Bethsura; Bethsuron
LocationsGeographical Setting
Bethsura, also known as Bethsuron, was a fortified city in the territory of Benjamin, identified with the modern village of Beit Surik located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem.
What is the meaning of Bethsura; Bethsuron in the Bible?
The Greek form of the name Beth-zur, referring to a fortified city in the territory of Benjamin mentioned in 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees.
SIGNIFICANCE
Identifying Bethsura with the modern site of Beit Surik helps readers visualize the specific military campaigns and territorial boundaries described in the Maccabean narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bethsura; Bethsuron (located near modern Beit Surik, Palestine) 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 Bethsura; Bethsuron in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bethsura; Bethsuron clarify?
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
"Bethsura; Bethsuron." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bethsura-bethsuron/