בְּנֵי־בְרַק (be.ne-b.raq)
be.ne-b.raq
Bene-berak
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Bene-barak is a place name found only once in the Hebrew Bible, listed among the fortified cities assigned to the tribe of Dan in Joshua 19:45. The name itself translates literally to "sons of lightning," combining the word for sons with the term for lightning or flash.
While the etymology suggests a vivid image of speed or brilliance, the text offers no explanation for why this specific settlement carried such a title. Scholars have debated whether it refers to a local deity, a geographical feature, or simply a poetic descriptor for the inhabitants, but the biblical record remains silent on the origin.
Its single occurrence serves primarily as a geographic marker within the tribal allotments rather than a theological symbol. The name anchors the narrative of Israel's territorial distribution in the land, highlighting the specific inheritance given to one of the twelve tribes without further elaboration.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read through the lists of tribal inheritances in Joshua, it is easy to feel like we are skimming over dry geography. Yet these names represent real places where real people lived and worshipped. Bene-berak, meaning "sons of lightning," stands as a specific marker of God's provision for the tribe of Dan. It reminds us that His promises were not abstract ideas but tangible realities anchored in the earth.
This single mention invites us to consider how God uses ordinary details to fulfill His grand plans. The name suggests speed or brilliance, perhaps reflecting the character of those who lived there or a local landmark. Regardless of its exact origin, it shows that every part of Israel's story, no matter how brief, holds significance in the biblical record.
For your faith, this word encourages trust in God's precision. He knows the names of places and people with perfect accuracy. Just as He assigned these territories to their tribes, He assigns a place for you in His kingdom. You are known by name, and your life has a specific purpose within His larger narrative.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Bene1×
- Berak1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְנֵֽי\־1×
- בְרַ֖ק1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:45
Jehud, Bene Berak, Gath Rimmon,
This verse lists Bene-berak as one of the fortified cities specifically allotted to the tribe of Dan, highlighting its role in the territorial distribution of Israel.