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H884 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע
Be'er Sheva
Proper noun
Beersheba — Well of Seven/Oath

Definition

The Hebrew place name Be'er Sheva means either 'well of the oath' or 'well of seven' (both sheva). It is one of the most significant cities in the patriarchal narratives — the southernmost city of the Promised Land, marking the southern boundary ('from Dan to Beersheba').

Usage & Theological Significance

Beersheba is where Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and called on the name of the LORD (Genesis 21:33), where Isaac received covenant confirmation (Genesis 26:24-25), and where Jacob had his vision before descending to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-4). It is a center of covenant renewal across generations. The phrase 'from Dan to Beersheba' marks the full extent of God's promised land — north to south — testifying to the completeness of His covenant gift to Israel.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.
Genesis 26:23 From there he went up to Beersheba.
Genesis 46:1 So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.
1 Samuel 3:20 And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD.
Amos 5:5 Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness.

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