### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉʻôwr**, represented by `{{H1160}}`, is the name of two individuals in scripture. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**. The name's base definition is a **lamp**, but it is used exclusively to identify the father of an Edomitish king and, more prominently, the father of the prophet Balaam.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1160}}` serves primarily as a genealogical marker. It first appears identifying **Beor** as the father of **Bela**, who **reigned** in **Edom** from his **city**, **Dinhabah** ([[Genesis 36:32]], [[1 Chronicles 1:43]]). The name's most frequent use, however, is to identify **Balaam** the **son** of **Beor** [[Numbers 22:5]]. This Balaam was a **soothsayer** from **Pethor** of **Mesopotamia** whom **Balak**, **king** of **Moab**, **hired** to **curse** Israel ([[Deuteronomy 23:4]], [[Joshua 24:9]]). Ultimately, **Balaam** the **son** of **Beor** was **slain** with the **sword** by the children of **Israel** ([[Numbers 31:8]], [[Joshua 13:22]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the figures associated with **Beor**:
* `{{H1109}}` **Bilʻâm** (Balaam): This is the name of the Mesopotamian prophet who is most frequently identified as the **son** of **Beor** `{{H1160}}`. His story of being hired to curse Israel is a significant event in the Pentateuch [[Micah 6:5]].
* `{{H1106}}` **Belaʻ** (Bela): This is the name of the Edomite king who was the **son** of the other **Beor** `{{H1160}}`. He was among the kings who reigned in the land of **Edom** before any **king** reigned over **Israel** [[Genesis 36:32]].
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word is essential to the use of `{{H1160}}`, appearing in the recurring phrase "the **son** of **Beor**" to establish the lineage of both Balaam and Bela ([[Numbers 24:3]], [[1 Chronicles 1:43]]).
### Theological Significance
The name **Beor** carries significance through the actions of his sons, highlighting two distinct themes.
* **Royal Lineage:** As the father of **Bela**, king of **Edom**, **Beor** is connected to gentile monarchy that existed before Israel had a king [[1 Chronicles 1:43]]. This establishes his name within the broader history of the region's leadership.
* **Foreign Opposition:** As the father of **Balaam**, **Beor** is linked to a major antagonistic figure. Balaam was hired to **curse** God's people but was answered by the **LORD** [[Micah 6:5]]. He took up his **parable** saying, "**Balaam** the **son** of **Beor** hath **said**" [[Numbers 24:15]], and was ultimately judged and **slain** for his actions [[Numbers 31:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1160}}` **Bᵉʻôwr** is a name known entirely through its connection to its descendants. It does not refer to a person of notable deeds but rather serves as the patriarchal identifier for two very different and significant men: **Bela**, an early **king** of **Edom**, and **Balaam**, the Mesopotamian **soothsayer**. The name **Beor** functions as a crucial anchor, placing these individuals firmly within the genealogical and historical record of the Old Testament.
TRV