בֵּית נִמְרָה (bet nim.rah)
bet nim.rah
Beth-nimrah
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Beth-nimrah translates to "house of the leopard," identifying a specific settlement located east of the Jordan River within the territory assigned to the tribe of Gad. This place appears in two key biblical passages: Numbers 32:36, where it is listed among the fortified cities rebuilt by Gad and Reuben, and Joshua 13:27, which records its inclusion in the final distribution of land.
The etymology suggests a locale known for either actual leopards or perhaps a family or landmark associated with them. Its mention alongside other towns like Aroer and Heshbon helps geographers map the eastern border of Israelite possession during the conquest period, marking it as part of the strategic infrastructure established by the tribes settling on that side of the river.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Beth-nimrah means "house of the leopard," a name that evokes strength and vigilance in the ancient Near East. Located east of the Jordan River, this settlement was part of the territory given to the tribe of Gad. The biblical record highlights it as a place of fortified cities and sheepfolds, suggesting a community that balanced security with pastoral livelihood.
For your faith journey, this detail reminds us that God’s provision often includes both protection and sustenance. The tribes who settled there rebuilt their lives in a region that required careful stewardship. Their story shows how ordinary places become part of God’s larger plan when people commit to building communities that honor His instructions.
Even small towns like Beth-nimrah played a role in the broader narrative of Israel’s inheritance. We can find comfort in knowing that every location and person mentioned in Scripture has significance within God’s unfolding story of redemption and presence among His people.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nimrah2×
- and/ Beth1×
- Beth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נִמְרָ֜ה1×
- נִמְרָ֖ה1×
- וּ/בֵ֨ית1×
- בֵּ֥ית1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 32:36
Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities and folds for sheep.
This verse identifies Beth-nimrah as a fortified city with sheepfolds, highlighting the tribe of Gad's focus on both defense and economic stability.
-
Joshua 13:27
and in the valley, Beth Haram, Beth Nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan’s bank, to the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.
Here the town is listed among the lands formally distributed to Reuben and Gad, confirming its established role in the eastern settlement.