◄ 1286. Berith ►
Strong's Lexicon Berith: Covenant Original Word: בְּרִית Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine Transliteration: Briyth Pronunciation: buh-REETH Phonetic Spelling: (ber-eeth') Definition: Berith Meaning: Berith is a proper noun referring to a deity worshiped by the Canaanites, known as Baal-Berith, meaning "Lord of the Covenant." Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew root בָּרָה (barah), meaning "to eat" or "to consume," which is often associated with the concept of making a covenant through a shared meal or sacrifice. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • While there is no direct Greek equivalent for the proper noun "Berith," the concept of a covenant is represented in Greek by the word διαθήκη (diathēkē), Strong's Greek Number 1242, which is used in the New Testament to describe covenants, including the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term "Berith" as it appears in the Hebrew Bible, focusing on its religious and cultural significance within the context of ancient Israel and Canaanite practices. Usage: The term is used in the context of Canaanite religion, specifically referring to a god associated with covenants or agreements. It appears in the context of the Israelites' interactions with the Canaanites and their religious practices. Context: • Baal-Berith: Baal-Berith is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' apostasy after the death of Gideon. In Judges 8:33, it is noted that the Israelites turned away from Yahweh and began to worship Baal-Berith. This indicates a syncretism where the Israelites adopted Canaanite religious practices, including the worship of this deity. The name "Baal-Berith" suggests a god who was believed to oversee covenants or agreements, possibly reflecting the Canaanite practice of invoking deities in legal or social contracts. • Judges 9:4: The narrative continues with Abimelech, who uses funds from the temple of Baal-Berith to hire mercenaries, indicating the temple's wealth and influence in Shechem. This further illustrates the integration of Baal-Berith worship into the socio-political fabric of the region. • Judges 9:46: The temple of El-Berith, likely another name for the same deity or a related one, is mentioned as a place of refuge during Abimelech's attack on Shechem. This highlights the temple's role as a significant religious and community center. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin short. form of Baal Definition a Shechemite deity. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Berith The same as briyth; Berith, a Shechemitish deity -- Berith. see HEBREW briyth Forms and Transliterations בְּרִֽית׃ ברית׃ bə·rîṯ beRit bərîṯ Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts Englishman's Concordance Judges 9:46 HEB: בֵּ֖ית אֵ֥ל בְּרִֽית׃ KJV: of the house of the god Berith. INT: of the temple of the god Berith 1 Occurrence Strong's Hebrew 1286 1 Occurrence bə·rîṯ — 1 Occ.