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בַּ֫עַל חָצוֹר (ba.al cha.tsor)

ba.al cha.tsor

Baal-hazor

H1178 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

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

Word Overview

The name Baal-hazor, meaning "lord of the village" or "possessor of a court," identifies a specific town situated on the border between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in 2 Samuel 13:23.

This location is significant for its role in the narrative surrounding King David’s family. The text notes that Absalom had sheep there, making it the setting where he orchestrated the murder of his brother Amnon. The rural setting contrasts sharply with the political intrigue unfolding within the royal household.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Baal-hazor appears only once in Scripture, marking a quiet rural spot where Absalom hosted his sheep-shearers. The name means "lord of the village," yet this peaceful gathering became the stage for a family tragedy. It reminds us that even ordinary places can hold deep human struggles.

When we read about Absalom’s invitation to the king’s sons, we see how personal grievances can fester in private moments. This story does not offer easy answers but invites us to reflect on how we handle hurt and anger in our own relationships. May we seek peace rather than revenge.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • at/ Baal1×
  • Hazor1×

Forms in the text

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

  • חָצ֖וֹר1×
  • בְּ/בַ֥עַל1×

Key Verses

  • II Samuel 13:23
    After two full years, Absalom had sheep shearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim; and Absalom invited all the king’s sons.

    This verse establishes Baal-hazor as the specific location where Absalom’s plan to kill Amnon was set in motion during a sheep-shearing festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Baal-hazor mean?

The name Baal-hazor translates to "lord of the village" or "possessor of a court." It refers to a town located on the border between the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin.

Where does Baal-hazor appear in the Bible?

It appears only once, in 2 Samuel 13:23. This verse describes Absalom having sheep-shearers there and inviting all the king’s sons to a gathering.

Why is Baal-hazor significant?

This location is significant because it was the setting for Absalom’s revenge against his brother Amnon. The peaceful rural event turned into a moment of intense family conflict and violence.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)