בֶּטַח
𐤁𐤈𐤇
Betach
H984 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A place name referring to a settlement or city mentioned in connection with Aramean (Syrian) territories, likely situated in the region of Aram. The term functions as a proper noun, denoting Betach/Betah, a locale taken by David during military campaigns.
Semantic Range
Betach/Betah (proper name of a city), possibly indicating 'secure place' or 'fortress'; location in Aram (Syria); variant reading in Chronicles as 'Tibhath'
Root / Etymology
From the root בָּטַח (b-t-ḥ), meaning 'to trust, be secure,' but as a place name, the derivation likely indicates a location associated with security, safety, or fortification. The specific etymological sense for this toponym is uncertain; its name may reflect an older Semitic root related to security or fortifications but may also preserve a non-Hebrew or local Aramean place name adapted to Hebrew spelling.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In 2 Samuel 8:8, Betach is referenced among the cities conquered by David in the course of military campaigns against Hadadezer, Aramean king of Zobah. The parallel passage in 1 Chronicles 18:8 reads 'Tibhath,' indicating a variance in the transmission of the name; some textual traditions and translations reflect this difference. The identification of Betach with later sites is uncertain, and its exact location remains unknown, but it is generally recognized as within the broader Aramean/Aramaic sphere in the region of modern-day Syria. While later English translations sometimes render the name as 'Betah' or 'Betach,' occasionally substituting alternate forms, the core meaning as a place name persists. The root connection to 'trust' or 'security' is recognized but does not appear to shape the narrative beyond naming. There is no direct religious or ethnic content to the name itself, and it is not otherwise attested as a designation for people or social identity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as בֶּטַח; Betach, a place in Syria; Betah.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בטח (b-ṭ-ḥ) — to trust, be secure, feel confidence
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4009 | מִבְטָח | in your refuges |
| H982 | בָּטַח | he trusted |
| H983 | בֶּטַח | secure confidence |
| H985 | בִּטְחָה | and in confidence |
| H986 | בִּטָּחוֹן | confident security |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H984-01 |
וּ/מִ/בֶּ֥טַח | umibetach | HC/R/Np |
and from Betah | and from Betach | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H984-01 |
2 Samuel 8:8 | וּ/מִ/בֶּ֥טַח | umibetach | HC/R/Np |
and from Betah | and from Betach |