Who or what is Pi-Beseth in the Bible?

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Pi-Beseth

Locations

Modern Location Tell el-Balamun, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt

Coordinates 31.1333, 31.6167

Geographical Setting

Pi-beseth was an ancient Egyptian city situated on the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, identified with the modern site of Tell el-Balamun.

What is the meaning of Pi-Beseth in the Bible?

Pi-beseth was a city of ancient Egypt located on the western bank of the Pelusiac branch of the Nile, approximately 40 miles north of Memphis. It served as a cult center for the goddess Bastet and is archaeologically associated with a cemetery containing mummified cats.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Pi-beseth clarifies the biblical references to Beth-anath and Beth-beseth, illustrating the geographical spread of Egyptian religious influence in the Nile Delta and the cultural context of idolatry condemned by the prophets.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Pi-Beseth (located near modern Tell el-Balamun, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt) 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 Pi-Beseth in this passage?
What cultural or historical assumption does Pi-Beseth 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

          "Pi-Beseth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/pibeseth/
        

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