### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bâmâh**, represented by `{{H1117}}`, is the proper name for a specific place in Palestine. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its definition is identical to the word for "high place," indicating that it is a named example of such a location.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H1117}}` occurs in a moment of divine questioning. In [[Ezekiel 20:29]], the LORD asks the people of Israel about the "high place" `{{H1116}}` to which they continually go `{{H935}}`. The verse then states that the **name** `{{H8034}}` of this location is **called** `{{H7121}}` **Bamah** `{{H1117}}` "unto this **day**" `{{H3117}}`. This context establishes **Bamah** not merely as a location, but as a symbol of persistent, unauthorized worship that was given a specific name to mark its significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its biblical context illuminate the meaning of **Bamah**:
* `{{H1116}}` **bâmâh** (an elevation; height, high place, wave): This is the common noun from which the proper name `{{H1117}}` is derived. These "high places" were often sites of illicit worship that Israel was commanded to destroy [[Numbers 33:52]] and were even used improperly by figures like Solomon [[1 Kings 3:3]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to, give name): This word is used to show the deliberate act of naming the location. The place was formally **called** Bamah, cementing its identity in connection with the people's actions there [[Ezekiel 20:29]].
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (an appellation, name): This highlights that **Bamah** is a formal **name**, serving as a memorial or mark of individuality for this particular high place [[Ezekiel 20:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1117}}` is concentrated in its singular, pointed usage.
* **A Named Rebuke:** The very act of naming the site "Bamah" (High Place) is presented as a divine rebuke. It turns the generic term for the location of their sin into a specific, lasting title, forever marking it as a place of disobedience [[Ezekiel 20:29]].
* **Embodiment of Illicit Worship:** As a named `{{H1116}}` "high place," Bamah represents the broader biblical struggle with sites of worship outside of God's prescribed sanctuary. These places were consistently associated with Israel's sin [[Hosea 10:8]] and defilement [[Ezekiel 43:7]].
* **A Lasting Memorial of Sin:** The phrase "unto this day" in [[Ezekiel 20:29]] shows that the name was not fleeting. It served as a continuous, enduring reminder to future generations of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness and their attraction to forbidden forms of worship.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1117}}` **Bâmâh** is far more than a simple place name. Appearing only once, it functions as a powerful theological statement. It is the definitive, named example of a "high place," used by God through the prophet Ezekiel to confront Israel's persistent sin. Its significance is tied directly to its context as a lasting memorial, transforming a generic location of improper worship into a specific, historical symbol of disobedience.
TRV