Etymology and Meaning:
Bethtappuah, meaning "House of Apples" or "Place of Apples," is a town mentioned in the Old Testament. The name reflects the agricultural richness of the area, suggesting it was a place known for its fruit production, particularly apples or similar produce.

Biblical References:
Bethtappuah is mentioned in the Book of Joshua as part of the territorial allotment to the tribe of Judah. In Joshua 15:53 , it is listed among the cities in the hill country: "And Janim, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah."

Geographical Location:
Bethtappuah is situated in the hill country of Judah, an area characterized by its fertile land and conducive climate for agriculture. The exact location of Bethtappuah is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to be near the modern-day city of Hebron. The region's topography and climate would have supported the cultivation of fruit trees, aligning with the town's name.

Historical and Cultural Context:
As part of the tribal inheritance of Judah, Bethtappuah would have been a community involved in agricultural activities, contributing to the sustenance and economy of the tribe. The mention of Bethtappuah alongside other towns in the hill country highlights its role within a network of settlements that supported the larger population centers in Judah.

Theological Significance:
While Bethtappuah itself is not the focus of any major biblical narrative, its inclusion in the territorial lists underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the biblical narrative. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs, particularly Abraham, regarding the land of Canaan. Each town and city, including Bethtappuah, represents a piece of this divine promise and the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land.

Archaeological Insights:
There is limited archaeological evidence directly associated with Bethtappuah. However, the general area around Hebron has yielded findings that provide insights into the lifestyle and culture of the inhabitants during the biblical period. These findings include agricultural tools, pottery, and remnants of ancient settlements, which help to paint a picture of life in the hill country of Judah during the time of the Judges and the United Monarchy.

Modern Relevance:
For modern readers and scholars, Bethtappuah serves as a reminder of the historical and spiritual heritage of the biblical land of Israel. It reflects the continuity of God's promises and the tangible connection between the biblical text and the physical geography of the region. The study of such towns enriches the understanding of the biblical narrative and the daily lives of its characters.Bethtappuah

(house of apples), one of the towns of Judah in the mountainous district, and near Hebron. (Joshua 15:53) comp. 1Chr 2:43 Here it has actually been discovered by Robinson under the modern name of Teffuh , five miles west of Hebron, on a ridge of high table-land.

House of apples, a town of Judah, now Tuffuh, 5 miles west of Hebron (Joshua 15:53). BETH-TAPPUAH

beth-tap'-u-a (beth-tappuach; Beththapphoue, "place of apples" (see however APPLE)); A town in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:53), probably near Hebron (el Tappuah, 1 Chronicles 2:43), possibly the same as Tephon (1 Maccabees 9:50). The village of Tuffuch, 3 1/2 miles Northwest of Hebron, is the probable site; it stands on the edge of a high ridge, surrounded by very fruitful gardens; an ancient highroad runs through the village, and there are many old cisterns and caves. (See PEF, III, 310, 379, Sh XXI.)

E. W. G. Masterman

Bethtappuah (1 Occurrence)
... XXI.) EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Bethtappuah (1 Occurrence).
Joshua 15:53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah, (KJV). ...
/b/bethtappuah.htm - 7k

Janum (1 Occurrence)
... See JANIM. Multi-Version Concordance Janum (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:53 And Janum,
and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah, (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
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Bethsuron

/b/bethsuron.htm - 6k

Beth-tappuah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-tappuah. Bethtappuah, Beth-tappuah. Beth-tap'puah . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Bethtappuah, Beth-tappuah. Beth-tap'puah . Reference Bible.
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