סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת

סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת

booths of (the) daughters; brothels, i.e. idoalatrous tents forimpure purpose

Definition

The phrase סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת (Succoth-benoth) is a compound term meaning 'booths of the daughters.' It appears only in 2 Kings 17:30, where it refers to a specific idolatrous shrine or cultic booth established by the Babylonian settlers in Samaria after the Assyrian conquest. The context strongly suggests these were places of ritual prostitution or other impure pagan worship associated with a Babylonian deity, likely linked to fertility rites. The term 'daughters' may refer to female cultic attendants or to the tents themselves being dedicated to a goddess. This singular biblical reference paints it as a symbol of the syncretistic idolatry that led to Israel's downfall.

Biblical Usage

This term is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in 2 Kings 17:30. It is listed among the various foreign gods and idols that the new inhabitants of Samaria fashioned, following the exile of the northern kingdom of Israel. The usage is purely descriptive within a historical account of pagan worship practices imported into the land. There is no narrative usage or development; it serves as a specific example of the depth of idolatry that took root.

Etymology

The phrase is a construct chain derived from סֻכּוֹת (H5523), meaning 'booths' or 'temporary shelters,' and an irregular plural form of בַּת (H1323), meaning 'daughter.' The plural 'banoth' instead of the standard 'banot' adds a slight peculiarity. Literally, it means 'booths of daughters.' The semantic development from literal shelters to cultic tents used for immoral purposes is driven entirely by its context in 2 Kings 17, where it is associated with Babylonian idolatry.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as a stark marker of covenant rebellion. Its presence in 2 Kings 17 underscores the complete spiritual adultery of the people, who not only forsook Yahweh but also embraced the most debased forms of pagan worship. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of the Kings narrative by highlighting the specific, abhorrent nature of the idolatry—it wasn't just altars but involved ritual sexual immorality—which explains the ferocity of God's judgment. It serves as a concrete example of the 'abominations' that defiled the land. In the ancient Near East, cultic booths or tents were often associated with fertility goddesses and ritual prostitution, a common feature in Babylonian and Canaanite religions. The 'daughters' likely refer to women dedicated as cultic functionaries in these rites. For the original Israelite readers, this term would have evoked strong connotations of religious and sexual impurity, representing the absolute antithesis of Yahweh's holy worship. The modern understanding of a simple 'booth' misses these heavy idolatrous and immoral associations. בָּמָה (bamah, H1116) — a 'high place' for pagan worship, but not necessarily associated with prostitution. גִּלּוּלִים (gillulim, H1544) — a derogatory term for idols, emphasizing their worthless, dung-like nature.

Word Details