### 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.
TRV