Luz
LocationsGeographical Setting
Luz is an ancient Canaanite toponym identified with the biblical city of Bethel, located in the central highlands of the Levant.
âš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew term LUZ denotes an almond tree or wood and originally referred to a rocky prominence; it serves as the ancient name for the city later known as Bethel.
What is the meaning of Luz in the Bible?
The Hebrew term LUZ denotes an almond tree or wood and originally referred to a rocky prominence; it serves as the ancient name for the city later known as Bethel.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing Luz as the original name for Bethel clarifies the historical layers of the site and explains the etymological shift in the biblical narrative from a Canaanite settlement to a central Israelite sanctuary.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Luz in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Luz clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.