Lexical Summary Beth-anoth: Beth-anoth Original Word: בֵּית עֲנוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Beth-anoth From bayith and a plural from anah; house of replies; Beth-Anoth, a place in Palestine -- Beth-anoth. see HEBREW bayith see HEBREW anah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom bayith and a word of uncertain derivation Definition perhaps "temple of Anat," a place in Judah NASB Translation Beth-anoth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בֵּיתעֲֿנוֺת proper name, of a location in Judah (perhaps = temple of `Anât BaeRel 53 HalJAssyrian 7, xiii. 1879, p. 208, compare following) Joshua 15:59; — modern Beit `Anûn RobBR iii. 280 f. GuérinJudée iii. 151 f. Surveyiii. 351. But ᵐ5L Βηθαρωθ, compare modern Bittîr, approximately 2 2-Janhours southwest from Jerusalem BdPal 171. Topical Lexicon Location and Setting Beth-anoth lay in the central hill country allotted to Judah, between Halhul and Eltekon (Joshua 15:59). Modern identifications place it at the village of Beit ‘Anun, roughly five kilometers northeast of Hebron on a ridge commanding views of the Judean highlands. The site straddles ancient trade routes linking Hebron with Bethlehem and the Beth-zur ridge, making it strategically situated for both commerce and defense. Historical Context Joshua’s catalog of Judah’s inheritance divides the territory into networked town groups. Beth-anoth belonged to the sixth cluster, which totaled “six cities with their villages” (Joshua 15:59). These groupings reveal a decentralized settlement pattern in the early monarchy, with each town supporting surrounding hamlets and agricultural terraces. Though Scripture does not record later episodes at Beth-anoth, its inclusion testifies to the completeness of God’s promise: every hill, valley, and village was apportioned to the covenant people. Name Significance The compound “House of Answers” (or “Responses”) evokes a setting where appeals are heard and replies granted. Within Judah’s hill country—an area known for watchtowers, lookouts, and wayside shrines—such a title may hint at judicial sessions held in the city gate (compare Deuteronomy 17:8-9) or at cultic inquiry before the Lord (1 Samuel 23:9-12). Whether civil or sacred, the name underscores the biblical conviction that God hears and answers His people. Theological Themes 1. Covenant Fulfillment: Beth-anoth’s single appearance in the allotment lists underscores the meticulous fulfillment of divine promise first given to Abraham (Genesis 17:8). No corner of the inheritance, however obscure, was omitted. Archaeological Insights Surface surveys at Beit ‘Anun have yielded Iron Age pottery, cisterns, and rock-cut tombs, aligning with occupation during the Judges and early monarchy. Proximity to fertile valleys supports the biblical picture of a town whose “villages” tilled surrounding fields. Continued habitation into the Byzantine era suggests the site retained regional importance long after the Old Testament period. Lessons for Ministry • Faithful Stewardship: Even seemingly insignificant places matter in God’s economy. Ministry that values the “small” mirrors the Lord’s attention to Beth-anoth. Summary Beth-anoth illustrates how Scripture weaves geography, covenant, and theology into a seamless testimony. Though mentioned only once, the town embodies the faithfulness of God, the inclusiveness of His people, and the assurance that He hears and answers those who call upon His name. Forms and Transliterations עֲנ֖וֹת ענות ‘ă·nō·wṯ ‘ănōwṯ aNotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 15:59 HEB: וּמַעֲרָ֥ת וּבֵית־ עֲנ֖וֹת וְאֶלְתְּקֹ֑ן עָרִ֥ים NAS: and Maarath and Beth-anoth and Eltekon; KJV: And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; INT: and Maarath and Beth-anoth and Eltekon cities 1 Occurrence |
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