סֻכּוֹת בְּנוֹת (suk.kot be.not)
suk.kot be.not
Succoth-benoth
N:N-M-TQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-T
Word Overview
The name Succoth-benoth appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 2 Kings 17:30. It refers to a deity worshipped by Babylonian settlers who were placed in Samaria by the Assyrian king. The literal meaning of the term is "booths of daughters" or "daughter's booths," pointing to a specific local cultic practice rather than a widely known god.
Its inclusion in the list of foreign gods highlights the religious confusion that characterized the region after the Assyrian conquest. The text groups Succoth-benoth with other distinct deities like Nergal and Molech, illustrating how these new inhabitants mixed their own traditions with local worship. This single reference serves as a historical marker for the syncretism that the biblical authors consistently criticized.
While the name itself is obscure outside this verse, its presence underscores the diversity of religious practices in ancient Israelite history. Scholars note the Assyrian or Babylonian origins of the term, linking it to the cultural background of the settlers. The brief mention reminds readers of the complex spiritual landscape that existed before the reforms of later kings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Succoth-benoth appears only once in Scripture, listed among the idols worshipped by Babylonian settlers in Samaria (2 Kings 17:30). This brief mention highlights a time of deep religious confusion when people mixed their old traditions with new ones. It serves as a historical marker for the syncretism that biblical authors consistently criticized.
For your faith, this obscure name reminds us of the danger of dividing our loyalty. When we try to hold onto worldly practices alongside our devotion to God, we create spiritual confusion. The text shows how easily people drift from pure worship when they do not ground themselves in clear truth.
We are invited to examine our own hearts for any hidden idols that compete with God's place in our lives. By keeping our focus on the one true God, we avoid the confusion that plagued ancient Samaria. May you find peace in the clarity of trusting Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Succoth1×
- Benoth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סֻכּ֣וֹת1×
- בְּנ֔וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 17:30
The men of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,
This verse lists Succoth-benoth as one of several foreign deities introduced by Babylonian settlers, illustrating the religious syncretism that occurred after the Assyrian conquest.