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