בַּעֲלָת (ba.a.lat)
ba.a.lat
Baalath
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Baalath, derived from the Hebrew root for "mistress" or "lady," designates a specific location within the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. In the biblical narrative, it is not merely a geographic marker but a site associated with significant religious and political shifts during the early monarchy. The sources identify this town as one of the places mentioned in the division of the land, highlighting its role in the tribal inheritance.
Its most notable appearance occurs in 1 Kings 4:10, where it is listed among the districts governed by Solomon’s officials, indicating its integration into the administrative structure of the united kingdom. Later, in 2 Chronicles 8:6, the city is linked to King Solomon’s building projects, suggesting it held strategic or economic importance. The name itself, meaning "mistress," may reflect local cultic associations or simply denote a prominent settlement, offering a glimpse into the complex religious landscape of ancient Israel.
Though mentioned only three times in Scripture, Baalath’s brief appearances underscore the tension between Israelite identity and surrounding Canaanite influences. Its location in Dan, a tribe often associated with later idolatry (Judges 18), adds a layer of historical irony to its inclusion in Solomon’s reign. The word serves as a reminder of how place names carried theological weight, even when their original meanings were obscured by time.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Baalath appears in Scripture as a specific town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. Its meaning, linked to the concept of a mistress or lady, reflects the complex religious landscape of ancient Israel where place names often carried theological weight. For readers today, this word reminds us that geography in the Bible is never neutral; locations are woven into the spiritual narrative of God’s people.
While Baalath itself is mentioned only three times, its presence highlights how the land was divided and governed during the united monarchy. Solomon’s administration included this town among his districts, showing how local communities were integrated into the broader kingdom structure. This historical detail grounds our faith in real places and real people who lived under God’s provision.
Understanding these minor details enriches our reading of Scripture. It shows that every part of the biblical record, even a small town name, contributes to the larger story of God’s covenant with Israel. We can trust that God is attentive to the specifics of history, just as He is attentive to the details of our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Baalath2×
- and/ Baalath1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בַעֲלָֽת\׃1×
- בַּעֲלָ֛ת1×
- בַּעֲלָ֗ת1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:44
Eltekeh, Gibbethon, Baalath,
This verse lists Baalath among the cities allotted to Dan, establishing its initial role in the tribal inheritance and showing how the land was distributed according to God’s promise.
-
I Kings 9:18
Baalath, Tamar in the wilderness,
Here Baalath is mentioned alongside Tamar as part of Solomon’s building projects, indicating its strategic importance in securing borders and infrastructure during the kingdom’s peak.
-
II Chronicles 8:6
and Baalath, and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and all the cities for his chariots, the cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired to build for his pleasure in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.
This passage groups Baalath with other storage cities, highlighting its economic function within Solomon’s administrative system and demonstrating how the king organized resources for the nation.