GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

בֵּית הָאֵצֶל (bet ha.e.tsel)

bet ha.e.tsel

Beth-ezel

H1018 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

Beth-ezel is a proper noun appearing only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in Micah 5:2. The name translates to "house of narrowing" or "house of proximity," depending on how one interprets the root element. It identifies a specific locality within the territory of Judah, situated near Bethlehem.

Its sole occurrence places it in a prophetic context regarding the birthplace of a future ruler. By linking this small, obscure settlement to the larger town of Bethlehem, the text emphasizes that even minor or constrained communities hold significant divine purpose. The name itself suggests a place defined by its close relationship to another location, serving as a geographic marker rather than a theological concept.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Beth-ezel appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, nestled within the prophecy of Micah. The name suggests a place defined by proximity or perhaps constraint, serving as a geographic marker near Bethlehem. While it is a minor locality, its mention highlights how God uses specific, even obscure, places to fulfill His greater plans.

This single reference reminds us that no location is too small for divine purpose. Whether we feel distant or close to God, our circumstances are known and used by Him. The prophecy connects this small settlement to the birth of a future ruler, showing that significance often comes from where God places us, not just how large our setting appears.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Ezel1×
  • Beth1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • הָאֵ֔צֶל1×
  • בֵּ֣ית1×

Key Verses

  • Micah 1:11
    Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won’t come out. The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you his protection.

    This verse uniquely uses Beth-ezel to describe a loss of protection, contrasting with its later association with the Messiah's birth in Micah 5:2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beth-ezel mean?

The name translates to 'house of narrowing' or 'house of proximity.' It identifies a specific locality within Judah, situated near Bethlehem. Its meaning suggests a place defined by its close relationship to another location.

Where does Beth-ezel appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in Micah 1:11. The text mentions it in the context of judgment, stating that the wailing from Beth-ezel will take away protection.

Is Beth-ezel related to Jesus' birth?

While Beth-ezel is near Bethlehem, the specific prophecy about the ruler's birth in Micah 5:2 focuses on Bethlehem itself. Beth-ezel is mentioned earlier in Micah 1 as a place affected by judgment, highlighting its geographic proximity to the more well-known town.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Micah 1 verse
Micah 1:11

Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won’t come out. The wailing of Beth…