בַּ֫עַל מְעוֹן (ba.al me.on)
ba.al me.on
Baal-meon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Baal-meon is the name of a town located in the territory of Reuben, situated on the eastern side of the Jordan River. The Hebrew phrase literally translates to "lord of the habitation" or "master of the dwelling." This place name reflects the ancient Canaanite religious context where local deities were often associated with specific settlements.
The text mentions Baal-meon in connection with Nebo, another Moabite city. In Numbers 32:38 and Joshua 13:17, it appears as part of the list of fortified cities established by the tribe of Reuben after their conquest of the land. Later references in Ezekiel 25:9 and 1 Chronicles 5:8 confirm its status as a Moabite stronghold during the time of the prophets.
The presence of "Baal" in the name indicates that this settlement was likely under the spiritual influence of Baal worship, a common practice in the region. The mention of this town highlights the complex religious and political landscape of the Transjordan area during the Israelite settlement and the subsequent periods of Moabite dominance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Baal-meon literally means "lord of the habitation." In the ancient world, place names often reflected the spiritual climate of a region. This town in Transjordan carried a title that pointed to pagan worship, standing as a reminder of the cultural and religious pressures Israel faced when settling the land.
Yet the biblical record shows God’s people renaming places like Nebo and Baal-meon (Numbers 32:38). This act was more than administrative; it was a declaration that Yahweh alone holds authority over our homes and communities. The name change signals a shift from local idols to the one true God.
For you, this history invites reflection on what "lords" occupy your life today. Are there habits or influences that claim ownership over your peace? The Bible encourages us to surrender those areas to Christ, allowing His lordship to replace every competing claim. This brings true freedom and stability to the soul.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Meon3×
- Baal2×
- and/ Baal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְעֽוֹן\׃2×
- מְע֛וֹן1×
- וּ/בַ֥עַל1×
- בַּ֧עַל1×
- בַּ֥עַל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 32:38
Nebo, and Baal Meon, (their names being changed), and Sibmah. They gave other names to the cities which they built.
This verse records the Reubenites renaming Baal Meon, a deliberate act to distance their new settlement from its pagan connotations and affirm Yahweh's authority.
-
Joshua 13:17
Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, Bamoth Baal, Beth Baal Meon,
The mention of Beth Baal Meon here highlights the complex religious landscape of the region, showing how deeply Canaanite worship was entrenched in local identity.
-
I Chronicles 5:8
and Bela the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon;
This genealogical record confirms the tribe's presence in the area, linking their physical settlement to the broader narrative of Israel's inheritance in Transjordan.