### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yᵉʼithôwn**, represented by `{{H2978}}`, is a highly specific term for an **entry** or **entrance**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, indicating its specialized use within scripture. Its definition, derived from אָתָה, points to a point of coming in or a place of access.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H2978}}` occurs in the book of Ezekiel, within the prophet's detailed vision of a future temple. The word is used to establish a precise starting point for a measurement within a gate complex: "And from the face of the gate of the **entrance** unto the face of the porch of the inner gate were fifty cubits" [[Ezekiel 40:15]]. Here, it denotes a specific part of the gate structure, distinct from the gate itself or the inner porch.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide architectural and spatial context for this term:
* `{{H8179}}` **shaʻar** (gate): This word refers to the larger structure, an opening like a door or gate, which would contain the **entrance**. It is frequently used in contexts of entering a city or a sacred space [[Psalms 100:4]].
* `{{H197}}` **ʼûwlâm** (porch): Defined as a vestibule, this word often designates a transitional space attached to a main building, particularly the temple. It serves as the endpoint of the measurement that begins at the **entrance** ([[Ezekiel 40:15]], [[Ezekiel 8:16]]).
* `{{H6442}}` **pᵉnîymîy** (inner): This term means interior or inward and is used to distinguish different areas within a larger complex. In its sole context, `{{H2978}}` is part of a measurement toward the **inner** gate, highlighting a progression into a more central space ([[Ezekiel 40:15]], [[Ezekiel 43:5]]).
* `{{H520}}` **ʼammâh** (cubit): This is a unit of measure, the fore-arm. It is used to quantify the distance from the **entrance** to the porch, giving the structure a defined scale [[Ezekiel 40:15]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual significance of `{{H2978}}` is tied directly to its singular, specific application in Ezekiel's vision.
* **Architectural Precision:** The use of such a specific word emphasizes the meticulous and detailed nature of the temple plan revealed to Ezekiel. It is not a general opening, but a defined **entrance**.
* **Defining a Threshold:** As an "entry," the word marks a clear point of transition. The measurement from the **entrance** to the inner porch delineates a specific zone within the sacred gate complex [[Ezekiel 40:15]].
* **A Point of Reference:** Its primary function in the text is to serve as an unambiguous starting point for the "fifty cubits" measurement, underscoring the divine order and deliberate design of the visionary structure.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2978}}` is not a broad theological term but a specific architectural one. Its importance lies in its contribution to the precision of Ezekiel's temple vision. By marking a distinct **entrance**, the word helps to construct a detailed and orderly picture of the sacred space, illustrating how even the most unique and rare words in scripture can serve a crucial function in conveying a divine pattern.
TRV