◄ 1006. Bayith ►
Lexical Summary
Bayith: House, household, temple, dwelling

Original Word: בּיִת
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Bayith
Pronunciation: bah'-yith
Phonetic Spelling: (bah'-yith)
KJV: Bajith
Word Origin: [the same as H1004 (בַּיִת - house)]

1. Bajith, a place in Israel

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Bajith

The same as bayith; Bajith, a place in Palestine -- Bajith.

see HEBREW bayith

Brown-Driver-Briggs
בַּ֫יִת with article הַבַּיִת Isaiah 15:2 according to Ew Brd Di and others proper name, of a location but abbreviated; perhaps for בֵּית דִּבְלָתַיִם Jeremiah 48:22 (so Ew and others) or בֵּית בָּמוֺת compare MI27 (compare De Di); others (Ges De Che Or) take ׳הַבּ here = the house, i.e. temple or shrine.

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Function

בּיִת (beth) functions as a construct form of “house” that attaches directly to another noun, producing “house of…” in compound place names and family designations. Although it never occurs alone in the Old Testament text, its presence shapes more than forty major toponyms and several clan names, making it a strategic marker of theology, heritage, and geography.

Formation of Compound Place Names

By prefixing בּיִת to a noun, biblical authors denoted:

• Physical structures: Beth Dagon (“house of Dagon”) in Joshua 15:41
• Geographic distinctives: Beth Shemesh (“house of the sun”) in 1 Samuel 6:12–15
• Spiritual identity: Beth Aven (“house of wickedness”) in Hosea 10:5

The construction signals ownership or dedication, prompting readers to ask whether a site is given to Yahweh or to idols, to righteousness or to rebellion.

Theological Themes Associated with “House”

1. Dwelling of God: Bethel (“house of God”) becomes a place where heaven meets earth (Genesis 28:19).
2. Messianic Expectation: Bethlehem (“house of bread”) provides the setting for David’s anointing (1 Samuel 16:1) and Jesus’ birth (Matthew 2:1), linking royal and prophetic fulfillment.
3. Hospitality and Discipleship: Bethany (“house of affliction” or “house of dates”) serves as a refuge for the Lord and a training ground for faith (John 11:1–44; Luke 10:38–42).
4. Judgment versus Blessing: Beth Aven contrasts sharply with Bethel, reminding Israel that a “house” may either honor God or invite condemnation (Amos 5:5).

Key Locations Bearing the Prefix “Beth-”

Bethel – Genesis 12:8; 28:19; 1 Kings 12:28–33

Bethlehem – Ruth 1:19; 1 Samuel 17:12; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6

Bethany – John 11:1; Mark 14:3; Acts 1:12

Bethsaida – Mark 6:45; Luke 9:10; John 1:44

Beth Shemesh – 1 Samuel 6:12–15

Beth Aven – Joshua 7:2; Hosea 10:5

Beth Dagon – Joshua 15:41

Beth Zur – Nehemiah 3:16

Beth Horon – Joshua 10:10

Beth Car – 1 Samuel 7:11

Each site displays how the “house of” concept anchors narrative flow: covenant promises (Bethel), redemptive history (Bethlehem), resurrection hope (Bethany), and missionary preparation (Bethsaida).

Historical and Cultural Insights

Archaeology confirms that many “Beth-” towns lay along trade routes or defensive passes, underscoring their economic and military value. Their names often preserve pre-Israelite deities (Dagon, Shemesh) or natural features (Anath, Horon), revealing the evangelistic challenge Israel faced: transforming houses of idols into testimonies of the living God.

Ministry Implications and Application

1. Identity in Christ: Just as towns were defined by the deity or resource they housed, believers are now “God’s house” (1 Timothy 3:15).
2. Spiritual Legacy: Families and congregations today “build” their own Beth-names through worship, doctrine, and service, either attracting divine favor or inviting discipline.
3. Missional Geography: Mapping “Beth-” sites encourages modern readers to see how God embeds His account in real places, calling the church to engage the cities and villages of the world.

Christological Foreshadowing

Bethlehem highlights the Bread of Life entering the “house of bread” (John 6:35). Bethany previews resurrection glory through Lazarus (John 11:25–26) and anticipates the ascension’s triumph nearby (Luke 24:50–51). Bethel’s ladder vision culminates in Jesus, the ultimate meeting point of heaven and earth (John 1:51).

Conclusion

Although בּיִת (beth) never stands alone in the Hebrew text, its compound presence furnishes Scripture with a theological map. Each “house” invites reflection on who is worshiped within its walls and whether the dwelling aligns with the covenant purposes of the God who ultimately makes His home among His people (Revelation 21:3).

Links
Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts
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