בָּמוֹת (ba.mot)
ba.mot
Bamoth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Ba-mot refers to a specific town located in Moab, situated along the banks of the Arnon River. Its name literally translates to "high places" or "great high place," likely describing its geographical position on elevated ground rather than its religious function.
Although the word shares a root with terms for pagan shrines, this particular entry identifies a geographic location. It appears in only four verses, primarily within Numbers and Joshua, where it serves as a landmark during the Israelites' journey through the Transjordan region.
The brevity of its biblical usage highlights its role as a territorial marker. By noting this town, the texts ground the narrative in real geography, reminding readers that the wilderness wanderings took place across specific, named settlements in the ancient Near East.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bamoth literally means "high places," yet in this specific entry, it refers to a real town on the banks of the Arnon River rather than a pagan shrine. This distinction reminds us that God’s guidance often meets us in the ordinary details of geography and history. The Israelites did not wander in empty space; they moved from one named landmark to another, trusting that each stop was part of a larger journey.
When we face our own transitions, it can feel like we are moving through vague or uncertain terrain. But the biblical record shows that God provides specific markers along the way. Whether you are navigating a career change or a personal loss, these small, tangible steps matter. You are not lost; you are simply in the process of being led to your next destination.
Even when the path seems long, like the journey from Bamoth to the top of Pisgah, there is purpose in the movement. The view from the high place offers perspective, but it is the walking that brings you closer to the promise. Trust that every station on your road has meaning.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bamoth2×
- and/ from/ Bamoth1×
- and/ Bamoth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִ/בָּמ֗וֹת1×
- וּ/בָמ֣וֹת1×
- בָּמֽוֹת\׃1×
- בָּמ֣וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 21:19
and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;
This verse lists Bamoth as a specific stop in the sequence of Israel's encampments, highlighting its role as a concrete waypoint rather than a vague location.
-
Numbers 21:20
and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.
Here the text describes the movement from Bamoth to the valley of Moab and the top of Pisgah, showing how this town served as a launching point for viewing the promised land.
-
Joshua 13:17
Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon,
Bamoth appears here as part of the territorial inheritance list, confirming its status as an established settlement within the allocated lands of Reuben.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bamoth mean in the Bible?
Is Bamoth the same as a pagan shrine?
Why is Bamoth mentioned only four times?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Numbers 3 verses
and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;
Numbers 21:20and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.
Numbers 22:41In the morning, Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from there part of the…