בְּעָלוֹת (be.a.lot)
be.a.lot
Bealoth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Bealoth refers to a specific town located in the southern region of Judah. Its name translates to "mistresses," reflecting the linguistic pattern of many Canaanite place names that incorporate divine titles. In the biblical narrative, this location is identified as an alternative name for Baalath-beer, linking it geographically and historically to the broader area of Beersheba.
Despite its relatively small footprint in the text, Bealoth appears in two distinct scriptural contexts that highlight its role in Israel’s territorial organization. It is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in Joshua 15:23, marking it as part of the southern inheritance. Later, it reappears in 1 Kings 4:8 within a administrative list detailing the officials responsible for supplying King Solomon, indicating that the town remained an established settlement during the monarchy.
The recurrence of this name underscores its significance as a fixed point on the map of ancient Judah. By appearing in both the conquest narrative and the royal administration records, Bealoth illustrates the continuity of settlement in the southern territories from the tribal period through the united kingdom.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Bealoth means "mistresses," a title that likely reflects the Canaanite religious landscape before Israel settled the land. Its presence in Joshua 15:24 shows how God’s people inherited a region already marked by other spiritual claims. This reminds us that faith often takes root in places with complex histories, requiring us to claim our inheritance for God rather than leaving it to old idols.
Later, Bealoth appears in 1 Kings 4:16 as part of King Solomon’s administrative network. It was no longer just a tribal allotment but a functioning town contributing to the kingdom’s stability. This continuity from conquest to monarchy illustrates how God preserves His people through generations, turning former strongholds into places of order and provision.
When we read these verses, we see that God is faithful to His promises over long periods. The land He gave remains inhabited by those who trust Him. This enduring presence offers hope that our own spiritual inheritance, though sometimes contested or quiet, is secure in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Bealoth2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְעָלֽוֹת\׃\ \ס1×
- וּ/בְעָלֽוֹת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 15:24
Ziph, Telem, Bealoth,
This verse lists Bealoth among the cities allotted to Judah, showing its role in the initial distribution of the Promised Land.
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I Kings 4:16
Baana the son of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth;
Here, Baana son of Hushai governs Bealoth, indicating it remained an established administrative center during Solomon’s reign.