻÊmeq** is found in the description of the territorial allotment for the tribe of Zebulun. The border **turneth** `{{H7725}}` and **reacheth** `{{H6293}}` to several landmarks, including a course that runs "toward the north side `{{H6828}}` of **Bethemek** `{{H1025}}`, and Neiel `{{H5272}}`, and goeth out `{{H3318}}` to Cabul `{{H3521}}` on the left hand `{{H8040}}`" [[Joshua 19:27]]. In this context, it functions as a precise point of reference for defining tribal boundaries.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the geographical context of `{{H1025}}`:
* `{{H1516}}` **gayʼ** (valley): This word is a core component of the name Bethemek itself. It is also used in the same passage to describe the nearby "valley of Jiphthahel" [[Joshua 19:27]], reinforcing the local topography.
* `{{H2074}}` **Zᵉbûwlûwn** (Zebulun): This is the name of the tribe whose territory is being defined. The border **reacheth** `{{H6293}}` to **Zebulun** before continuing toward Bethemek [[Joshua 19:27]].
* `{{H3521}}` **Kâbûwl** (Cabul): Defined as sterile, this is another landmark town mentioned in the same boundary description. The border **goeth out** `{{H3318}}` to **Cabul** on the left hand after passing Bethemek [[Joshua 19:27]].
* `{{H5272}}` **Nᵉʻîyʼêl** (Neiel): Meaning "moved of God," this is another place in Palestine mentioned immediately alongside Bethemek as part of Zebulun's border [[Joshua 19:27]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1025}}` is entirely geographical, providing a specific detail in the Old Testament narrative of the division of the land.
* **Boundary Marker:** Its sole purpose in scripture is to serve as a landmark defining the border of the territory assigned to the tribe of **Zebulun** `{{H2074}}` [[Joshua 19:27]].
* **Geographical Network:** It is part of a chain of specific locations that map out the tribal inheritance, situated between the "valley of **Jiphthahel**" `{{H3317}}` and the town of **Cabul** `{{H3521}}` on the northern border [[Joshua 19:27]].
* **Topographical Identity:** The name itself, **house of the valley**, directly reflects its physical location, giving a clear indication of the landscape in that part of the territory of Zebulun.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1025}}` **Bêyth hâ-ʻÊmeq** is a specific and rare place name whose meaning, "house of the valley," is descriptive of its setting. Appearing just once in the Bible, it plays a small but precise role in the administrative and geographical records of ancient Israel, helping to delineate the inheritance of the tribe of Zebulun as recorded in the book of Joshua.