Beth-Shemite
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Beth-Shemite in the Bible?
A Beth-shemite was a resident of the ancient Judean town of Beth-shemesh, identified in the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel 6:14 and 20.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this term clarifies the specific geographic and social context of the Ark of the Covenant's return, illustrating how local communities interacted with sacred objects and religious events in ancient Israel.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Beth-Shemite reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Beth-Shemite in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Beth-Shemite clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
1 Samuel 6:14
Related Topics
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
"Beth-Shemite." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethshemite/