סֻכּוֹת (suk.kot)
suk.kot
Succoth
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun sukkôt, meaning "booths" or "shelters," refers to a specific location east of the Jordan River. According to Genesis 33:17, this is the place where Jacob built houses for himself after setting up temporary shelters for his livestock, distinguishing it from the nearby city of Peniel.
The name appears fourteen times in the Old Testament, primarily within the tribal allotments of Gad and Manasseh. In Numbers 32:41 and Judges 8:8-9, sukkôt serves as a strategic military target during Gideon’s campaign against the Midianites, highlighting its role as a fortified settlement rather than merely a seasonal agricultural site.
The etymology connects directly to the temporary structures used by Jacob, yet the biblical narrative treats it as a permanent town with significant political and military weight. Translators consistently render it as "Succoth" to preserve this proper noun identity while retaining the original sense of sheltered habitation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Succoth carries a quiet weight of transition. In Genesis, Jacob builds permanent houses there after a season of uncertainty, marking a shift from wandering to settling. This reminds us that our own periods of instability often lead to places of deeper stability and trust.
Later, the town appears in military contexts, showing how God uses ordinary locations for significant purposes. Whether as a stop on Israel’s journey or a site of judgment, Succoth illustrates that no place is too small for God’s plan. We can find comfort knowing that our current circumstances, however temporary they feel, are part of a larger story.
As you navigate your own seasons of change, remember that God provides shelter and direction. Just as Jacob found rest at Succoth, you can trust that He is preparing a place for you, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Succoth10×
- from/ Succoth2×
- Succoth/ towards2×
- at/ Succoth1×
- and/ Succoth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֻכּ֖וֹת3×
- סֻכּ֔וֹת3×
- סֻכּֽוֹת\׃2×
- מִ/סֻּכֹּ֑ת2×
- סֻכּוֹת֙1×
- סֻכּֽוֹת\׃\ \ס1×
- סֻכֹּ֔תָ/ה1×
- סֻכֹּ֑תָ/ה1×
- וְ/סֻכּ֣וֹת1×
- בְּ/סֻכֹּֽת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 33:17
Jacob traveled to Succoth, built himself a house, and made shelters for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.
This verse establishes Succoth as a place of settlement and divine provision after Jacob's fearful encounter with Esau.
-
Exodus 12:37
The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, in addition to children.
It marks the first major encampment of the Israelites after leaving Egypt, symbolizing the beginning of their journey to freedom.
-
Judges 8:5
He said to the men of Succoth, “Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.”
Gideon’s request for bread here reveals the town's strategic importance and its initial refusal to support God's deliverer.