probably from לוּז (as growing there); Luz, the name of two places in Palestine; Luz.
Transliteration:Lûwz
Pronunciation:looz
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H3870}}` (Lûwz) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a geographical location. Its base definition, "probably from לוּז (as growing there)," strongly suggests an etymological connection to the "almond tree" or "nut tree." This botanical association implies that the places named Luz were likely characterized by the presence of such trees, perhaps serving as prominent landmarks or sources of local produce. Thus, the core meaning is tied to a specific type of vegetation that gave its name to a settlement. The semantic range of `{{H3870}}` is therefore restricted to these two distinct place names within biblical geography, signifying locations rather than abstract concepts or actions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H3870}}` appears in the Hebrew Bible in reference to two separate geographical locations:
1. **Luz (the original name of Bethel):** This is the more significant and frequently mentioned instance.
* In [[Genesis 28:19]], Jacob, after his profound dream of a ladder reaching to heaven, renames the place where he slept from Luz to Bethel, meaning "House of God." This renaming marks a pivotal moment, transforming a naturally named site into a sacred space consecrated by divine encounter.
* [[Genesis 35:6]] recounts Jacob's return to Luz, which is explicitly identified as Bethel, underscoring the enduring significance of the location as a place of God's presence and covenant renewal.
* Jacob further refers to this momentous encounter at Luz/Bethel in [[Genesis 48:3]] when recounting God's appearance to him.
* Later, Luz/Bethel serves as a critical geographical marker in the tribal allotments. It is mentioned as a boundary point for the territory of Ephraim in [[Joshua 16:2]] and for Benjamin in [[Joshua 18:13]], highlighting its strategic importance in the land's division.
* In [[Judges 1:23]], the "house of Joseph" (specifically Ephraim) sends spies to Bethel, which is again identified as Luz, to conquer it. This narrative further emphasizes the continuity of the name and the strategic value of the city.
2. **Luz in the land of the Hittites:** This second occurrence is found in [[Judges 1:26]]. After the capture of Bethel, a man who betrayed the city to the Israelites is spared and goes to the "land of the Hittites," where he builds a city and names it Luz. This instance suggests either a desire to establish a new settlement with a familiar name or perhaps a continuation of a cultural practice of naming places after prominent natural features, even in a foreign land. Its exact location remains unknown, but it signifies a distinct, separate entity from the Luz/Bethel of Israelite territory.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to `{{H3870}}` is `{{H1008}}` (Bethel), the name given to the primary site of Luz after Jacob's dream. The transformation of the name from the naturally descriptive "Luz" (almond/nut tree) to the theologically profound "Bethel" (House of God) is a central concept. This renaming highlights a shift from a place defined by its natural characteristics to one defined by divine revelation and presence.
The implied etymological root, related to the "almond tree" or "nut tree," connects `{{H3870}}` to broader biblical themes of vegetation, fruitfulness, and the natural landscape as part of God's creation. While not directly a theological term, the name evokes the physical environment of ancient Canaan.
Furthermore, `{{H3870}}` is conceptually linked to:
* **Theophany:** The divine appearance to Jacob.
* **Covenant:** The renewal of God's covenant promises to Jacob at this site.
* **Sacred Space:** The transformation of an ordinary place into a holy site.
* **Boundary Markers:** Its role in the allocation of tribal lands underscores its significance in the fulfillment of the promise of the land.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3870}}` primarily stems from its association with the transformation of Luz into Bethel, a pivotal site in the patriarchal narratives.
1. **Site of Theophany and Covenant:** Luz, as the original name of Bethel, became the geographical locus of one of the most profound divine encounters in the Old Testament. Jacob's dream of the ladder to heaven at Luz ([[Genesis 28]]) revealed God's omnipresence, His connection between heaven and earth, and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham and Isaac, now extended to Jacob. The renaming of Luz to Bethel by Jacob signifies the sanctification of an ordinary place through divine revelation, making it a "house of God" and a "gate of heaven." This act underscores the biblical principle that God can manifest Himself anywhere, transforming common ground into holy ground.
2. **Transformation and Consecration:** The shift from "Luz" (a name rooted in nature) to "Bethel" (a name rooted in God) is highly symbolic. It illustrates the divine capacity to take the mundane and infuse it with sacred purpose. This transformation is not merely a change of name but a redefinition of identity—from a place noted for its trees to a place hallowed by God's manifest presence. It speaks to the consecration of creation and the potential for any location to become a witness to divine activity.
3. **Divine Providence and Promise:** The continued reference to Luz/Bethel in the Joshua and Judges narratives, particularly its role as a boundary marker, emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise of land to Israel. The strategic importance of this site in the tribal allotments reflects God's active hand in guiding the settlement of His people. The second Luz in the land of the Hittites, though less significant, might subtly point to the pervasive human desire to establish new beginnings, sometimes mirroring familiar origins, even outside the direct sphere of God's covenant people.
### Summary
`{{H3870}}` (Lûwz) designates a place name, primarily known as the original appellation for the city of Bethel. Etymologically linked to the "almond tree" or "nut tree," it suggests a natural descriptor for the location. Its most profound biblical significance lies in its transformation into Bethel ("House of God") by Jacob following his revelatory dream of the ladder to heaven ([[Genesis 28:19]]). This renaming marks Luz as a sacred site of divine encounter, covenant renewal, and theophany, illustrating how God can consecrate ordinary places through His presence. Beyond this primary association, `{{H3870}}` also refers to a second, distinct city founded by a man who betrayed Bethel, located in the land of the Hittites ([[Judges 1:26]]). In essence, Luz encapsulates the journey from a place defined by its natural features to one imbued with profound theological meaning, serving as a testament to God's active involvement in human history and the fulfillment of His promises.
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