Succoth

biblical_place_name theological_term standard

Succoth is a biblical place-name used for more than one location in the Old Testament, including Israel’s first campsite after leaving Egypt and a town east of the Jordan River.

At a Glance

A biblical place-name meaning “booths” or “huts,” used for more than one location in the Old Testament.

Key Points

In Exodus, Succoth is the first stopping place after Israel left Egypt.
In Genesis and later books, Succoth is a town east of the Jordan River.
The same name is used for more than one place, so context determines the reference.

Description

Succoth is a biblical place-name used for at least two distinct locations in the Old Testament. In Exodus, it is the first recorded stage of Israel’s journey after leaving Rameses. In Genesis, Succoth is associated with Jacob’s movements east of the Jordan, and the same town appears again in later narratives in the period of the judges and the monarchy. The name is therefore best understood as a geographic term rather than a theological category in itself, though it carries narrative significance in salvation history because of its connection to the exodus and to Israel’s life in the land.

Biblical Context

In the exodus account, Succoth marks the first stage of Israel’s departure from Egypt, emphasizing the historicity and ordered progress of the journey. In the patriarchal and historical books, Succoth is a town east of the Jordan, showing that the same name was used in more than one setting within Israel’s story.

Historical Context

The biblical data suggest that Succoth was a recognized site name in the Transjordan region, though its exact archaeological identification is uncertain. Ancient place-names often recurred, so the context of each passage is essential for distinguishing the intended location.

Jewish and Ancient Context

The Hebrew form is commonly understood to mean “booths” or “huts,” reflecting temporary shelters or encampment language. As with many ancient place-names, the wording may preserve a geographic memory while also fitting the narrative setting in which it appears.

Primary Key Texts

Exodus 12:37
Exodus 13:20
Genesis 33:17

Secondary Key Texts

Joshua 13:27
Judges 8:5-16
1 Kings 7:46
2 Chronicles 4:17

Original Language Note

Hebrew סֻכּוֹת (Sukkôt), related to the idea of booths, huts, or temporary shelters. The same name is used for more than one location in the Old Testament.

Theological Significance

Succoth is not a doctrine or theological concept, but it contributes to biblical theology by locating God’s saving acts in real places. Its exodus use reminds readers that redemption in Scripture unfolds in history, not in myth.

Philosophical Explanation

Biblical place-names serve as historical anchors. They connect revelation to actual geography and remind readers that Scripture presents God’s work in concrete time and space.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse the exodus campsite with the Transjordan town of the same name. Also distinguish Succoth from Succoth-benoth, which is a different name entirely. Some geographic identifications remain uncertain, so the text should govern interpretation more than conjectural mapping.

Major Views

Readers and commentators generally agree that the Old Testament uses the name Succoth for more than one location. The main interpretive issue is not doctrine but identification and distinction of the contexts in which the name appears.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Succoth should be treated as a geographic headword, not as a doctrinal term. Any theological significance comes from the biblical narratives that mention it, not from the name itself.

Practical Significance

Succoth helps readers track Israel’s movements and see how Scripture ties God’s acts to real places. It also encourages careful reading, since the same name can refer to different locations in different contexts.

Related Entries

Exodus
Genesis
Judges
Joshua
Jordan River
Transjordan
Wilderness journey

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Succoth