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

בֵּית־עַזְמָ֫וֶת (bet az.ma.vet)

bet az.ma.vet

Beth-azmaveth

H1041 · 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-azmaveth is a place name found only once in the Hebrew Bible, appearing in Nehemiah 3:14. The name translates to "house of Azmaveth," with Azmaveth meaning "strength" or possibly referring to an ostrich. It identifies a specific location near Jerusalem where a priest named Malchijah repaired a section of the city wall.

The brevity of its biblical record contrasts with the detailed inventory of Nehemiah 3, which lists dozens of individuals and families responsible for rebuilding Jerusalem’s defenses. This single mention anchors the narrative in a real geography, reminding readers that the restoration involved ordinary people working at specific points along the walls. The name itself, linking a domestic space to a concept of strength or a bird, offers a glimpse into how ancient Israelites named their settlements.

Its solitary occurrence highlights the fragmented nature of some biblical place names, preserved here primarily for historical and geographical precision rather than theological exposition. The text does not elaborate on the site’s significance beyond its role in the wall-rebuilding project, leaving its broader history to archaeology rather than scripture.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Beth-azmaveth appears in the biblical record as a small village near Jerusalem, mentioned only in Nehemiah 3 and 7. Its name means "house of strength," yet its primary role in Scripture is not to stand alone as a monument but to serve as a specific point on the city wall where Malchijah the priest worked. This detail grounds the story of restoration in real geography, showing that rebuilding Jerusalem was not just a grand vision but a series of local efforts by ordinary people.

For your faith, this word reminds us that God values the concrete work of repair and maintenance. Just as Malchijah tended to his section of the wall, you may find that your own spiritual restoration involves small, specific acts of diligence in your daily life. The name itself suggests that strength is often found in the places we call home or where we have settled, rather than in distant, abstract ideals.

How it's translated

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

  • Beth1×
  • Azmaveth1×

Forms in the text

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

  • עַזְמָ֖וֶת1×
  • בֵית\־1×

Key Verses

  • Nehemiah 7:28
    The men of Beth Azmaveth: forty-two.

    This verse lists the inhabitants of Beth-azmaveth among those who returned from exile, confirming the community's continued existence and identity after the wall was rebuilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beth-azmaveth mean?

The name translates to "house of Azmaveth." Azmaveth likely means "strength" or refers to an ostrich, a bird known for its speed or perhaps its distinctive call. The name reflects how ancient Israelites often named settlements after local features, ancestors, or characteristics they valued.

Where is Beth-azmaveth located?

It was a village near Jerusalem, identified in Nehemiah 3 as the section where the priest Malchijah repaired the wall. Its exact modern location is uncertain, but it was part of the territory surrounding the capital city during the post-exilic period.

Why is Beth-azmaveth mentioned in the Bible?

It appears primarily to document the rebuilding of Jerusalem's defenses. By listing specific towns and the people who worked on their sections, the text emphasizes that restoration was a communal effort involving many different families and tribes.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)