Βηθφαγή

From the study of Matthew 21:1

Range of meaning

A place name. It most likely comes from Aramaic bêt paggê, 'house (place) of unripe or early figs.' Paggîm are the small green figs that appear before the main crop. Hebrew and Aramaic use this word in Song of Songs 2:13.

Against the English

English versions simply transliterate the name, so readers never see what it means. WEB's 'Bethsphage' follows a spelling found in some manuscripts.

Used elsewhere in the period

Later rabbinic texts name Bethphage as the outer limit of Jerusalem's sacred area for certain rules. For example, food from the sacrifices that reached Bethphage still counted as being 'within the walls' (b. Pesahim 63b, 91a; b. Menahot 78b; compare m. Menahot 11:2). Mark 11:1 and Luke 19:29 mention it together with Bethany. Its exact site is not known. Tradition places it on the eastern slope near et-Tur, between Bethany and the summit.

From the study of Mark 11:1

Range of meaning

A place name, probably from Aramaic bêt pagê, 'house (place) of unripe figs'. It names a village or district on the Mount of Olives near Jerusalem.

Against the English

All versions transliterate it, except the WEB's spelling 'Bethsphage'. English readers miss the possible meaning of the name.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Gospels mention it only in this scene (Matt 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:29). Later rabbinic texts treat Bethphage as the outer edge of Jerusalem for some ritual rules (e.g. b. Menahot 78b; b. Pesahim 91a), which suggests it lay just outside the city on the eastern side. Its exact site is unknown. A Franciscan church near et-Tur marks the traditional location.