Named by God

Baalis

Meaning and Origin

The name Baalis finds its roots in the Hebrew language, where it is rendered as בַּעֲלִיס (Ba‘ălīs). Linguistically, it is often interpreted to mean 'son of delight.' This poetic meaning suggests a sense of joy or favor, which may have been an aspirational or symbolic name for the figure it represents. In the Ammonite script, it appears as 𐤁𐤏𐤋𐤉𐤔𐤏 (B‘LYŠ‘), reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of the region during the biblical period. The name itself carries a regal connotation, fitting for its association with a king of the Ammonites. Historically, names like Baalis often held deep significance, reflecting either divine favor or the aspirations of the individual or their lineage.

Name Baalis in languages of the Bible

Baalis in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

While the name Baalis is not widely used in modern times, it has been documented in at least 18 countries, with notable popularity in Gambia, Slovakia, and Estonia. This distribution suggests a lingering cultural or historical interest in biblical names, even those associated with lesser-known figures. The name's unique linguistic and historical roots may contribute to its appeal in diverse cultural contexts.

CountryVariantRank
GambiaBalisa1832
SlovakiaValis3872
EstoniaValis4808
South AfricaBalisa7421
CzechiaValis9607
CroatiaValis13929
Hong KongValis14049
HungaryValis16119
EthiopiaBalisa19444
SwitzerlandValis21391
PortugalBalisa28167
SwedenValis34396
Dominican RepublicValis34720
BelgiumValis48907
GreeceValis53054

Showing top 15 of 18 records

Biblical and Cultural Significance

In the biblical narrative, Baalis stands out as a figure of political intrigue and regional power. As the king of the Ammonites during the tumultuous period of Judah's fall in 586 B.C., Baalis played a pivotal role in shaping events that followed the Babylonian conquest. His association with the murder of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, underscores his influence and the complex web of alliances and enmities among the nations surrounding Israel. This act of instigating Gedaliah's assassination (Jeremiah 40:13–14) reveals Baalis as a strategic, albeit morally ambiguous, character whose actions had significant repercussions for the remnant of Judah.

Biblical Context

The name Baalis appears in a critical episode in the Book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 40:13–14). In this passage, Johanan warns Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed governor of Judah, that Baalis has sent Ishmael to assassinate him. This event takes place after the fall of Jerusalem, during a time when the remaining inhabitants of Judah were attempting to rebuild and stabilize their community under Babylonian rule. Baalis's involvement in this plot highlights the ongoing tensions between Judah and its neighboring nations, even in the aftermath of Babylon's conquest.

Divine Proximity Metrics

Biblical References

  • Jeremiah 40:14
  • Jeremiah 40:13
Baalis | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God