Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and MeaningBeth-tappuah, meaning "House of Apples" in Hebrew, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament. The name suggests a place known for its fruitfulness, particularly in apple cultivation, which may have been a notable feature of the area.
Biblical ReferencesBeth-tappuah is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the territorial allotment to the tribe of Judah. In
Joshua 15:53 , it is listed among the cities in the hill country: "And Janim, and Beth-tappuah, and Aphekah." This inclusion indicates its significance within the tribal boundaries and its role in the settlement patterns of the Israelites.
Geographical ContextBeth-tappuah is situated in the hill country of Judah, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and fertile valleys. The region's climate and soil conditions would have been conducive to agriculture, supporting the cultivation of various fruits, including apples. The exact location of Beth-tappuah is not definitively known today, but it is generally associated with the area southwest of Hebron, a major city in Judah.
Historical and Cultural SignificanceAs a city within the territory of Judah, Beth-tappuah would have been part of the broader cultural and religious life of the tribe. The mention of Beth-tappuah in the context of Judah's inheritance underscores the importance of land distribution among the tribes of Israel, a key aspect of maintaining tribal identity and fulfilling the covenant promises made to the patriarchs.
Archaeological InsightsWhile specific archaeological evidence directly identifying Beth-tappuah is limited, the general region has yielded findings that illuminate the lifestyle and practices of the inhabitants during the biblical period. Artifacts such as pottery, agricultural tools, and remnants of ancient dwellings provide a glimpse into the daily life and economic activities of the people who lived in the hill country of Judah.
Theological ImplicationsBeth-tappuah, like many other locations mentioned in the Bible, serves as a testament to the historical reality of the biblical narrative. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land was not only a physical inheritance but also a spiritual one, symbolizing God's faithfulness and the establishment of His people in the Promised Land.
ConclusionBeth-tappuah, though briefly mentioned, is part of the intricate tapestry of biblical geography and history. Its presence in the Scriptures highlights the detailed record of Israel's settlement in Canaan and the enduring legacy of the tribal divisions as ordained by God.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
House of apples, a town of Judah, now Tuffuh, 5 miles west of Hebron (
Joshua 15:53).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BETH-TAPPUAHbeth-tap'-u-a (beth-tappuach; Beththapphoue, "place of apples" (see however APPLE)); A town in the hill country of Judah (Joshua 15:53), probably near Hebron (el Tappuah,1 Chronicles 2:43), possibly the same as Tephon (1 Maccabees 9:50). The village of Tuffuch, 3 1/2 miles Northwest of Hebron, is the probable site; it stands on the edge of a high ridge, surrounded by very fruitful gardens; an ancient highroad runs through the village, and there are many old cisterns and caves. (SeePEF, III, 310, 379, Sh XXI.)
E. W. G. Masterman
Strong's Hebrew
1054. Beth-tappuach -- "place of apples," a place in Judah... "place of apples," a place in Judah. Transliteration: Beth-tappuach Phonetic Spelling:
(bayth tap-poo'-akh) Short Definition:
Beth-
tappuah.
...Beth-
tappuah.
...Thesaurus
Bethtappuah (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BETH-
TAPPUAH.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Bethtappuah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:53 And Janum, and
Bethtappuah, and Aphekah, (KJV)
...Beth-tappuah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-tappuah.Bethtappuah,Beth-tappuah. Beth-tap'puah . Easton's Bible Dictionary...
Bethtappuah,Beth-tappuah. Beth-tap'puah . Reference Bible.
Janim (1 Occurrence)
... JANIM. ja'-nim (yanim; the King James Version Janum): A place in the Hebron uplands
named with Eshan andBeth-tappuah (Joshua 15:53); unidentified....
Tappuah (8 Occurrences)
... The place probably represents "Beth-tappuah" of Joshua 15:53.... Joshua 15:53 Janim,
BethTappuah, Aphekah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Beth-tap'puah (1 Occurrence)
Beth-tap'puah.Beth-tappuah, Beth-tap'puah. Beth-togarmah .... Beth-tap'puah (1
Occurrence). Joshua 15:53 and Janum, andBeth-tappuah, and Aphekah; (See RSV)....
Janum (1 Occurrence)
... See JANIM. Multi-Version Concordance Janum (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:53 And Janum,
andBethtappuah, and Aphekah, (KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT NAS)....
Tephon
... TEPHON. te'-fon (he Tepho): In 1 Macc 9:50, a city of Judea fortified by Bacchides,
probably theBeth-tappuah of Joshua 15:53, near Hebron....
Bethsuron
Aphekah (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aphekah (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:53 Janim,Beth
Tappuah, Aphekah, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)....
Apple-tree (3 Occurrences)
... The word tappuach appears in two place names,BETH-TAPPUAH and TAPPUAH (which see).
EWG Masterman. Multi-Version Concordance Apple-tree (3 Occurrences)....
Resources
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