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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Balah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/b/balah.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/joshua/19-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/b/balah.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Balah</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/b/bal'adan.htm" title="Bal'adan">◄</a> Balah <a href="/topical/naves/b/balah--a_city_of_the_territory_of_the_tribe_of_simeon.htm" title="Balah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Simeon">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Overview:</b><br>Balah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the context of the tribal allotments in the Book of Joshua. It is one of the cities given to the tribe of Simeon, which was situated within the larger territory of Judah. The name "Balah" is thought to mean "devourer" or "swallowing," though the exact etymology is not definitively established.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br>Balah is referenced in the Book of Joshua as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. The passage reads:<br><br>· <b><a href="/joshua/19-3.htm">Joshua 19:3</a> :</b> "Hazar-shual, Balah, Ezem,"<br><br>This verse lists Balah among other cities that were part of the inheritance of the Simeonites. The context of this passage is the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes of Israel, following their exodus from Egypt and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua.<br><br><b>Historical and Geographical Context:</b><br>Balah is located in the southern part of the land allotted to the tribe of Judah, which was later shared with the tribe of Simeon. The exact location of Balah is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other historical or archaeological records. However, its inclusion in the tribal allotments indicates its significance during the period of settlement in Canaan.<br><br>The tribe of Simeon, to which Balah was allotted, was one of the smaller tribes of Israel. Their territory was enveloped within the larger territory of Judah, which suggests a close relationship between these two tribes. This arrangement is reflective of the Simeonites' need for protection and support from the more powerful tribe of Judah.<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b><br>The mention of Balah, like other cities in the tribal allotments, underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob regarding the land of Canaan. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness and the realization of His covenant with the Israelites.<br><br>The allocation of cities such as Balah to the tribe of Simeon also highlights the theme of unity and cooperation among the tribes of Israel. Despite being a smaller tribe, Simeon's integration within Judah's territory illustrates the interconnectedness and mutual support that characterized the Israelite confederation.<br><br><b>Related Entries:</b><br>· <b>Simeon, Tribe of:</b> The tribe to which Balah was allotted, known for its integration within the territory of Judah.<br>· <b>Judah, Tribe of:</b> The larger tribe within whose territory Balah was located, playing a significant role in the history of Israel.<br>· <b>Joshua, Book of:</b> The biblical book that details the conquest of Canaan and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.<br><br><b>Conclusion:</b><br>While Balah is not a prominent city in biblical narratives, its mention in the tribal allotments serves as a reminder of the historical and theological significance of the land distribution among the tribes of Israel. The city represents the fulfillment of divine promises and the cooperative spirit among the tribes during the settlement of the Promised Land.<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Balah</span><p>(<a href="/joshua/19-3.htm">Joshua 19:3</a>) [<a href="../b/baal.htm">BAAL</a>, <i>Geogr.</i> No. 2, b]<a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>A city in the tribe of Simeon (<a href="/joshua/19-3.htm">Joshua 19:3</a>), elsewhere called Bilhah (<a href="/1_chronicles/4-29.htm">1 Chronicles 4:29</a>) and Baalah (<a href="/joshua/15-29.htm">Joshua 15:29</a>). <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">BALAH</span><p>ba'la balah; Bola: A place, unidentified, in the territory of Simeon (<a href="/joshua/19-3.htm">Joshua 19:3</a>), called Bilhah in <a href="/1_chronicles/4-29.htm">1 Chronicles 4:29</a>. It may be identical with Baalah in Judah (<a href="/joshua/15-29.htm">Joshua 15:29</a>).<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/1088.htm"><span class="l">1088. <b>Balah</b> -- a place in Simeon</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1087, 1088. <b>Balah</b>. 1089 . a place in Simeon. Transliteration: <b>Balah</b><br> Phonetic Spelling: (baw-law') Short Definition: <b>Balah</b>. Word <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1088.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1086.htm"><span class="l">1086. <b>balah</b> -- to become old, wear out</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1085, 1086. <b>balah</b>. 1087 . to become old, wear out. Transliteration: <b>balah</b> Phonetic<br> Spelling: (baw-law') Short Definition: wear. <b>...</b> 1085, 1086. <b>balah</b>. 1087 > <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1086.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1089.htm"><span class="l">1089. <b>balah</b> -- to be troubled</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1088, 1089. <b>balah</b>. 1090 . to be troubled. Transliteration: <b>balah</b> Phonetic Spelling:<br> (baw-lah') Short Definition: frightened. <b>...</b> 1088, 1089. <b>balah</b>. 1090 . <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1089.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1093.htm"><span class="l">1093. belo -- tribute</span></a><br><b>...</b> tribute. (Aramaic) from a root corresponding to <b>balah</b>; excise (on articles consumed) --<br> tribute. see HEBREW <b>balah</b>. 1092, 1093. belo. 1094 . Strong's Numbers <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1093.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1115.htm"><span class="l">1115. bilti -- not, except</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition not, except NASB Word Usage besides (2), except<br> (3), except* (1), less than* (1), moreover (1), neither (1), no (15), no <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1115.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/8399.htm"><span class="l">8399. tablith -- destruction</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition destruction NASB Word Usage destruction (1).<br> habitable part, world. From <b>balah</b>; consumption -- destruction. see HEBREW <b>balah</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/8399.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1094.htm"><span class="l">1094. belo -- worn-out things, rags</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition worn-out things, rags NASB Word Usage worn-out<br> (3). old. <b>...</b> see HEBREW <b>balah</b>. 1093, 1094. belo. 1095 . Strong's Numbers. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1094.