בֵּית־עֲנָת (bet a.nat)
bet a.nat
Beth-anath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Beth-anath is a proper noun referring to a specific location within the territory of the tribe of Naphtali. The name translates literally as "house of response" or "house of affliction," depending on how the second element is interpreted. It appears in the biblical text primarily as a geographical marker rather than a site of major narrative action.
This place is mentioned twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in lists defining tribal boundaries. In Joshua 19:38, it is included among the fortified cities assigned to Naphtali, indicating its status as a settled community with defensive structures. Judges 1:33 notes that the tribe of Naphtali failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-anath, alongside other towns like Aijalon and Shalbin.
The limited occurrence of this name suggests it was a minor settlement compared to larger urban centers. Its inclusion in the boundary lists highlights the detailed nature of the land distribution records. The dual meaning of its name—whether pointing to divine response or human suffering—adds a layer of historical texture to these brief references, though the text does not elaborate on which sense was intended by its original inhabitants.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Beth-anath appears in Scripture as a small town in the territory of Naphtali, mentioned only twice in lists of cities. Its name carries two possible meanings: "house of response" or "house of affliction." This duality invites us to consider how God meets His people in different seasons. Whether we experience divine answers or difficult trials, this place reminds us that every location has a story and that God is present in the details of our lives.
In Joshua 19:38, Beth-anath is listed among the fortified cities given to Naphtali, showing God’s faithfulness in providing for His people. Yet Judges 1:33 tells us that the tribe failed to fully drive out the inhabitants there, leading to ongoing tension. This contrast highlights a common human struggle: we often settle for partial obedience or live alongside challenges we were meant to overcome. The text does not judge them harshly but records the reality of their situation.
For your faith today, this word encourages honesty about where you stand. It is okay to acknowledge areas in your life that feel unresolved or difficult. God’s provision, like the city walls of Beth-anath, offers protection even when circumstances are complex. You do not need to have everything figured out to find peace in His presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Anath3×
- and/ Beth2×
- Beth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָ֔ת2×
- עֲנָ֖ת1×
- וּ/בֵית\־1×
- וּ/בֵ֣ית1×
- בֵית\־1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:38
Iron, Migdal El, Horem, Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.
This verse lists Beth-anath as a fortified city assigned to Naphtali, highlighting God's specific provision and the tribe's inheritance.
-
Judges 1:33
Naphtali didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but he lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labor.
Here the text notes that Naphtali failed to drive out the inhabitants of Beth-anath, illustrating the ongoing struggle with partial obedience.