בִּתְרוֹן (bit.ron)
bit.ron
Bithron
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The term bithron refers to a specific geographical location in the eastern Jordan Valley, derived from a root meaning "division" or "cleft." It describes a distinct district or ravine situated east of the Jordan River, serving as a notable landmark in the narrative of ancient Israel.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the account of the conflict between the houses of Saul and David. In 2 Samuel 2:29, it marks the site where Abner and his men retreated after their encounter with Joab’s forces. The name likely reflects the physical landscape of a split or gully in that region.
As a proper noun for a place, bithron provides concrete detail to the historical setting rather than abstract theological concepts. Its single occurrence anchors the reader in the specific terrain where these military movements took place, highlighting the importance of geography in biblical storytelling.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bithron appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific stretch of land east of the Jordan River. Its name suggests a divided or cleft landscape, grounding the biblical narrative in real geography. This detail reminds us that God’s stories unfold in tangible places, not just abstract ideas.
In 2 Samuel 2:29, Abner and his men retreat through this region after a battle. The terrain likely offered cover or a natural boundary during their flight. Such details help us visualize the urgency and movement of these historical events.
While we may never walk the same paths, the text invites us to see how God works within human history and physical reality. These small geographical markers connect us to the ancient world and deepen our appreciation for the biblical record.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Bitron1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בִּתְר֔וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 2:29
Abner and his men went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim.
This verse places Bithron as a key landmark in Abner's retreat route, showing how geography influenced military strategy and movement during the conflict between Saul's and David's houses.