for בְּתוּאֵל; Bethul (i.e. Bethuel), a place in Palestine; Bethuel.
Transliteration:Bᵉthûwl
Pronunciation:beth-ool'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma בְּתוּל (Bᵉthûwl, `{{H1329}}`) is a proper noun, specifically identified as a geographical place name. Its base definition indicates it is an alternative or shortened form of בְּתוּאֵל (Bethuel, `{{H1328}}`), particularly when referring to the town. While the etymology of בְּתוּאֵל (Bethuel) is often understood to mean "house of God" (from בַּיִת *bayith*, "house" `{{H1004}}`, and אֵל *'el*, "God" `{{H410}}`) or "man of God," this semantic depth is primarily associated with the personal name `{{H1328}}`. For בְּתוּל (`{{H1329}}`), the core meaning is simply the designation of a specific town in ancient Palestine, reflecting its identity as a settlement within the tribal territories.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term בְּתוּל (Bᵉthûwl, `{{H1329}}`) appears only once in the Masoretic Text:
* [[1 Chronicles 4:30]]: "And Bethuel, and Hormah, and Ziklag,"
In this sole occurrence, בְּתוּל is listed among the towns belonging to the tribe of Simeon. The context is a genealogical and geographical record, detailing the settlements within the tribal inheritance. This verse is part of a larger section (1 Chronicles 4:24-43) that enumerates the descendants of Simeon and their dwelling places. The mention of Bethuel alongside Hormah and Ziklag places it geographically in the southern part of Judah, often referred to as the Negeb. This list serves to confirm the historical and geographical reality of the Simeonites' presence within the land promised to Israel. The town is often identified with Bethuel/Bethul mentioned elsewhere, or possibly with Kesil/Chesil (`{{H3686}}`) in [[Joshua 15:30]] and [[Joshua 19:4]], suggesting a consistent geographical location despite variations in spelling or naming conventions across different biblical accounts.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is בְּתוּאֵל (Bethuel, `{{H1328}}`), from which בְּתוּל (`{{H1329}}`) is explicitly stated to be derived or for which it serves as an alternative form. בְּתוּאֵל (`{{H1328}}`) is primarily known as the personal name of Rebekah's father and Laban's father ([[Genesis 22:23]], [[Genesis 24:15]], [[Genesis 24:24]], [[Genesis 24:47]], [[Genesis 28:2]], [[Genesis 28:5]]). However, בְּתוּאֵל (`{{H1328}}`) also refers to the same town in other biblical passages, such as [[Joshua 19:4]], which lists "Bethuel" as a city allotted to the tribe of Simeon. This close linguistic and referential relationship highlights the fluidity of ancient Hebrew place names and their connection to personal names. Other related concepts include the tribal allotments of Simeon and Judah, as בְּתוּל was situated in the Negeb, a region of strategic importance and often contested or shared among various tribes and peoples.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun designating a specific place, the theological significance of בְּתוּל (`{{H1329}}`) is primarily indirect. Its inclusion in the biblical record underscores several key theological themes:
1. **Divine Providence and Land Allotment:** The meticulous listing of towns like Bethuel in the tribal inheritances ([[1 Chronicles 4:30]]) serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants regarding the land of Canaan. Each town, however minor, represents a tangible fulfillment of divine decree.
2. **Historical Veracity:** The detailed geographical and genealogical records, including specific place names, affirm the historical reality of the Israelite presence in the land and the concrete execution of God's plan for His people.
3. **Order and Stewardship:** The organization of the land into tribal territories, with specific towns assigned, reflects God's desire for order and the responsible stewardship of the land by His chosen people.
While the etymological root of בְּתוּאֵל ("house of God") carries profound theological weight, this meaning is not inherently applied to בְּתוּל (`{{H1329}}`) as a place name. Rather, its significance lies in its existence as part of the divinely ordained landscape of Israel.
### Summary
בְּתוּל (Bᵉthûwl, `{{H1329}}`) is a proper noun referring to a town in the Negeb, specifically allotted to the tribe of Simeon. It is considered an alternative form of בְּתוּאֵל (`{{H1328}}`), which primarily designates a patriarch but also the same geographical location in other biblical texts. Appearing only once in [[1 Chronicles 4:30]], its significance is rooted in its role within the meticulous biblical records of tribal inheritances. The presence of בְּתוּל in Scripture affirms the historical fulfillment of God's covenant promises regarding the land of Israel and highlights the divine ordering of its territories.
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