בַּעַל בְּרִית
ba.al be.rit
Baal-berith
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word "בַּעַל בְּרִית" (Ba'al Berit), as identified by Strong's number H1170, is a proper name referring to a specific person. The term consists of two words: "Ba'al," meaning "master" or "possessor," and "Berit," translating to "covenant." In the context of its usage in the Bible (4 times), "Ba'al Berit" refers to a leader or deity who embodies the concept of a covenant-making entity. Given its structure, we can infer that this title implies a significant relationship between a master and his followers, likely tied to a mutual agreement or compact. The range of usage is relatively limited, suggesting this name holds special significance within the narrative context in which it appears. The significance of "Ba'al Berit" primarily lies in its representation of a complex bond between a superior figure and his subjects or followers. As a name that combines the ideas of ownership and covenant, it may symbolize the establishment or affirmation of a particular authority or social relationship.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences across the text
As soon as Gideon was dead, the children of Israel turned again and played the prostitute following the Baals, and made Baal Berith their god.
Judges 8:33As soon as Gideon was dead, the children of Israel turned again and played the prostitute following the Baals, and made Baal Berith their god.
Judges 9:4They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and reckless fellows who followed him.
Judges 9:4They gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and reckless fellows who followed him.