ba.yit denotes a house or building, most often the house of God in Jerusalem and also private or royal structures.

The attested use predominantly identifies the house of God in Jerusalem, as the building being constructed, furnished, dedicated, and supported; it also refers to other houses, including Daniel's home, a records building, and houses subject to punishment.

1. The house of God in Jerusalem · dominant

   The singular noun occurs in construct phrases identifying the house of God as the object of building, restoration, and support. In Ezra 5:16 the APB renders the clause about laying its foundations and continuing construction, while Ezra 6:16 renders its dedication with joy; Ezra 7:17 places the altar of the house of God in Jerusalem within the offering instructions.

   Ezra 5:2Ezra 5:16Ezra 6:3Ezra 6:16Ezra 6:17Ezra 7:17
2. Private, royal, or administrative buildings · common

   The same singular construct form can identify a person's home or another building by its accompanying relationship. In Daniel 2:17 the APB renders Daniel going to his house; Ezra 6:1 describes a house containing documents, and Ezra 6:11 mentions timber taken from a man's house before that house is made a rubbish heap. Plural construct forms in Daniel 2:5 and Daniel 3:29 occur in the threatened destruction of houses.

   Daniel 2:17Daniel 2:5Daniel 3:29Ezra 6:1Ezra 6:11Ezra 5:17

In the Anselm Project Bible: Across these verses, the APB commonly presents the building as “the house of God,” while it also uses “his house,” “house of archives,” and plural “houses” in other settings. These renderings show the clauses' presentation rather than supplying a separate definition for each occurrence.