Dictionaries :: Beth-Aven

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Beth-Aven:

house of nothingness; i.e., "of idols", a place in the mountains of Benjamin, east of Bethel (Jos 7:2; 18:12; 1Sa 13:5). In Hsa 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.

Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary

Beth-Aven:

the house of vanity; of iniquity of trouble

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Beth-Aven:

beth-a'-ven (beth ‘awen; Baithon, Baithaun): A place on the northern boundary of the territory of Benjamin (Jos 18:12) East of Bethel, near Ai (Jos 7:2), West of Michmash (1Sa 13:5; 14:23). Beth-aven, "house of vanity," i.e. "idolatry," may possibly represent an original beth-'on, "house of wealth." Wilson (PEFS, 1869, 126) suggests Khirbet An, West of Michmash. The name is used in mockery for Bethel by Hosea (4:15; 10:5,8, etc.; compare Am 5:5).

Nave's Topical Bible

Beth-Aven: A Place on the Mountains of Benjamin

Jos 7:2; 18:12; 1Sa 13:5; 14:23; Hsa 4:15; 5:8; 10:5