Bible Dictionary
Bether
The “mountains of Bether” are mentioned in the Song of Solomon, but the passage does not clearly identify whether Bether is a place name. Its location is uncertain.
Definition
Bether is associated with the expression “the mountains of Bether.” The supplied material does not establish whether Bether is a proper place-name. Its name has been explained as “depth” or “dissection and separation.”
Biblical Usage
The mountains of Bether are mentioned in the Song of Solomon, but the passage provides no clear identification of the mountains intended.
Historical Background
The mountains have been conjecturally placed near Lebanon. A later Bether associated with Jewish resistance to Hadrian has been identified with Bittir southwest of Jerusalem, but its connection with the Song of Solomon is uncertain.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Dissection or separation, certain mountains mentioned in Cant. 2:17; probably near Lebanon.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(depth), The mountains of. (Song of Solomon 2:17) There is no clue to guide us as to what mountains are intended here.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be'-ther (bether): In So 2:17 mention is made of "the mountains of Bether." It is doubtful if a proper name is intended. The Revised Version, margin has, "perhaps, the spice malobathron." A Bether is prominent in late Jewish history as the place where the Jews resisted Hadrian under Bar Cochba in 135 AD. Its identity with Bittir, 7 miles Southwest of Jerusalem, is attested by an inscription.</p>