the same as בַּעֲלָה; Baalah, the name of three places in Palestine; Baalah.
Transliteration:Baʻălâh
Pronunciation:bah-al-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1173 בַּעֲלָה (Baʻălâh) is a proper noun, specifically a geographical designation. It represents the feminine form of the noun H1167 בַּעַל (baʻal), which primarily signifies "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband." As a place name, Baʻălâh thus conveys the sense of "her place," "place of the mistress," or "place of possession." While the underlying root H1167 is famously associated with the Canaanite deity Baal (H1172), H1173 itself refers to specific locations within ancient Palestine, not directly to the deity. The name implies a place that is owned or possessed, reflecting the concept of territorial claim or belonging.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
H1173 (Baʻălâh) appears in the Old Testament referring to at least three distinct geographical locations:
1. **A city on the northern border of Judah, identified with Kirjath-jearim:** This is the most prominent reference. It is mentioned as a landmark in the tribal allotment of Judah in [[Joshua 15:9]] and [[Joshua 15:11]]. This Baalah is explicitly linked with Kirjath-jearim (H7157), as seen in [[1 Chronicles 13:6]], where the place from which David sought to bring the Ark of God is called "Baalah, that is, Kirjath-jearim." It is also referred to as "Baale-judah" (H1177) in [[2 Samuel 6:2]], further cementing its association with the tribe of Judah and its identity as a "place of Judah's master/possession." The Ark of the Covenant resided here for many years, highlighting its significance in Israelite history.
2. **A city in the Negev (southern Judah):** This Baalah is listed among the cities of the tribe of Judah in the southern district in [[Joshua 15:29]]. Its mention here distinguishes it from the northern Baalah/Kirjath-jearim, indicating a separate settlement.
3. **A city in the territory of Simeon:** In [[1 Chronicles 4:29]], Baalah is listed as one of the cities belonging to the tribe of Simeon. This city is likely synonymous with Bilhah (H1109) mentioned in [[Joshua 19:3]] as a Simeonite city, suggesting a possible alternative name or a renaming over time.
The repeated use of Baʻălâh for different locations underscores its general descriptive quality ("place of possession") rather than a unique identifier. The context always clarifies which specific Baalah is being referenced.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is H1167 בַּעַל (baʻal), the masculine form from which H1173 is derived. This root signifies "owner," "master," "lord," or "husband," and its semantic range extends to concepts of possession, dominion, and authority. Crucially, the same root gives rise to H1172 בַּעַל (Baʻal), the proper name for the prominent Canaanite storm and fertility deity. While H1173 is a place name, its etymological connection to Baʻal cannot be overlooked, especially in the context of Israel's struggle against idolatry. Other related terms include H1177 בַּעֲלֵה יְהוּדָה (Baʻaleh Yĕhûdâh), "Baale-Judah," an alternative name for Kirjath-jearim, emphasizing its "lordship" or "possession" by Judah. The city H7157 קִרְיַת יְעָרִים (Qiryath Yeʻarim), "city of forests," is directly linked to one of the Baalah locations, offering a contrasting descriptive name. The concept of territorial inheritance and tribal boundaries is also intimately connected to the occurrences of this word.
### Theological Significance
As a geographical proper noun, the direct theological significance of H1173 Baʻălâh is primarily indirect, rooted in the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel and their possession of the Promised Land. The name itself, meaning "place of the mistress/possession," speaks to the idea of ownership. In the biblical narrative, all land ultimately belongs to Yahweh ([[Leviticus 25:23]]). Thus, for Israel to possess a place named "Baalah" meant it was a place possessed *by them* under the ultimate sovereignty of Yahweh.
The etymological link to H1172 (Baal, the pagan deity) introduces a subtle but important theological tension. While the place name Baʻălâh does not inherently denote Baal worship, its resonance with the name of the Canaanite idol could serve as a reminder of the spiritual battle for the land. The fact that one of these "Baalah" locations (Kirjath-jearim) became the temporary dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant ([[1 Samuel 7:1-2]], [[2 Samuel 6:2]], [[1 Chronicles 13:6]]) is profoundly significant. It demonstrates Yahweh's claim and sanctification of a place, even one whose name might echo pagan associations. By bringing the Ark, the symbol of His presence, to "Baalah of Judah," Israel was asserting Yahweh's rightful "mastery" over that territory, reclaiming it from any potential spiritual ambiguity and affirming it as a place belonging to God's people. This act underscored the theological truth that Yahweh, not Baal, was the true "Lord" and "owner" of the land and its inhabitants.
### Summary
H1173 בַּעֲלָה (Baʻălâh) is a Hebrew proper noun designating three distinct places in ancient Palestine. Derived from the root H1167 (baʻal), meaning "owner" or "master," Baʻălâh signifies a "place of possession" or "place of the mistress." Its most notable occurrence is as an alternative name for Kirjath-jearim, a significant site where the Ark of the Covenant resided for many years. While the name shares an etymological root with the Canaanite deity Baal (H1172), H1173 itself refers to a geographical location, not the idol. The theological significance of Baʻălâh lies in its context within Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, implicitly affirming Yahweh's ultimate sovereignty and ownership over all territory, even those places whose names might carry echoes of pagan dominion. The presence of the Ark at Baalah/Kirjath-jearim powerfully demonstrated Yahweh's rightful claim as the true Master of the land.
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