The Hebrew word Bêyth Lᵉbâʼôwth, represented by H1034, translates to house of lionesses. As a proper name for a place in Palestine, its biblical usage is highly specific. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse, marking it as a distinct geographical location within the Old Testament record.
The sole appearance of H1034 is in the book of Joshua. The verse lists it as part of a group of settlements, stating, "And Bethlebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities and their villages" Joshua 19:6. This context establishes Bethlebaoth as a city, grouped with another named location, Sharuhen H8287, and collectively described as part of a larger cluster of "cities and their villages."
Several related words help define the context of Bêyth Lᵉbâʼôwth as a settlement:
- H8287 Shârûwchen (abode of pleasure): This is the name of the city listed directly alongside Bethlebaoth in Joshua 19:6, identifying it as a neighboring or associated town.
- H5892 ʻîyr (city): This term is explicitly used in Joshua 19:6 to classify Bethlebaoth. The word refers to a city, town, or a place guarded by a watch, indicating that Bethlebaoth was a recognized urban settlement.
- H2691 châtsêr (villages): Described in the verse as belonging to the cities, this word for a hamlet or yard suggests that Bethlebaoth was a central city with smaller, surrounding communities dependent upon it.
The significance of H1034 is primarily geographical and descriptive within the biblical narrative.
- Geographical Marker: Its main role is to identify a specific location. The name "house of lionesses" provides a distinctive label, likely tied to a local characteristic.
- Part of a Larger Whole: The mention of Bethlebaoth in Joshua 19:6 as one of thirteen cities demonstrates its function as a component within a defined region or territory.
- Settlement Structure: Its inclusion with the terms for city H5892 and villages H2691 helps build a picture of its administrative and social structure as a central town with associated hamlets.
In summary, H1034 Bêyth Lᵉbâʼôwth is a specific place name, "house of lionesses," with a single, precise reference in scripture. Its context in Joshua 19:6 defines it as a city with surrounding villages, listed alongside Sharuhen. While not connected to a broader theological theme, its presence serves as an important geographical and administrative detail within the Old Testament's record of the land.
TRV