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H1027 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בֵּית נִמְרָה
Beth-Nimrah
Noun, proper place name
House of Clear Waters; Leopard Town

Definition

The Hebrew Beth-Nimrah (Strong's H1027) means 'house of clear/limpid water' or possibly 'house of the leopard,' located in the Jordan Valley in the territory of Gad, east of the Jordan. It is mentioned as one of the cities rebuilt by the tribe of Gad after requesting this territory for their livestock.

Usage & Theological Significance

Beth-Nimrah appears in the context of Gad and Reuben's request to settle east of the Jordan rather than enter Canaan proper — one of the more complex negotiations in the book of Numbers. Moses initially rebuked them, likening their request to the sin of the spies who discouraged Israel at Kadesh (Numbers 32:8-15). But when they pledged to cross over armed and fight alongside their brothers, Moses agreed. The theology is rich: inherited blessing is not automatic — it requires covenant faithfulness and standing with the community of God's people.

Key Bible Verses

Numbers 32:36 And Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran, fortified cities, and folds for sheep.
Joshua 13:27 And in the valley, Beth-haram, Beth-nimrah, Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon.
Numbers 32:3 Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo, and Beon.
Numbers 32:24 Build cities for your little ones and folds for your sheep, and do what you have promised.
Proverbs 25:26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

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