feminine of בַּעַל; a mistress; that hath, mistress.
Transliteration:baʻălâh
Pronunciation:bah-al-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בַּעֲלָה (baʻălâh, `{{H1172}}`) is the feminine form of בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`). While בַּעַל primarily denotes "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband," בַּעֲלָה extends these meanings to the feminine gender. Its fundamental sense is "mistress," "female owner," or "lady." It describes a woman who possesses, controls, or exercises authority over something or someone. The nuance "that hath" further emphasizes the idea of possession or being characterized by something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בַּעֲלָה (baʻălâh, `{{H1172}}`) appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its occurrences are highly significant:
* **[[1 Samuel 28:7]]**: "Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at Endor." Here, בַּעֲלָה appears as בַּעֲלַת-אוֹב (*baʿălat-ʾôḇ*), literally "mistress of a familiar spirit." This phrase denotes a woman who possesses or controls a spirit, indicating her role as a medium or necromancer. The context is Saul's desperate, forbidden attempt to consult the dead prophet Samuel through this woman, highlighting a practice explicitly condemned by God's law.
* **[[1 Kings 17:17]]**: "And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him." In this passage, בַּעֲלָה is used in the phrase בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת (*baʿălat habbayit*), meaning "mistress of the house." This refers to the widow of Zarephath, who hosted the prophet Elijah. This usage signifies her position as the female head or owner of the household, underscoring her domestic authority and responsibility within her home.
These two primary contexts illustrate the dual nature of "mastery" or "possession": one in a negative, illicit spiritual sense, and the other in a legitimate, domestic sense.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`):** The direct masculine counterpart, forming the semantic root of בַּעֲלָה. It carries meanings of "owner," "master," "husband," and tragically, "lord" in reference to pagan deities.
* **אָדוֹן (adon, `{{H113}}`):** While also meaning "lord" or "master," אָדוֹן often emphasizes authority and rule, whereas בַּעַל and בַּעֲלָה lean more towards ownership and possession.
* **גְּבִירָה (gĕbîrâ, `{{H1377}}`):** This term means "lady," "mistress," or "queen mother," often denoting a woman of high social or royal status. While בַּעֲלָה can describe a "mistress," גְּבִירָה typically implies higher rank or noble standing.
* **אִשָּׁה (ishshah, `{{H802}}`):** The general Hebrew word for "woman" or "wife." בַּעֲלָה describes a specific characteristic or role of a woman (one who possesses or is a mistress), rather than simply her gender.
* **Concepts:** Ownership, possession, authority (female), leadership (domestic), spiritual control (both legitimate and illicit), and responsibility.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of בַּעֲלָה (baʻălâh, `{{H1172}}`) is primarily derived from its contextual applications rather than an inherent theological meaning within the word itself.
* In [[1 Samuel 28:7]], the "mistress of a familiar spirit" (בַּעֲלַת-אוֹב) stands as a stark example of practices explicitly forbidden by God's law ([[Leviticus 19:31]]; [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]]). This usage highlights the grave danger and spiritual rebellion inherent in seeking guidance or power from sources other than Yahweh. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and condemnation of all forms of divination and necromancy, emphasizing that true spiritual authority and revelation reside solely with Him.
* Conversely, in [[1 Kings 17:17]], the "mistress of the house" (בַּעֲלַת הַבַּיִת), the widow of Zarephath, represents a different aspect of female authority and responsibility. Though initially outside the covenant community, her role as the head of her household becomes the setting for God's miraculous provision through Elijah. This demonstrates that God's redemptive power extends even to those in seemingly ordinary domestic roles, and that faithful obedience, regardless of one's background, can lead to divine blessing and intervention.
* The term implicitly affirms the existence of female ownership and authority within ancient Israelite society, albeit within defined societal and religious boundaries. It reflects a social structure where women could hold significant positions of responsibility, whether for good or ill, and serves as a backdrop against which divine actions unfold.
### Summary
The Hebrew term בַּעֲלָה (baʻălâh, `{{H1172}}`) is the feminine form of בַּעַל (baʻal, `{{H1167}}`), signifying "mistress," "female owner," or "one who possesses." Its core meaning denotes female possession, ownership, or authority. Though rare in biblical occurrences, its usage is highly illustrative: in [[1 Samuel 28:7]], it describes the "mistress of a familiar spirit," condemning illicit spiritual practices. In [[1 Kings 17:17]], it refers to the "mistress of the house," highlighting a woman's legitimate domestic authority. While the word itself is descriptive, its contexts reveal profound theological insights into both the dangers of forbidden spiritual control and the settings where God's miraculous power intersects with the lives of individuals in their established roles, affirming the reality of female responsibility and agency within the biblical narrative.
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