(masculine and feminine); from חָצַר in its original sense; a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls); court, tower, village.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **châtsêr**, represented by `{{H2691}}`, refers to an enclosed area such as a **yard** or **court**, and can also mean a **hamlet** or **village**. It appears **189 times** across **163 unique verses**. Its usage ranges from the sacred courts of the Tabernacle to secular spaces like prison yards and rural settlements surrounded by walls.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H2691}}` is used in several distinct settings. Most prominently, it describes the holy **courts** of the Tabernacle and Temple, the designated space for worship and sacrifice. Instructions for the Tabernacle specify making "the **court** `{{H2691}}` of the tabernacle `{{H4908}}`" [[Exodus 27:9]]. The Psalms celebrate this space as a place of praise and nearness to God, with the psalmist longing for "the **courts** `{{H2691}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`" [[Psalms 84:2]]. It also denotes secular enclosures, such as the **court** of a royal palace [[Esther 1:5]] or "the **court** `{{H2691}}` of the prison `{{H4307}}`" where Jeremiah was held [[Jeremiah 37:21]]. Finally, it describes unwalled settlements or **villages**, often listed alongside larger cities [[Joshua 18:28]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the spaces associated with `{{H2691}}`:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term for a **house** or **temple** often designates the main structure which a **court** `{{H2691}}` surrounds. Scripture refers to "the **court** `{{H2691}}` of the LORD'S `{{H3068}}` **house** `{{H1004}}`" [[Jeremiah 26:2]].
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): A **gate** serves as the entrance to an enclosed area. This architectural relationship is seen in the call to worship: "Enter into his **gates** `{{H8179}}` with thanksgiving, and into his **courts** `{{H2691}}` with praise" [[Psalms 100:4]].
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This word for a guarded **city** or **town** is often contrasted with `{{H2691}}` when it means a smaller hamlet. Land inheritances frequently list "fourteen **cities** `{{H5892}}` with their **villages** `{{H2691}}`" [[Joshua 18:28]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of `{{H2691}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly when referring to the courts of the Lord.
* **Place of Worship and Offering:** The courts are the designated area for approaching God with praise and sacrifice. The invitation is given to "bring an **offering** `{{H4503}}`, and come into his **courts** `{{H2691}}`" [[Psalms 96:8]]. People are to "Enter into his **courts** `{{H2691}}` with praise" [[Psalms 100:4]].
* **Divine Presence and Fellowship:** To be in God's courts is to be in His presence. The Psalmist describes the blessing of being chosen to "dwell in thy **courts** `{{H2691}}`" [[Psalms 65:4]], expressing a deep longing for this closeness to the living God [[Psalms 84:2]].
* **Spiritual Life and Flourishing:** The courts are depicted as a place of spiritual vitality. Those planted in the Lord's house "shall flourish in the **courts** `{{H2691}}` of our God" [[Psalms 92:13]], indicating that proximity to God results in spiritual prosperity.
* **Sacred and Set-Apart Space:** The courts of the Temple maintain a sacred status, with inner and outer areas having different levels of holiness. Priests ministering in the inner court must change their garments before entering the outer court, so they do not sanctify the people with their holy garments [[Ezekiel 44:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2691}}` is a versatile word that defines enclosed spaces, from sacred to secular. It most often refers to the **courts** of the Tabernacle and Temple, spaces dedicated to worship, sacrifice, and fellowship with God. It also applies to royal enclosures, prison yards, and the small **villages** that dotted the landscape. The term is theologically rich, portraying the court as a place of profound spiritual experience where the faithful can flourish in God's presence and offer him praise.
TRV