בַּ֫עַל צְפוֹן
ba.al tse.phon
Baal-zephon
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word "Ba'al Tzephon" (H1189), which translates to "Baal-zephon," is a proper name referring to an individual or a deity. This name consists of two elements: "Ba'al" and "Tzephon." "Ba'al" typically denotes a lord or owner, while "Tzephon" means western. Therefore, the name "Baal-zephon" can be understood as "lord of the west" or "owner of the west." The word "Ba'al Tzephon" occurs six times in the Bible, primarily in the book of Exodus. Its significance lies in its connection to the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, particularly during their exodus from Egypt. Ba'al Tzephon is mentioned as a location where the Israelites encamped before moving on to the Red Sea. This geographical reference highlights the importance of understanding the literal meaning of the word, rather than making assumptions about its symbolic or divine connotations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
6 total occurrences across the text
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.
Exodus 14:2“Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.
Exodus 14:9The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
Exodus 14:9The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.
Numbers 33:7They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon, and they encamped before Migdol.
Numbers 33:7They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon, and they encamped before Migdol.