English · KJV
H1687

דְּבִיר

dᵉbîyr /deb-eer'/ Ask about this word
Rootor (shortened) דְּבִר · from דָבַר (apparently in the sense of oracle)
Meaningthe shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary
KJV usageoracle.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of dᵉbîyr — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word dᵉbîyr, represented by H1687, refers to the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary. Derived from a word meaning "oracle," it appears 16 times across 16 unique verses. It specifically denotes the most sacred space within Solomon's temple, often translated as the "oracle" or the Most Holy Place.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H1687 is used almost exclusively in the books of Kings and Chronicles to describe the inner sanctum of the temple. This space was prepared specifically to house the ark of the covenant of the LORD 1 Kings 6:19. It is explicitly equated with "the most holy place" 1 Kings 6:16. The construction was immaculate, a perfect cube overlaid with pure gold 1 Kings 6:20, and contained two large cherubims made of olive wood 1 Kings 6:23. Outside of the temple's construction narrative, the term appears devotionally, as the psalmist lifts his hands toward God's "holy oracle" Psalms 28:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the context and function of the dᵉbîyr:

  • H1004 bayith (house): This term establishes the location of the dᵉbîyr as a specific part of a larger structure, often called the "oracle of the house" 1 Kings 8:6, with house referring to the temple.
  • H727 ʼârôwn (ark): The primary purpose of the dᵉbîyr was to be the final resting place for the ark of the covenant, brought in by the priests 2 Chronicles 5:7.
  • H6944 qôdesh (holiness, sanctuary): This word defines the sacred nature of the dᵉbîyr. It is described as the "most holy place" and as the "holy oracle" (1 Kings 8:6, Psalms 28:2).
  • H3742 kᵉrûwb (cherub): These beings were a central feature of the dᵉbîyr. Two large cherubims were constructed within the oracle, and their wings spread out over the ark 1 Kings 8:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H1687 is significant, highlighting God's presence with His people.

  • The Inner Sanctum: As the "most holy place," the dᵉbîyr was the physical representation of the point of closest contact between God and humanity within the temple structure 1 Kings 8:6.
  • The Place of the Covenant: Its primary function was to protect the ark of the covenant, the very symbol of God's agreement and relationship with Israel 1 Kings 6:19.
  • Divine Presence and Majesty: The entire space, including the altar before it, was overlaid with pure gold H2091, signifying the immense worth, purity, and glory of the God who dwelled there 1 Kings 6:22.
  • Focus of Worship: Even when physically absent from the temple, the dᵉbîyr served as the spiritual focal point toward which prayer and supplication were directed Psalms 28:2.

Summary

In summary, H1687 is a precise term for the innermost chamber of the sanctuary, the oracle of God. It is more than just an architectural feature; it is a profound theological concept representing the very presence of God, the security of His covenant, and the ultimate center of worship in ancient Israel. The description of the dᵉbîyr illustrates a space of perfect holiness, designed to house the nation's most sacred object.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 16 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • דְּבִיר
  • דְּבִיר

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H1004 בַּיִת probably from בָּנָה abbreviated; a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.); court, d H727 אָרוֹן or אָרֹן; from אָרָה (in the sense of gathering); a box; ark, chest, coffin. H6944 קֹדֶשׁ from קָדַשׁ; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing H3742 כְּרוּב of uncertain derivation; a cherub or imaginary figure; cherub, (plural) cherubims. H2091 זָהָב from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky; g

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 16 verses across 3 of the 39 books. Most frequent in 1 Kings (11 verses); never once in the other 36.

11
1 Kings
4
2 Chronicles
1
Psalms

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.