### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Bᵉṭônîym**, represented by `{{H993}}`, is the name of a place in Palestine. Its base definition suggests "hollows." This word is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, where it functions as a geographical landmark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to **Betonim** `{{H993}}` occurs in the book of Joshua during the description of the land allotted to the tribe of Gad. It is listed as one of the points on a boundary line, as seen in [[Joshua 13:26]]: "And from Heshbon unto Ramathmizpeh, and **Betonim**; and from Mahanaim unto the border of Debir". Its role is purely geographical, helping to define the territory given to the Gadites east of the Jordan.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other place names and terms are mentioned in the same verse, providing geographical context for Betonim:
* `{{H2809}}` **Cheshbôwn** (Heshbon, a place East of the Jordan): This city serves as a starting point for the boundary line that includes Betonim [[Joshua 13:26]].
* `{{H7434}}` **Râmath ham-Mit-speh** (Ramath-mizpeh): Betonim is listed immediately after this location, indicating their proximity along the same border [[Joshua 13:26]].
* `{{H4266}}` **Machănayim** (Mahanaim, a place in Palestine): The described territory extends from Mahanaim, placing Betonim within this broader regional map [[Joshua 13:26]].
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border, bound, coast): The entire description is an exercise in defining a **border**, and the verse explicitly states the boundary runs "unto the border of Debir" [[Joshua 13:26]].
* `{{H1688}}` **Dᵉbîyr** (Debir, the name of an Amoritish king and of two places in Palestine): The boundary that includes Betonim terminates at the border of this location [[Joshua 13:26]].
### Theological Significance
Given its singular appearance, the significance of `{{H993}}` is entirely geographical and historical rather than theological.
* **Territorial Marker:** Betonim's primary function in the biblical text is to serve as a precise marker in the delineation of tribal inheritance for the nation of Israel.
* **Part of Gad's Allotment:** Its mention firmly places it within the land assigned to the tribe of Gad, as recorded in the detailed distribution of territory in the book of Joshua [[Joshua 13:26]].
* **Geographical Anchor:** It is listed among other well-known locations like Heshbon and Mahanaim, anchoring its position within the landscape east of the Jordan.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H993}}` **Bᵉṭônîym** is not a word with deep theological layers but a specific toponym. Its sole appearance in scripture is functional, serving as a landmark to define the borders of the inheritance of Gad. It demonstrates the biblical text's attention to geographical detail in recording the history of Israel's settlement in the promised land.