### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâlâh**, represented by `{{H1088}}`, identifies a specific place in Palestine. Its base definition also suggests the concept of **failure**. The term is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H1088}}` occurs in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify a town or settlement named **Balah**. It is mentioned in a geographical list of places alongside Hazarshual and Azem [[Joshua 19:3]], establishing its identity as a specific location within ancient Palestine.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are found in the immediate context of its only biblical mention:
* `{{H2705}}` **Chătsar Shûwʻâl** (Hazar-shual): Defined as the "village of (the) fox," this place is listed immediately before Balah in the same verse [[Joshua 19:3]].
* `{{H6107}}` **ʻEtsem** (Azem, Ezem): Meaning "bone," this location is listed immediately after Balah, completing the trio of cities mentioned in the passage [[Joshua 19:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H1088}}` is primarily geographical rather than theological.
* **Geographical Marker:** Balah's primary role is to serve as a specific geographical point of reference in the biblical record.
* **Territorial Component:** Its inclusion in a list of cities [[Joshua 19:3]] indicates it was recognized as a component of a larger collection of settlements.
* **A Name of Failure:** While identified as a place, the base definition of `{{H1088}}` is "failure." The scripture does not provide context for why a location would carry this name.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1088}}` **Balah** is a singular reference to a place in Palestine. Its significance is rooted entirely in its single appearance as a geographical marker in the book of Joshua. While its name carries the meaning of "failure," its biblical function is simply to identify a specific town in a list of settlements, existing alongside other known locations like Hazar-shual and Azem.
TRV