neuter contraction of a presumed derivative of (a dispenser or distributor; akin to , to cut); a dispensary or magazine, i.e. a chamber on the ground-floor or interior of an Oriental house (generally used for storage or privacy, a spot for retirement):--secret chamber, closet, storehouse.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tameîon**, represented by `{{G5009}}`, refers to a chamber within a house, typically used for storage or as a private spot for retirement. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term encompasses the ideas of a dispensary, magazine, closet, or storehouse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5009}}` carries a dual meaning, representing both a place of private retreat and a place of physical storage. It is presented as a **closet** or secret chamber for prayer, where one can **enter** `{{G1525}}` and shut the **door** `{{G2374}}` to pray to the **Father** `{{G3962}}` in **secret** `{{G2927}}` [[Matthew 6:6]]. Conversely, it is used as a **storehouse** to illustrate a lesson on faith; the **ravens** `{{G2876}}` lack a **storehouse** `{{G5009}}` or **barn** `{{G596}}` yet are fed by God [[Luke 12:24]]. The word is also used to describe a place of private communication, where secrets spoken in **closets** `{{G5009}}` will ultimately be made public [[Luke 12:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the concept of the `{{G5009}}` as a place of privacy or storage:
* `{{G2927}}` **kryptós** (secret): Described as "concealed, i.e. private," this word is used in conjunction with the **closet** `{{G5009}}` to emphasize the personal and hidden nature of prayer [[Matthew 6:6]].
* `{{G596}}` **apothḗkē** (barn): Defined as "a repository, i.e. granary," this term is used alongside **storehouse** `{{G5009}}` to denote a place for keeping provisions, highlighting a reliance on earthly security that is contrasted with faith in God's provision [[Luke 12:24]].
* `{{G1430}}` **dōma** (housetop): Meaning "an edifice, i.e. (specially) a roof," this word is used to represent a place of public proclamation, standing in direct contrast to the private and hidden nature of the **closets** `{{G5009}}` [[Luke 12:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5009}}` is significant, touching on themes of prayer, faith, and accountability.
* **Private Devotion:** The command to **enter** `{{G1525}}` the **closet** `{{G5009}}` to **pray** `{{G4336}}` establishes a model for sincere communion with God, away from the desire for public recognition. This act is met with a **reward** `{{G591}}` from the **Father** `{{G3962}}` who sees what is done in **secret** `{{G2927}}` [[Matthew 6:6]].
* **Trust over Accumulation:** The use of **storehouse** `{{G5009}}` in the context of the **ravens** `{{G2876}}` serves as a lesson to **consider** `{{G2657}}` God's provision. It contrasts human anxiety, which leads to hoarding in storehouses and barns, with a life of trust in God who **feedeth** `{{G5142}}` His creation [[Luke 12:24]].
* **Inevitable Revelation:** The principle that what is **spoken** `{{G2036}}` in **closets** `{{G5009}}` will be **proclaimed** `{{G2784}}` from the **housetops** `{{G1430}}` underscores that secrecy is temporary. Nothing will remain hidden permanently [[Luke 12:3]], reinforcing the warning not to believe reports of a Messiah hidden in **secret chambers** `{{G5009}}` [[Matthew 24:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5009}}` is more than a physical room; it is a powerful symbol in scripture. It represents the inner chamber of private, heartfelt prayer, as well as the earthly **storehouse** that can signify a lack of faith in divine provision. Ultimately, the word serves as a reminder that the most intimate aspects of life, whether communion with God or secret words, are seen by the Father and will one day be brought into the light.
TRV