Bectileth
LocationsGeographical Setting
Beth QeTilath is an ancient toponym identified in the deuterocanonical Book of Judith as a geographical landmark within Upper Cilicia.
What is the meaning of Bectileth in the Bible?
A plain in Upper Cilicia, near a mountain on its left hand, mentioned in Judith 2:21. The name Beth QeTilath means 'house of slaughter'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying this location helps readers visualize the specific military route taken by the Assyrian general Holofernes as he marched through the region of Cilicia.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bectileth held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bectileth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bectileth clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bectileth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bectileth/