### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun בִּנְיָה (binyâh, `{{H1140}}`) is a feminine form derived from the foundational verb בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`), meaning "to build, construct, establish, or restore." As such, בִּנְיָה conceptually refers to the *result* of this action: a "structure" or "building." Its semantic range is primarily concrete, denoting a physical edifice or construction. It encapsulates the idea of something intentionally erected, implying design, effort, and purpose in its materialization. While the verb בָּנָה can extend to abstract concepts like building a house/family (e.g., establishing a lineage), the noun בִּנְיָה, by its definition, points specifically to a tangible, architectural creation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The specific lemma בִּנְיָה (binyâh, `{{H1140}}`) is extremely rare, if not unattested as a distinct word in the Hebrew Bible itself, though its root בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`) is ubiquitous. Some biblical lexicons and concordances, however, link H1140 conceptually or derivatively to passages that describe building projects. One such instance often cited is [[Ezra 5:8]]. In this verse, the text is Aramaic, and the word used for "work" or "building project" is עֲבִידְתָּא (ʿăḇîḏṯāʾ, `{{H5648}}`). Nevertheless, the context of [[Ezra 5:8]] perfectly illustrates the concept that בִּנְיָה represents: "Let it be known to the king that we went to the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work is being carried on diligently and prosperously in their hands." Here, the focus is squarely on the physical construction of the Second Temple. The description emphasizes the materials ("great stones," "timber") and the active process of construction ("being built," "carried on diligently"), all pointing to a substantial, tangible "building" or "structure." The conceptual connection to בִּנְיָה, though not a direct lexical match in this specific verse, highlights the concrete reality of the edifice being erected.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`), "to build." This verb is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible, not only for constructing physical structures (e.g., [[Genesis 4:17]], Cain built a city; [[1 Kings 6:1]], Solomon built the Temple) but also for establishing a household or lineage (e.g., [[Genesis 16:2]], Rachel asks to be "built up" by children; [[Ruth 4:11]], Rachel and Leah "built" the house of Israel).
Other related nouns that denote structures or parts of structures include:
* בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`): "house," "dwelling," often used for a physical building, but also for a family or dynasty.
* הֵיכָל (heykhal, `{{H1964}}`): "palace," "temple," a grand structure, often sacred.
* מִבְנֶה (mibneh, `{{H4011}}`): "structure," "framework," derived from the same root, emphasizing the framework or design. This is a very close semantic parallel to בִּנְיָה.
* עִיר (ʿiyr, `{{H5892}}`): "city," a collection of buildings and inhabitants, implying extensive construction.
The concept of "building" in the Bible extends beyond mere architecture to encompass divine establishment, the formation of community, and the restoration of what was broken.
### Theological Significance
While בִּנְיָה (binyâh, `{{H1140}}`) refers to a physical structure, its theological significance is deeply intertwined with the broader biblical theme of divine building and human stewardship. God is often portrayed as the ultimate builder: He built the heavens and the earth ([[Psalm 104:2-5]]), and He builds up His people Israel ([[Jeremiah 31:4]], [[Psalm 147:2]]). The act of building, whether by God or by humans in obedience to Him, often signifies:
1. **Divine Presence:** The most significant "building" in Israel's history was the Tabernacle and later the Temple, structures designed to house God's presence among His people. The careful construction of these edifices (as conceptually represented by בִּנְיָה) was an act of worship and obedience, creating a sacred space for communion with the Holy.
2. **Order and Stability:** Buildings provide shelter, security, and a foundation for life. In a theological sense, God's "building" of His people or kingdom implies establishing order, stability, and a secure future.
3. **Restoration and Hope:** In prophetic literature, the promise of "building" often signifies restoration after exile or destruction (e.g., the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple after the Babylonian exile, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah, which contextually aligns with the meaning of בִּנְיָה). This carries a powerful message of hope and God's faithfulness to His covenant.
4. **Community and Identity:** The "building" of a household or nation is also a theological concept, emphasizing the formation and establishment of a people in covenant with God. The Church, in the New Testament, is described as a spiritual building or temple, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as living stones ([[Ephesians 2:20-22]], [[1 Peter 2:5]]). This extends the concept of בִּנְיָה from a physical structure to a spiritual one, built by God for His dwelling.
### Summary
בִּנְיָה (binyâh, `{{H1140}}`) is a Hebrew feminine noun derived from the verb בָּנָה (banah, `{{H1129}}`), meaning "to build." It denotes a "structure" or "building," emphasizing the tangible result of construction. While the specific lemma is rarely attested directly in the Hebrew Bible, its meaning is profoundly illustrated by the numerous biblical accounts of physical building projects, particularly the construction and rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, as contextually seen in passages like [[Ezra 5:8]]. Conceptually, בִּנְיָה is closely related to other terms for edifices like בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`) and מִבְנֶה (mibneh, `{{H4011}}`). Theologically, "building" in the Bible signifies divine presence, the establishment of order, the promise of restoration, and the formation of God's people. Thus, while a simple noun for a physical object, בִּנְיָה points to the broader divine work of creation, establishment, and redemption.
TRV