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm"><span class="l">1097. beli -- a wearing out</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition a wearing out NASB Word Usage because* (6), cannot<br> (1), lack (4), no (6), no more (1), no one (3), nor (1), nothing (1 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1097.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1087.htm"><span class="l">1087. baleh -- worn-out</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition worn-out NASB Word Usage worn (1), worn-out (4).<br> old. From <b>balah</b>; worn out -- old. see HEBREW <b>balah</b>. 1086, 1087. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1087.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm"><span class="l">1077. bal -- not</span></a><br><b>...</b> Word Origin from <b>balah</b> Definition not NASB Word Usage cannot (2), fail (1), immovable*<br> (1), never (1), never* (4), no (5), none (2), nor (5), nothing (1 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/1077.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/theophilus/theophilus_to_autolycus/chapter_xxxi_the_history_after_the.htm"><span class="l">The History after the Flood.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And there were five other cities in the territory of Ham, the son of Noah; the first<br> called Sodom, then Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and <b>Balah</b>, which was also <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxi the history after the.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/b/balah.htm"><span class="l"><b>Balah</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b><b>BALAH</b>. ba'la <b>balah</b>; Bola: A place, unidentified, in the territory of Simeon (Joshua<br> 19:3), called Bilhah in 1 Chronicles 4:29. <b>...</b><b>Balah</b> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/balah.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/baalah.htm"><span class="l">Baalah (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Mistress; city. (1.) A city in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:29), elsewhere called<br><b>Balah</b> (Joshua 19:3) and Bilhah (1 Chronicles 4:29). Now Khurbet Zebalah. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/baalah.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm"><span class="l">Balak (42 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/balak.htm - 20k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/ezem.htm"><span class="l">Ezem (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Ezem (3 Occurrences). Joshua 15:29 Baalah, Iim, Ezem, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV<br> NIV). Joshua 19:3 Hazar Shual, <b>Balah</b>, Ezem, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS RSV NIV) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/ezem.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bal'adan.htm"><span class="l">Bal'adan (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br>Bal'adan. Baladan, Bal'adan. <b>Balah</b> . Multi-Version Concordance Bal'adan (2<br> Occurrences). <b>...</b> (See RSV). Baladan, Bal'adan. <b>Balah</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bal'adan.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bilhah.htm"><span class="l">Bilhah (11 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> bil'-ha (place) (bilhah; Codex Alexandrinus, Balaa; Codex Vaticanus, Abella): A<br> city in Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:29) = Baalah (Joshua 15:29), <b>Balah</b> (Joshua 19:3 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bilhah.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/consume.htm"><span class="l">Consume (136 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> There are many other words translated "consume" and "consumed," eg cuph, "to end"<br> (Jeremiah 8:13 Zechariah 1:2, 3); <b>balah</b>, "to fade," "wear away" (Job 13:28 <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/consume.htm - 40k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/azem.htm"><span class="l">Azem (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Azem (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem, (KJV WBS YLT).<br> Joshua 19:3 And Hazarshual, and <b>Balah</b>, and Azem, (KJV WBS YLT). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/azem.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/shual.htm"><span class="l">Shual (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Joshua 19:3 Hazar Shual, <b>Balah</b>, Ezem, (WEB KJV JPS<br> ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). 1 Samuel 13:17 The spoilers <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/shual.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/simeon.htm"><span class="l">Simeon (48 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 19:2-6 and 1 Chronicles 4:28, 31 are (the names in parentheses are variations in<br> the latter reference): Beer-sheba, Moladah, Hazar-shual, <b>Balah</b> (Bilhah), Azem <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/simeon.htm - 35k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Bilhah-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Bilhah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Balah (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/joshua/19-3.htm">Joshua 19:3</a></span><br />Hazar Shual, <span class="boldtext">Balah</span>, Ezem,<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/b/balah.htm">Balah</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/balah--a_city_of_the_territory_of_the_tribe_of_simeon.htm">Balah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Simeon</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/b/balah--called_bilhah.htm">Balah: Called Bilhah</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/baalah.htm">Baalah (5 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/balak.htm">Balak (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/e/ezem.htm">Ezem (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bal'adan.htm">Bal'adan (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bilhah.htm">Bilhah (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/consume.htm">Consume (136 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/azem.htm">Azem (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/shual.htm">Shual (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/simeon.htm">Simeon (48 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazar-shu'al.htm">Hazar-shu'al (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazar.htm">Hazar (12 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazar-shual.htm">Hazar-shual (4 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/hazarshual.htm">Hazarshual (4 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/b/bal'adan.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Bal'adan"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Bal'adan" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/b/balah--a_city_of_the_territory_of_the_tribe_of_simeon.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Balah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Simeon"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Balah: A City of the Territory of the Tribe of Simeon" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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