בֵּית פְּעוֹר (bet pe.or)
bet pe.or
Beth-peor
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Beth-peor, meaning "house of Peor," was a settlement in the territory of Reuben, located east of the Jordan River within the land once held by the Amorites. The name itself points to a specific local shrine or cultic site dedicated to the deity Peor, marking it as a place of religious significance for the surrounding nations.
Although it appears only four times in Scripture, its presence is notable because it anchors a critical moment of spiritual failure. In Deuteronomy 4:3 and Numbers 25, the text recalls how Israel engaged in sexual immorality and idolatry at this very location, worshipping Baal of Peor. This event serves as a stark historical warning against assimilation and apostasy, reminding readers that proximity to the Promised Land did not shield them from the temptation to adopt local pagan practices.
Joshua 13:20 lists Beth-peor among the cities assigned to Reuben, confirming its status as a settled community rather than just a temporary camp. The word functions primarily as a geographical marker for this specific incident of rebellion, linking the physical place directly to the theological theme of covenant faithfulness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Beth-peor serves as a quiet but heavy reminder in Scripture that physical proximity to God’s promises does not guarantee spiritual safety. Located east of the Jordan, this site marks where Israel turned from worshiping Yahweh to embracing local pagan practices. The name itself, meaning 'house of Peor,' points to a shrine that drew people away from their covenant with God through compromise and idolatry.
For believers today, Beth-peor is not just an ancient ruin but a warning against the subtle pull of cultural assimilation. It shows how easily faith can be diluted when we allow surrounding values to shape our hearts. The text reminds us that staying near the land of promise requires active vigilance and deliberate choice.
Even Moses, who led Israel out of Egypt, died in the valley opposite Beth-peor. His burial place remains unknown, perhaps underscoring that no leader is immune to the consequences of spiritual drift. Yet this history invites us to examine our own lives, ensuring our worship remains pure and focused on God alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Peor4×
- Beth3×
- and/ Beth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בֵּ֣ית2×
- פְּעֽוֹר\׃\ \פ1×
- פְּע֛וֹר1×
- פְּע֔וֹר1×
- פְּע֑וֹר1×
- וּ/בֵ֥ית1×
- בֵּ֥ית1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 4:46
beyond the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel struck when they came out of Egypt.
This verse anchors Beth-peor in the broader narrative of Israel's journey, linking it to the defeat of Sihon and setting the stage for the subsequent warning against idolatry.
-
Deuteronomy 34:6
He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.
The mention of Moses' burial opposite Beth-peor adds a poignant layer, suggesting that even the greatest leader faced the finality of death near this site of past spiritual failure.
-
Joshua 13:20
Beth Peor, the slopes of Pisgah, Beth Jeshimoth,
By listing Beth-peor among Reuben's inheritance, this verse confirms its status as a settled community, highlighting how the land itself carried the memory of Israel's rebellion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Beth-peor mean?
Why is Beth-peor significant in the Bible?
Where was Beth-peor located?
How does Beth-peor relate to Moses?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Deuteronomy 3 verses
So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.
Deuteronomy 4:46beyond the Jordan, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon,…
Deuteronomy 34:6He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab opposite Beth Peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.