בַּעֲלָה (ba.a.lah)

ba.a.lah

(Mount) Baalah

H1173 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 6 verses

N:N--L

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 6 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: N:N--L

Word Overview

The name Baalah, derived from a root meaning "mistress," identifies an ancient town in the southern region of Judah. It appears six times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the narratives of Joshua, 2 Samuel, and 1 Chronicles. The term functions as a proper noun for this specific locality, which is also referred to by related names such as Baal of Judah or Kiriath-jearim.

This settlement holds particular significance in biblical history as the location where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for a time before being moved to Jerusalem. The name itself reflects the religious landscape of the era, pointing to a place associated with local deities. Modern scholarship often identifies the site with Kuriet el Enab, linking the ancient text to physical geography in the Judean hills.

Translators generally retain Baalah as a proper name rather than translating it literally, preserving its identity as a specific place rather than a generic title. The variation in spelling across different books highlights the textual transmission of these historical records. Understanding this location helps readers visualize the journey of sacred objects and the territorial divisions described in the Old Testament.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Baalah, also known as Baal of Judah or Kiriath-jearim, was a town in the southern hills of Judah. Its name means "mistress," reflecting the religious landscape of its time. This place is significant because it held the Ark of the Covenant for many years before King David brought it to Jerusalem. The story shows how God's presence moved from a local shrine to the center of Israel's worship.

For readers today, Baalah reminds us that sacred things often have a journey. The Ark was kept there during a time when Israel did not have a permanent temple. It teaches that God meets His people in specific places and times. Understanding these details helps us see the care taken to honor what is holy.

This location connects to the broader narrative of Israel's history. It shows how territorial boundaries were defined and how sacred objects were protected. The name itself points to a time when local deities were acknowledged, yet God's Ark remained there. This contrast highlights the unique role of Yahweh among the nations.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.

Baalah2×
from/ Baalah of1×
from/ Baalah1×
Baalah/ towards1×
<the>/ Baalah1×

Forms in the text

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

מִֽ/בַּעֲלֵ֖י1×
מִ/בַּעֲלָ֥ה1×
הַֽ/בַּעֲלָ֖ה1×
בַּעֲלָ֥ה1×
בַּעֲלָ֔תָ/ה1×
בַּעֲלָ֔ה1×

Key Verses

II Samuel 6:2
David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah, to bring up from there God’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim.

This verse marks the pivotal moment when David initiates the move of the Ark from Baale Judah, signaling a shift in national worship.
I Chronicles 13:6
David went up with all Israel to Baalah, that is, to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there God Yahweh’s ark that sits above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.

Chronicles clarifies that Baalah is Kiriath-jearim, linking the geographical location to its historical role as the Ark's long-term home.
Joshua 15:9
The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (also called Kiriath Jearim);

The border description identifies Baalah as Kiriath Jearim, establishing its place within the tribal inheritance of Judah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Baalah mean?

The name Baalah comes from a root meaning "mistress" or "lady." It was the name of an ancient town in Judah, also called Kiriath-jearim. The name reflects the religious context of the area before the centralization of worship in Jerusalem.

Why is Baalah important in the Bible?

Baalah is important because it was the place where the Ark of the Covenant stayed for many years. King David later brought the Ark from there to Jerusalem, which was a key event in Israel's history. It marks the transition of the Ark's location.

Where is Baalah located?

Baalah was located in the southern region of Judah. Modern scholars often identify it with Kuriet el Enab in the Judean hills. The Bible describes it as part of the tribal boundaries given to Judah.

Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)

Joshua 4 verses

Joshua 15:9

The border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of…

Joshua 15:10

and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim (also…

Joshua 15:11

and the border went out to the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to Mount…

Joshua 15:29

Baalah, Iim, Ezem,

II Samuel 1 verse

I Chronicles 1 verse