### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bithrôwn**, represented by `{{H1338}}`, refers to a specific geographical location. Its base definition is "the craggy spot," identifying Bithron as a place located East of the Jordan. It appears only 1 time in a single verse in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Bithrôwn** `{{H1338}}` is in the historical narrative of Abner's retreat. After a conflict, Abner `{{H74}}` and his men `{{H582}}` traveled all night, crossing the Jordan River `{{H3383}}` and passing through "all **Bithron**" on their way to the city of Mahanaim `{{H4266}}`, as recorded in [[2 Samuel 2:29]]. This context places **Bithrôwn** as a region or landmark on a key travel route east of the Jordan.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of **Bithrôwn**'s single mention is a journey, and several related words define the key elements of this passage:
* `{{H4266}}` **Machănayim** (Mahanaim): The destination of Abner and his men, its name means "double camp" and it was a significant place in Palestine [[2 Samuel 2:29]].
* `{{H3383}}` **Yardên** (Jordan): The principal river of Palestine, defined as "a descender," which Abner's party passed over to reach Bithron [[2 Samuel 2:29]].
* `{{H5674}}` **ʻâbar** (passed over): A primitive root meaning "to cross over," describing the action of traversing the Jordan River [[2 Samuel 2:29]].
* `{{H6160}}` **ʻărâbâh** (plain): This term describes the terrain they walked through, specifically the "sterile valley of the Jordan" [[2 Samuel 2:29]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (walked): A root word for walking, used literally here to describe the all-night march of Abner's men [[2 Samuel 2:29]].
### Theological Significance
As a location mentioned only once, the significance of **Bithrôwn** is primarily geographical and historical.
* **A Landmark of Retreat:** Its mention in [[2 Samuel 2:29]] serves to map the specific route taken by Abner `{{H74}}` and his men `{{H582}}` as they traveled to the safety of Mahanaim `{{H4266}}`.
* **East of the Jordan:** The passage clearly situates **Bithrôwn** as a territory east of the Jordan `{{H3383}}`, which the men passed over `{{H5674}}` during their journey.
* **Rugged Terrain:** The name itself, meaning "the craggy spot," suggests a distinctive, possibly difficult landscape that was notable enough to be recorded as part of their all-night trek.
### Summary
In summary, **Bithrôwn** `{{H1338}}` is a geographical term rather than a theological concept. It appears just once in scripture to denote "the craggy spot," a region east of the Jordan River. Its sole function is to add detail to the account of Abner's flight to Mahanaim, anchoring the event in a specific, identifiable landscape and illustrating the historical precision within the biblical narrative.
TRV