בְּטֵל (be.tel)
be.tel
to cease
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb betel means to come to an end or stop, primarily in the context of labor or activity. It describes the natural conclusion of a task rather than a forced interruption. In the Old Testament, this word appears only five times, with four occurrences concentrated in the book of Ezra.
Its usage highlights the rhythm of work and rest that characterized ancient life. For instance, it marks the cessation of building efforts or the stopping of specific duties. The sources indicate it can be used transitively to mean "to make cease," showing that an external force could also bring the activity to a halt.
This term provides insight into how biblical authors viewed the completion of projects. It is not about abandonment but about reaching a natural stopping point. In Ezra, it helps narrate the pauses and resumption of temple construction, reflecting the practical realities of the people involved.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word betel describes the natural conclusion of an activity, often marking a pause in labor rather than a permanent failure. In Ezra, it captures the rhythmic reality of rebuilding the temple, where work stopped under pressure but later resumed with royal support. This reminds us that seasons of stillness are not necessarily signs of defeat.
When our own projects or spiritual disciplines feel interrupted, this word offers comfort. It suggests that a halt can be part of a larger divine timeline, waiting for the right moment to continue. God’s eye remained on the elders even when the work ceased, showing that His oversight persists through periods of inactivity.
Ultimately, betel points to the hope that interruptions are temporary. Just as the builders in Jerusalem eventually resumed their task, we can trust that God brings completion to what He has started, even when circumstances force a pause.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ make to cease2×
- they made cease1×
- it ceased1×
- ceasing1×
- and/ they made to cease1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/בַטָּלָֽא\׃1×
- לְ/בַטָּלָ֖א1×
- וּ/בַטִּ֥לוּ1×
- בָּֽטְלָ֔א1×
- בְּטֵלַת֙1×
- בַטִּ֣לוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:24
Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
This verse uses betel to describe the complete cessation of temple work due to external pressure, highlighting a significant historical pause in God's project.
-
Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to Darius, and an answer should be returned by letter concerning it.
Here the word appears in a negative context, indicating that God’s protection prevented the enemies from successfully stopping the elders during their appeal to the king.
-
Ezra 4:21
Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
The decree commands the cessation of building, showing how political authority was used to enforce a halt in religious construction efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word betel mean?
How is betel different from other words for stopping?
Where does betel appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 5 verses
Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 4:24Then work stopped on God’s house which is at Jerusalem. It stopped until the second year of the reign of Darius king of…
Ezra 5:5But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they didn’t make them cease until the matter should come to…
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…