bethel

¹

[ beth-uhl ]

noun

1. a sacred area or sanctuary.
2. a church or hostel for sailors.

Bethel

²

[ beth-uhl; beth-el, beth-el ]

noun

1. a village near Jerusalem.
2. a town in southwestern Connecticut.

Bethel

/ ˈbɛθəl /

noun

1. an ancient town in the West Bank, near Jerusalem: in the Old Testament, the place where the dream of Jacob occurred (Genesis 28:19)
2. a chapel of any of certain Nonconformist Christian sects
3. a seamen's chapel

Word History and Origins

Origin of bethel¹

First recorded in 1610–20, bethel is from Hebrew bēth 'ēl “house of God”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bethel¹

C17: from Hebrew bēth 'Ēl house of God

Example Sentences

It has societies, “homes,” and bethels for his benefit, and a fine marine hospital.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes I’m almost persuaded to be converted, and take the boss position in a bethel, all amongst the tea and wimmen-folk.

From Project Gutenberg

The bethel was in itself a very neat affair.

From Project Gutenberg

This over, the place began in earnest its distinctive career. fish island.   seamen’s bethel and sailor’s home.   merchants’ and mechanics’ bank.

From Project Gutenberg

There are morning and evening and weekly newspapers; clubs and reading-rooms and bowling alleys; billiard halls and barrooms; schools and bethels.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• chapel
• mosque
• parish
• sanctuary
• shrine
• synagogue
• temple