Βηθφαγή (Bēthphagē)
Bēthphagē
Bethphage
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Bēthphagē translates to "house of unripe figs," identifying a small settlement situated between Jericho and Jerusalem, near Bethany on the Mount of Olives. This Aramaic place name appears in three Gospel accounts, marking it as a specific geographic marker rather than a theological concept.
Its primary significance lies in its role as the starting point for Jesus’ triumphal entry. In Matthew 21:1, Mark 11:1, and Luke 19:29, the Gospels record that Jesus sent his disciples to fetch a donkey from this village before proceeding into Jerusalem. The mention of unripe figs suggests a local agricultural feature, grounding the sacred narrative in a tangible, rural landscape.
While the word itself carries no abstract spiritual meaning, its inclusion in the passion narratives highlights the historical reality of Jesus’ movements. It serves as a precise coordinate in the Gospel timeline, reminding readers that these events unfolded in real villages with everyday names, bridging the gap between divine action and ordinary geography.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bethphage, meaning 'house of unripe figs,' was a small village on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. It appears in Matthew, Mark, and Luke as the place where Jesus sent two disciples to find a donkey before entering Jerusalem. This detail grounds the biblical story in real geography, showing that divine events happened in ordinary places with everyday names.
For your faith, this reminds you that God works through specific moments and locations. The journey from Bethphage to Jerusalem marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading directly to the cross and resurrection. It invites us to see our own paths as part of a larger story, where even small steps matter in God's plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bethphage3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Βηθφαγὴ3×
Key Verses
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Matthew 21:1
When they came near to Jerusalem and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,
This verse places Bethphage near Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives, marking it as the starting point for Jesus' triumphal entry.
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Mark 11:1
When they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples
Here, Bethphage is listed alongside Bethany, showing its proximity to Jesus' usual resting place before the final week.
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Luke 19:29
When he came near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples,
Luke identifies the location as a mountain called Olivet, emphasizing the elevation from which Jesus began his approach to the city.