from בַּיִת and תַּפּוּחַ; house of (the) apple; Beth-Tappuach, a place in Palestine; Beth-tappuah.
Transliteration:Bêyth Tappûwach
Pronunciation:bayth tap-poo'-akh
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term בֵּית תַּפּוּחַ (Bêyth Tappûwach, `{{H1054}}`) is a compound proper noun, derived from two distinct Hebrew words: בַּיִת (bayit, `{{H1004}}`), meaning "house" or "dwelling," and תַּפּוּחַ (tappuach, `{{H8598}}`), typically translated as "apple" or "apple tree." Therefore, the literal and core meaning of Bêyth Tappûwach is "House of Apple" or "Apple House." This designation refers exclusively to a specific geographical locality within ancient Palestine. As a proper noun, its semantic range is singularly restricted to identifying this particular place, rather than conveying a broader conceptual meaning or action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Bêyth Tappûwach (`{{H1054}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Joshua.
[[Joshua 15:53]] states: "And Janum, and Beth-tappuah, and Aphekah," listing it among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. This verse is part of a detailed enumeration of the cities in the hill country (the Shephelah) given to Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. The context is the meticulous division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel, following the conquest under Joshua. The inclusion of Bêyth Tappûwach in this extensive list underscores the precise and comprehensive nature of the tribal allotments. Its placement within the list of cities in the hill country helps to geographically locate it within the broader territory of Judah, specifically in the mountainous region west of Hebron.
### Related Words & Concepts
The constituent elements of Bêyth Tappûwach provide insight into its meaning and connections:
* בַּיִת (bayit, `{{H1004}}`): This foundational word signifies a "house," "dwelling," or "family/household." Its presence in place names often denotes a settlement or a significant structure.
* תַּפּוּחַ (tappuach, `{{H8598}}`): This word refers to the "apple" or "apple tree." It appears elsewhere in the Scriptures, often in contexts that evoke beauty, fragrance, or refreshment, such as in [[Song of Solomon 2:3]] and [[Proverbs 25:11]]. The presence of "apple" in the place name might suggest the fertility or specific agricultural produce characteristic of that region.
Beyond its etymological components, Bêyth Tappûwach is conceptually related to the broader theme of land inheritance and tribal boundaries as meticulously detailed in the book of Joshua. It stands alongside numerous other place names (e.g., Hebron, Debir, Eshtemoh) that collectively define the geographical and political landscape of early Israel. The precise demarcation of these territories reflects the divine order and fulfillment of covenant promises.
### Theological Significance
As a specific geographical marker, the theological significance of Bêyth Tappûwach (`{{H1054}}`) is primarily indirect, yet profound. Its inclusion in the meticulous land distribution of [[Joshua 15]] highlights several key theological principles:
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment of Promise:** The detailed list of cities, including Bêyth Tappûwach, serves as tangible evidence of God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the land (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]], [[Genesis 15:18-21]]). The very act of dividing and possessing the land underscores God's commitment to His people.
2. **Order and Provision:** The precise enumeration of each city demonstrates God's meticulous order and comprehensive provision for His people. Every tribe and family was allotted a specific inheritance, ensuring their security and sustenance. Even a seemingly minor place like "House of Apple" was part of God's grand design.
3. **The Land as a Gift:** The land, with all its features and resources (including potentially apple orchards as suggested by the name), was a divine gift, not merely a conquered territory. This gift was foundational to Israel's identity, worship, and national life. The name "House of Apple" could implicitly speak to the fruitfulness and blessing bestowed upon the land.
4. **Historical Veracity:** The detailed geographical lists, of which Bêyth Tappûwach is a part, lend strong historical veracity to the biblical narrative, demonstrating a deep familiarity with the land and its settlements.
### Summary
Bêyth Tappûwach (`{{H1054}}`), meaning "House of Apple," is a proper noun identifying a specific town in the hill country of Judah. Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Joshua 15:53]] places it within the meticulously detailed list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. While a seemingly minor geographical reference, its inclusion powerfully underscores God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, His meticulous provision and order in establishing Israel in the land, and the historical veracity of the biblical account. The name itself, "House of Apple," subtly hints at the potential fertility and blessing associated with the divine gift of the land to His people.
TRV