בֵּית עֶ֑דֶן (bet e.den)

bet e.den

Beth-eden

H1040 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

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

Word Overview

The proper noun bet e-den translates to "house of delight" or "house of Eden." It refers to a specific Aramaean city located in Syria, identified by scholars with the ancient site of Bit Adini, known today as Juseih. This location appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the oracle against Damascus in Amos 1:5.

In this context, the name carries significant rhetorical weight. By mentioning a place whose very title signifies joy or pleasure, the prophet emphasizes the completeness of the coming judgment. The destruction of such a "delightful" city underscores that no location is immune to divine reckoning, turning a name associated with comfort into a marker of impending loss.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The name Beth-eden means "house of delight," yet it appears in Scripture only once, in a prophecy of judgment against Damascus (Amos 1:5). This contrast reminds us that human comfort is temporary and fragile. No matter how secure or pleasant our surroundings seem, they cannot shield us from God’s ultimate justice.

For your faith, this word offers a sobering but freeing perspective. It invites you to place your trust not in the stability of cities, wealth, or even your own strength, but in the Lord who reigns over all nations. When worldly foundations shake, you can find rest in the one reality that never changes.

How it's translated

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

from/ Beth1×
Eden1×

Forms in the text

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

עֶ֑דֶן1×
מִ/בֵּ֣ית1×

Key Verses

Amos 1:5
I will break the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven, and him who holds the scepter from the house of Eden; and the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir,” says Yahweh.

This verse uses the city's joyful name to highlight the thoroughness of God's judgment on human pride.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beth-eden mean?

Beth-eden translates to "house of delight" or "house of Eden." It was a city in ancient Syria, likely identified with the archaeological site of Bit Adini.

Why is this name significant in Amos?

The prophet mentions it to show that judgment reaches even the most prosperous and joyful places. The contrast between its pleasant name and its impending destruction emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations.

How does this word relate to Eden?

Both words share the root meaning "delight" or "pleasure." While Genesis 2 describes the original garden of delight, Amos uses a similar term for a human city that ultimately falls short of God's glory.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Amos 1 verse

Amos 1:5

I will break the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven, and him who holds the scepter…