בֶּ֫טֶן (be.ten)
be.ten
belly: abdomen
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 62 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun beten refers to the belly, abdomen, or womb. It describes the physical hollow of the body, serving as the seat for hunger and digestion, but also for deep mental faculties. The word captures both the external form and the internal cavity where life begins and nourishment is received.
Its meaning extends beyond anatomy into metaphorical territory. In Job 20:20, it represents the depth of suffering as unfulfilled appetite, while Isaiah 48:8 uses it to describe a stubbornness formed from birth. Translators often render it as "womb" when discussing origin or offspring, and as "belly" when referring to physical needs or inner thoughts.
The etymology likely points to something hollow, emphasizing emptiness that must be filled. This duality makes beten a powerful image for both vulnerability and potential, whether speaking of the hunger that drives action or the womb that holds new life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word beten describes the belly, abdomen, or womb. It captures both the physical hollow of the body and the inner seat of life and nourishment. In Genesis 25:23, God speaks to Rebekah about the twins in her womb, showing how this term marks the beginning of a divine plan. This duality reminds us that our physical needs and spiritual origins are held within the same space.
When we feel empty or hungry, beten points to a place that must be filled. It is not just about food but also about the deep desires of the heart. Job 1:21 reflects on coming naked from the womb and returning there, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over life and death. This perspective invites trust in God’s provision during times of uncertainty.
Understanding beten helps us see how God cares for both our bodies and our souls. Whether speaking of hunger or hope, this word reminds us that we are deeply known by Him. We can bring our physical needs and spiritual longings to Him with confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 62 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from/ [the] womb7×
- womb/ your6×
- [the] belly5×
- belly/ my4×
- womb/ my3×
- the/ womb3×
- from/ [the] womb of3×
- belly/ his3×
- in/ belly/ his2×
- in/ [the] womb of2×
- in the/ belly2×
- from/ belly/ his2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָֽטֶן\׃5×
- מִ/בֶּ֣טֶן4×
- מִ/בֶּ֖טֶן3×
- וּ/מִ/בֶּ֖טֶן2×
- בְּ/בֶ֣טֶן2×
- בְּ/בִטְנָֽ/הּ\׃2×
- בִטְנְ/ךָ֛2×
- מִ֝/בֶּ֗טֶן1×
- מִ֝/בִּטְנ֗/וֹ1×
- מִ/בָּ֑טֶן1×
- מִ/בֶּ֙טֶן֙1×
- מִ/בֶּ֗טֶן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 25:23
Yahweh said to her, “Two nations are in your womb. Two peoples will be separated from your body. The one people will be stronger than the other people. The elder will serve the younger.”
This verse uses beten to show God’s active role in shaping life before birth, highlighting His sovereignty over origins.
-
Job 1:21
He said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb, and naked will I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be Yahweh’s name.”
Here beten signifies the starting point of human existence, emphasizing our dependence on God from the very beginning.
-
Genesis 30:2
Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”
Rachel’s complaint about being 'barren' uses beten to express her deep longing for children and her feeling of exclusion from God’s blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does beten mean in the Bible?
Why is beten important in Genesis 25:23?
How does beten relate to Job’s suffering?
Every Occurrence (62 verses across 14 books)
Genesis 4 verses
Yahweh said to her, “Two nations are in your womb. Two peoples will be separated from your body. The one people will be…
Genesis 25:24When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb.
Genesis 30:2Jacob’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the…
Genesis 38:27In the time of her travail, behold, twins were in her womb.