beth-aven Summary and Overview

house of nothingness; i.e., "of idols", a place in the mountains of Benjamin, east of Bethel (Josh. 7:2; 18:12; 1 Sam. 13:5). In Hos. 4:15; 5:8; 10:5 it stands for "Bethel" (q.v.), and it is so called because it was no longer the "house of God," but "the house of idols," referring to the calves there worshipped.

(house of nothingness, i.e. of idols), a place on the mountains of Benjamin, east of Bethel, #Jos 7:2; 18:12| and lying between that place and Michmash. #1Sa 13:5; 14:28| In #Ho 4:15; 5:8; 10:5| the name is transferred to the neighboring Bethel, --once the "house of God" but then the house of idols of "naught."

BETH-A'VEN (house of naught, or idols), east of Bethel, Josh 7:2; Josh 18:12; 1 Sam 13:5; 1 Sam 14:23; used as a name for Bethel, "house of God;" changed to Beth-aven, ''house of idols." Hos 4:15; Hos 5:8; Hos 10:5.