from סֻכּוֹת and the (irregular) plural of בַּת; booths of (the) daughters; brothels, i.e. idoalatrous tents forimpure purpose; Succothbenoth.
Transliteration:Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth
Pronunciation:sook-kohth' ben-ohth'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase H5524 סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת (Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth) is a compound term derived from סֻכּוֹת (sukkoth), meaning "booths" or "tabernacles" (related to `{{H5521}}` or `{{H5522}}`), and בְּנוֹת (benoth), the irregular plural of בַּת (bath, `{{H1323}}`), meaning "daughters." Literally, the phrase translates to "booths of the daughters." However, its semantic range extends beyond this literal meaning to denote a specific cultic practice or even a deity associated with such practices. The ancient Near Eastern context strongly suggests that "booths of the daughters" refers to structures or shrines used for cultic prostitution, a common feature of fertility religions. These were not merely "brothels" in a secular sense, but "idolatrous tents for impure purpose," indicating a religious context for the illicit sexual activity. Thus, H5524 functions as a proper noun, likely the name of a pagan deity or an epithet for a specific form of idolatrous worship involving ritual promiscuity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5524 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[2 Kings 17:30]]. This verse is part of a broader narrative detailing the Assyrian policy of resettling conquered peoples in Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The new inhabitants, brought from various regions, continued to worship their own deities alongside a superficial acknowledgment of Yahweh, leading to a syncretistic religious system.
[[2 Kings 17:30]] states: "And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima." Here, Succoth-benoth is listed among other foreign deities (Nergal, Ashima, Nibhaz, Tartak, Adrammelech, Anammelech) that the resettled peoples installed in the cities of Samaria. The mention of "the men of Babylon" making Succoth-benoth suggests that this particular cultic practice or deity was introduced by the Babylonian contingent among the new inhabitants. The context of H5524 within this list of foreign gods strongly reinforces its identity as a pagan object of worship, likely representing a fertility deity or a cultic practice involving ritual prostitution, a common feature of Babylonian and Canaanite religions aimed at ensuring agricultural and human fertility. The biblical author records this as evidence of the profound religious apostasy and syncretism that characterized the Samaritan population, contrasting sharply with the exclusive worship demanded by the covenant with Yahweh.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary components of H5524 are סֻכּוֹת (sukkoth, `{{H5521}}` or `{{H5522}}`) and בְּנוֹת (benoth, `{{H1323}}`). While סֻכּוֹת typically refers to temporary shelters, such as those used during the Feast of Tabernacles, its use here for illicit "booths" highlights the perversion of a sacred concept for profane, idolatrous purposes. בְּנוֹת, "daughters," in this cultic context, likely refers to female participants in these rites, often understood as cultic prostitutes.
The concept of H5524 is closely related to:
* **Idolatry:** The worship of any deity other than Yahweh, a central prohibition in the Mosaic Law.
* **Cultic Prostitution:** A pervasive practice in ancient Near Eastern fertility cults (e.g., associated with Baal and Asherah worship), where sexual acts were performed in the belief that they would stimulate the fertility of the land and its people. This practice was vehemently condemned in the Torah ([[Deuteronomy 23:17-18]]).
* **Syncretism:** The blending of different religious beliefs and practices, as explicitly condemned in [[2 Kings 17]] where the new inhabitants of Samaria "feared the LORD and also served their own gods" ([[2 Kings 17:33]]).
* **Foreign Deities:** The broader category of pagan gods worshipped by nations surrounding Israel, whose worship often involved practices anathema to Yahwism.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of H5524 in the biblical text, despite its singular occurrence, carries profound theological significance. It serves as a stark illustration of the spiritual degradation and apostasy that led to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom and its subsequent resettlement. The worship of "Succoth-benoth" by the Babylonian settlers in Samaria exemplifies the very syncretism and idolatry that the God of Israel strictly forbade.
From a theological perspective, H5524 underscores:
* **The Exclusivity of Yahweh Worship:** The God of Israel demands exclusive devotion and tolerates no rivals. The introduction of deities like Succoth-benoth represents a direct violation of the first commandment ([[Exodus 20:3]]).
* **The Holiness of God vs. Pagan Impurity:** The "impure purpose" associated with "booths of the daughters" stands in stark contrast to the holiness of Yahweh and the purity required of His worshippers. Cultic prostitution was a particular abomination in the eyes of God, defiling both the worshippers and the land ([[Leviticus 18:24-30]]).
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The narrative in [[2 Kings 17]] explicitly links the exile and displacement of Israel to their abandonment of Yahweh and adoption of pagan practices. The worship of gods like Succoth-benoth is presented as a primary cause for divine judgment.
* **The Purity of Worship:** The biblical account consistently emphasizes the need for pure, unadulterated worship, free from the defilements of pagan rituals and beliefs.
### Summary
H5524 (סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת, Çukkôwth bᵉnôwth), literally "booths of the daughters," denotes a pagan deity or cultic practice, most likely involving cultic prostitution within idolatrous shrines. Its sole biblical appearance in [[2 Kings 17:30]] identifies it as a deity introduced by the Babylonian settlers into Samaria after the fall of the Northern Kingdom. This term serves as a powerful biblical indictment of syncretism and idolatry, highlighting the severe consequences of mixing the worship of the holy God of Israel with the impure and abominable practices of pagan cults. H5524 stands as a theological marker of the spiritual corruption that led to Israel's exile and a testament to the Bible's unwavering call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh.
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