בֵּית לְבָאוֹת
Beth-Lebaoth, a place in Palestine
Definition
Beth-Lebaoth is a proper noun referring to a town or settlement in the territory allotted to the tribe of Simeon, as recorded in Joshua 19:6. The name literally means 'house of lionesses,' suggesting a location possibly known for the presence of lions or symbolically for strength. It is listed among the cities given to Simeon within the inheritance of Judah (Joshua 19:1, 9). No other biblical narratives are set in Beth-Lebaoth, and its exact location remains uncertain, though it is associated with the southern region of Palestine.
Biblical Usage
This place name is used only once in the Old Testament, in the context of the territorial allotment to the tribes of Israel following the conquest of Canaan. It appears in Joshua 19:6 as part of a list of cities given to the tribe of Simeon. Its usage is purely geographical and administrative, with no narrative or prophetic context attached to it elsewhere in Scripture.
Etymology
The name Beth-Lebaoth is a compound Hebrew word derived from בַּיִת (bayith, H1004), meaning 'house' or 'household,' and the plural form of לָבִיא (lavi', H3833), meaning 'lioness.' Thus, it translates directly to 'house of lionesses.' This construction is typical of many Hebrew place names that begin with 'Beth' (e.g., Bethlehem, Bethel). The plural 'lionesses' may indicate an abundance or a symbolic association with the animal.
Semantic Range
While Beth-Lebaoth itself is not theologically significant, its inclusion in the tribal allotment lists underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promise of land to the tribes of Israel. Understanding such place names enriches the reading of Joshua by highlighting the concrete, geographical reality of Israel's inheritance, which was part of God's covenant with His people. It reminds readers that God's promises are often worked out in specific, tangible locations.
In the ancient Near East, place names often described geographical features, local fauna, or historical events. A name meaning 'house of lionesses' likely reflected the actual presence of lions in the region, which were common in ancient Palestine (as seen in stories like Samson in Judges 14:5 or David in 1 Samuel 17:34). Alternatively, it could denote a place renowned for strength or ferocity, using the lion as a common cultural symbol of power and danger.
לְבָאוֹת (Lᵉbâʼôwth, H3822) — The plural form 'lionesses,' used as a separate place name in Joshua 15:32, listed for Judah, possibly the same location. בֵּית לֶחֶם (Bêyth Lechem, H1035) — Another 'Beth' compound, meaning 'house of bread,' the famous town of Bethlehem, illustrating the common naming pattern.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →