He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

2 CHRONICLES 11:6KJV
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2 Chronicles 11:6 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 11:6 mean?

2 Chronicles 11:6 says that Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa were among the towns that were built or fortified. This verse lists some of the specific places that were strengthened as part of a larger effort to secure the kingdom.

The setting is after the kingdom of Israel split in two. Rehoboam, king of Judah, is taking steps to protect his territory from threats, especially from the northern kingdom. The verse simply names three towns—Bethlehem, Etam, and Tekoa—that were part of his defensive strategy.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 11:6

  • The word "built" is בָּנָה (banah, H1129), which often means to build or fortify. Here, it likely means Rehoboam strengthened these towns with walls or defenses, not that he founded them from scratch.
  • "Bethlehem" (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem, H1035) is a well-known town south of Jerusalem, significant in many biblical stories. Its inclusion shows its strategic importance.
  • "Etam" (עֵיטָם, Etam, H5862) and "Tekoa" (תְּקוֹעַ, Tekoa, H8620) are less famous but were also important locations in Judah’s defense network.

Why 2 Chronicles 11:6 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Rehoboam’s response to losing much of his kingdom was practical—he focused on strengthening key towns rather than just relying on religious or political moves.
  • The mention of these specific towns shows the geographic focus of Rehoboam’s efforts, highlighting the southern border of Judah.
  • Understanding that "built" here means "fortified" helps avoid the misunderstanding that Rehoboam was founding new cities; he was making existing ones stronger.

Where else these words appear

“Etam” Hebrew H5862 · used in 5 verses

  • Judges 15:8 And he smote them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and he went down and dwelt in the top of the rock Etam.
  • Judges 15:11 Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, Knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? what is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, As they did unto me, so have I done unto them.
  • 1 Chronicles 4:3 And these were of the father of Etam; Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash: and the name of their sister was Hazelelponi:

“Tekoa” Hebrew H8620 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Samuel 14:2 And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched thence a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee, feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
  • 1 Chronicles 4:5 And Ashur the father of Tekoa had two wives, Helah and Naarah.
  • Jeremiah 6:1 O ye children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Bethhaccerem: for evil appeareth out of the north, and great destruction.

“Bethlehem” Hebrew H1035 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 35:19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
  • Ruth 1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.
  • 2 Samuel 23:16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.