### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **ʼÊl Bêyth-ʼÊl**, represented by `{{H416}}`, means **the God of Bethel**. It is a unique title that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. This name was given by Jacob to a specific, consecrated spot, combining the Hebrew words for "God" and "Bethel" to create a term that identifies a location with a direct divine encounter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H416}}` is found in [[Genesis 35:7]], where Jacob returns to a significant place from his past. In this verse, he **built** `{{H1129}}` an **altar** `{{H4196}}` and **called** `{{H7121}}` the **place** `{{H4725}}` **Elbethel**. The reason for this specific name is stated immediately: it was because **God** `{{H430}}` **appeared** `{{H1540}}` to him there during a time of great distress, specifically when he **fled** `{{H1272}}` from the **face** `{{H6440}}` of his **brother** `{{H251}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single context illuminate the meaning of **Elbethel**:
* `{{H1129}}` **bânâh** (to build): This verb signifies the physical act of constructing the altar, which served as the focal point for consecrating the site and commemorating the event.
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to reveal): This word is key to understanding why the place was named. The name was given because God had **appeared**, or revealed Himself, to Jacob at that very spot.
* `{{H1272}}` **bârach** (to flee suddenly): This establishes the narrative background. The divine revelation did not happen in a time of peace, but when Jacob was forced to **flee**, highlighting God's presence in moments of crisis.
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call out to): This action of naming the place is what establishes its identity. Jacob formally proclaims the site's significance by giving it the title **Elbethel**, making it a public memorial.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H416}}` is centered on the act of remembering and consecrating a place of divine intervention.
* **Commemoration of Revelation:** The name itself is a declaration. Jacob doesn't just name the place Bethel ("house of God"), but **Elbethel** ("God of the house of God"), directly linking the location to the specific deity who **appeared** `{{H1540}}` there.
* **Sanctuary in Crisis:** The context of Jacob having **fled** `{{H1272}}` from his brother is crucial. The naming of this spot reinforces the theme of God providing sanctuary and revealing Himself during times of vulnerability and flight.
* **The Sacredness of Place:** By building an **altar** `{{H4196}}` and giving the **place** `{{H4725}}` this name, Jacob transforms a location into a sacred space defined by a past encounter with God.
### Summary
In summary, **ʼÊl Bêyth-ʼÊl** `{{H416}}` is more than a geographical label; it is a monumental name signifying a specific place where God revealed Himself to Jacob. Though used only once, it powerfully illustrates how a location can be consecrated by a divine event, serving as a lasting testament to God's presence and faithfulness, particularly during times of personal trial and flight.
TRV