Original Word: בַּית תַּפּוּחַ
Part of Speech: Proper Name Location
Transliteration: Beth Tappuwach
Pronunciation: bayth-tap-POO-akh
Phonetic Spelling: (bayth tap-poo'-akh)
KJV: Beth-tappuah
NASB: Beth-tappuah
Word Origin: [from H1004 (בַּיִת - house) and H8598 (תַּפּוַּח - apple tree)]

1. house of (the) apple
2. Beth-Tappuach, a place in Israel

Beth-tappuah

From bayith and tappuwach; house of (the) apple; Beth-Tappuach, a place in Palestine -- Beth-tappuah.

see HEBREW bayith

see HEBREW tappuwach

Word Origin
from bayith and tappuach
Definition
"place of apples," a place in Judah
NASB Translation
Beth-tappuah (1).

בֵּיתתַּֿמּוּחַ proper name, of a location in Judah (place of apples) Joshua 15:53; — modern Taffûh Rob^{BR ii. 71} Bd^{Pal 154} Survey^{iii. 310, 379}.

Geographical Setting

Beth Tappuah was situated in the hill country allotted to the tribe of Judah, lying west of Hebron and overlooking the Shephelah. The high elevation provided fertile terraces where orchards could flourish, explaining its reputation for fruitfulness. Modern scholars often identify the site with the village of Tûba, about eight kilometers west-northwest of Hebron, though the precise location remains debated. Its proximity to Hebron linked it to a major administrative and cultic center in Judah’s early settlement period.

Biblical Occurrence

Beth Tappuah appears once, in the catalog of fortified hill-country towns of Judah: “In the hill country: Shamir, Jattir, Socoh, Dannah, Kiriath Sannah (that is, Debir), Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim, Goshen, Holon, and Giloh—eleven cities with their villages… Arab, Dumah, Eshan, Janim, Beth Tappuah, Aphekah, Humtah, Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), and Zior—nine cities with their villages” (Joshua 15:48-54). By placing Beth Tappuah among fortified sites, the inspired historian indicates its strategic and communal importance in securing Judah’s highlands.

Historical Background

1. Settlement Period: Judah’s inheritance required the displacement of Canaanite populations and the establishment of new administrative centers. Beth Tappuah—paired with towns such as Debir and Hebron—formed a defensive ring guarding the Judean interior.
2. Monarchic Era: Though not mentioned in later narratives, its strategic ridge likely remained inhabited, supporting agricultural production for the kingdom.
3. Post-Exilic Memory: Lists like Joshua 15 preserved covenantal claims to the land, encouraging returning exiles that the Lord’s ancient boundaries still stood (Ezra 2:1; Nehemiah 7:6).

Theological Significance

• Covenant Fulfillment: The single listing testifies that every promise made to Abraham’s descendants was fulfilled “not one word of all the good promises… failed” (Joshua 21:45). Even small towns stand as monuments to divine faithfulness.
• Fruitfulness Imagery: Apples symbolized delight and nourishment in Scripture (Song of Solomon 2:3; Proverbs 25:11). A town renowned for orchards in Judah’s rugged hills illustrates how God can cultivate abundance in difficult terrain, an enduring metaphor for spiritual growth amid adversity (John 15:5).
• Community Defense and Worship: Hill-country towns often hosted Levitical service and regional gatherings (Joshua 21:11). While not explicitly labeled Levitical, Beth Tappuah’s inclusion among fortified sites underscores the intertwined roles of security and worship in covenant life.

Prophetic and Messianic Foreshadowing

The prophets envisioned a restored land where “every man will sit under his vine and under his fig tree” (Micah 4:4). Places like Beth Tappuah foreshadow that eschatological peace. By securing orchard towns, Joshua anticipated the Messiah’s ultimate reign, when the earth will yield its increase under the Prince of Peace (Psalm 67:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-9).

Lessons for Ministry Today

• Faithfulness in Hidden Places: Beth Tappuah never headlines Scripture, yet its inclusion affirms God’s notice of seemingly insignificant communities (Luke 12:6-7).
• Cultivating Fruit in Hill Country: Churches planted in spiritually “rugged” settings can still bear abundant fruit when rooted in Christ.
• Stewardship of Land and Resources: The town reminds believers to cultivate creation responsibly, preparing an inheritance for future generations (Genesis 2:15; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

Archaeological Notes

Surface surveys around Tûba reveal terrace walls, cisterns, and wine or olive presses consistent with Iron Age occupation. Pottery sherds from the tenth to seventh centuries BC suggest continuity through the United Monarchy and Judahite monarchic period, supporting the biblical testimony of long-term settlement.

Cross References

Joshua 15:48-54; Song of Solomon 2:3; Psalm 17:8; Proverbs 25:11; Micah 4:4; John 15:5.

See Also

Hebron; Debir; Judah, Hill Country of; Fruitfulness in Scripture; Covenant Land Promises.

תַּפּ֖וּחַ תפוח tap·pū·aḥ tapPuach tappūaḥInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts