of Egyptian origin; Pi-Beseth, a place in Egypt; Pi-beseth.
Transliteration:Pîy-Beçeth
Pronunciation:pee beh'-seth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H6364}}`, *Pîy-Beçeth* (פִּי־בֶסֶת), is a proper noun identifying a specific geographical location in ancient Egypt. Its etymology is explicitly noted as "of Egyptian origin," indicating a transliteration of an Egyptian place name. Historically, *Pîy-Beçeth* corresponds to the city of Bubastis (Greek: Boubastis), located in the eastern Nile Delta. The Egyptian name for this city was *Pr-Bastet* or *Per-Bast*, meaning "House of Bastet," referring to the feline goddess Bastet, whose primary cult center was located there. Thus, the core meaning of *Pîy-Beçeth* is intrinsically tied to its identity as the sacred dwelling place or cultic center of the goddess Bastet. Its semantic range is fixed to this specific geographical and cultic identity within the ancient Near East.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H6364}}`, *Pîy-Beçeth*, appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel.
* **[[Ezekiel 30:17]]**: "The young men of Aven and of Pi-beseth shall fall by the sword, and the cities themselves shall go into captivity."
This verse is part of a larger prophetic oracle against Egypt (Ezekiel 29-32), delivered by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. In this particular passage, Ezekiel details the specific judgments that will befall various prominent Egyptian cities. Pi-beseth is mentioned alongside Aven (`{{H204}}`, identified with On or Heliopolis), another significant religious and administrative center in Egypt. The prophecy foretells that the young men of these cities will perish by the sword, and the cities themselves will be led into captivity. The inclusion of Pi-beseth in this list underscores its importance as a notable city within Egypt during that period, making it a fitting target for divine judgment. The context highlights God's comprehensive judgment against the entire nation of Egypt, including its most revered and populous centers.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, `{{H6364}}` does not have direct synonyms in the same way common nouns do. However, it is related to several broader biblical and historical concepts:
* **Egyptian Cities:** Pi-beseth is often contextually linked with other major Egyptian cities mentioned in biblical prophecy, such as Noph (Memphis), No (Thebes), Zoan (Tanis), and Aven (Heliopolis). These cities frequently appear together in pronouncements of divine judgment against Egypt (e.g., [[Jeremiah 46:25]], [[Ezekiel 30:13-16]]).
* **Divine Judgment on Nations:** The broader theme of God's sovereign judgment over all nations, particularly those that oppose His will or embody idolatry. Pi-beseth serves as a specific example within this universal principle.
* **Idolatry and Pagan Deities:** As the "House of Bastet," Pi-beseth was a major center for the worship of an Egyptian deity. Its impending destruction signifies the impotence of pagan gods in the face of the Lord's power. This relates to the broader biblical theme of Yahweh's supremacy over all false gods (e.g., [[Exodus 12:12]], [[Numbers 33:4]]).
* **Exile and Captivity:** The prophecy of Pi-beseth going into captivity connects to the fate of Judah and other nations, indicating a common consequence for rebellion or divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Pi-beseth in Ezekiel's prophecy carries profound theological significance. Firstly, it demonstrates the absolute sovereignty of the God of Israel over all nations and their deities. Even a city as prominent and religiously significant as the "House of Bastet" is not exempt from the Lord's judgment. The fall of Pi-beseth serves as a tangible manifestation of the impotence of Bastet and other Egyptian gods to protect their worshipers or their territories from the true God.
Secondly, the prophecy against Pi-beseth is part of a larger declaration that God would "execute judgments in Egypt, and they shall know that I am the Lord" ([[Ezekiel 30:19]]). The destruction of specific cities, including this center of pagan worship, was a deliberate act by which God's power, justice, and unique identity would be revealed not only to Israel but also to the surrounding nations. It underscores the biblical principle that God uses various means, including the rise and fall of empires, to accomplish His purposes and reveal His glory.
Finally, Pi-beseth's fate highlights the comprehensive nature of divine judgment. It is not limited to a select few, but extends to all who stand in opposition to God's righteous standards, whether through political defiance or idolatrous worship. The judgment on this city, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering justice and His ultimate control over human history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H6364}}`, *Pîy-Beçeth*, refers to the ancient Egyptian city known historically as Bubastis, meaning "House of Bastet." This proper noun appears only once in the Bible, in [[Ezekiel 30:17]], where it is listed among the key Egyptian cities destined for destruction and captivity as part of God's comprehensive judgment against Egypt. Theologically, the mention of Pi-beseth underscores the universal scope of divine judgment, demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their pagan deities. Its prophesied downfall serves as a powerful testament to the supremacy of Yahweh over all false gods and a visible manifestation of His justice being revealed to the world.
TRV