from an unused root of uncertain meaning; a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging); chamber, parlour. Compare נִשְׁכָּה.
Transliteration:lishkâh
Pronunciation:lish-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh), Strong's number `{{H3957}}`, denotes a "room" or "chamber" within a larger building. Its base definition encompasses a range of functional spaces, including those designated for storage, eating, or lodging. The English equivalents "chamber" and "parlour" capture its sense as a distinct, enclosed space. While its root is of uncertain meaning, the word's usage consistently points to a specific, often utilitarian or administrative, compartment within a structure, distinguishing it from a general "house" (`{{H1004}}`, bayith) or a more private "inner room" (`{{H2446}}`, cheder). The semantic range of *lishkâh* is thus primarily architectural and functional, describing a dedicated space within a complex.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *lishkâh* appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible, predominantly in contexts related to the Temple in Jerusalem or royal palaces. Its occurrences illuminate its various functions:
* **Temple Chambers for Storage:** Many instances refer to chambers used for the storage of sacred tithes, offerings, and vessels. For example, Nehemiah recounts the reform efforts to cleanse and restore the *lishkâh* where the offerings were kept, which had been profaned by Tobiah ([[Nehemiah 13:5]], [[Nehemiah 13:9]]). Similarly, these chambers were designated for the priests, Levites, and singers to store their portions ([[Nehemiah 10:38]], [[Nehemiah 12:44]]).
* **Meeting and Administrative Spaces:** *Lishkâh* also served as places for assembly, consultation, or administrative activities. Jeremiah records Baruch reading the prophet's scroll in the *lishkâh* of Gemariah, a scribe, in the upper court of the Temple ([[Jeremiah 36:10]], [[Jeremiah 36:12]]). This highlights its use as an accessible, yet distinct, space for official or public functions.
* **Prophetic Visions of the Temple:** In Ezekiel's elaborate vision of the new Temple, *lishkâh* is used extensively to describe the numerous chambers surrounding the Temple courts, often specifying their dimensions and purposes for the priests and Levites ([[Ezekiel 40:17]], [[Ezekiel 40:38]], [[Ezekiel 42:1]], [[Ezekiel 42:13]]). These chambers were integral to the highly ordered and sacred architecture of the visionary Temple, providing spaces for priestly garments, sacred meals, and other holy functions.
* **Palace Chambers:** While less frequent than Temple contexts, *lishkâh* can also refer to rooms within a royal palace, such as the chamber where Jehoiakim's officials were gathered ([[Jeremiah 36:20]]) or the king's private dining hall ([[1 Kings 14:28]]).
Across these contexts, *lishkâh* consistently denotes a purposeful, often public or semi-public, room within a significant building, integral to its overall function.
### Related Words & Concepts
The definition of *lishkâh* explicitly points to a comparison with נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5388}}`), which is a closely related or variant form with the same meaning of "chamber." Both terms refer to a distinct room.
Other related Hebrew terms that describe parts of a building or enclosed spaces include:
* בַּיִת (bayith, `{{H1004}}`): A general term for "house," "dwelling," or "temple." While *lishkâh* is a specific room, *bayith* is the whole structure.
* חֶדֶר (cheder, `{{H2446}}`): An "inner room" or "chamber," often implying a more private or secluded space than *lishkâh*.
* אוּלָם (ulam, `{{H197}}`): A "porch" or "vestibule," a transitional space leading into a building or chamber.
Conceptually, *lishkâh* relates to the broader understanding of sacred space, architectural design, and the administrative structures necessary for the operation of the Temple and royal courts in ancient Israel. Its presence underscores the meticulous organization and functional divisions within these significant institutions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *lishkâh* primarily stems from its pervasive use in descriptions of the Temple. These chambers were not merely architectural features but were integral to the Temple's role as the dwelling place of God's presence and the center of Israelite worship and covenant life.
* **Order and Holiness:** The detailed descriptions of the Temple chambers, especially in Ezekiel's vision, emphasize the divine order and meticulous design required for sacred space. Each *lishkâh* had a specific purpose, contributing to the overall purity and functionality necessary for approaching a holy God. This reflects the principle that God's presence demands structure, purity, and designated spaces for sacred activities.
* **Facilitating Worship and Service:** The chambers for storing tithes and offerings highlight the practical aspects of worship and the communal responsibility for sustaining the priesthood and Temple service. Their proper use (or misuse, as seen in Nehemiah's reforms) directly impacted the integrity of Israel's covenant relationship with God.
* **Prophetic and Administrative Hubs:** The use of these chambers for prophetic readings (Jeremiah) or priestly functions underscores their role as centers for divine communication and the administration of God's law among His people. They were places where the word of God was proclaimed and where the life of the community, in its religious and administrative aspects, unfolded.
* **Theological Symbolism:** In Ezekiel's vision, the precisely measured and designated *lishkâh* chambers contribute to a larger theological statement about the future, ideal Temple, symbolizing God's perfect order, His enduring presence, and the renewed, purified worship of His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word לִשְׁכָּה (lishkâh, `{{H3957}}`) denotes a functional "room" or "chamber" within a building. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in descriptions of the Jerusalem Temple and, to a lesser extent, royal palaces. Contextual analysis reveals its diverse uses for storage of offerings, administrative meetings, priestly functions, and as integral components of the Temple's architectural design, particularly in Ezekiel's vision. Related to נִשְׁכָּה (nishkâh, `{{H5388}}`), *lishkâh* emphasizes designated, purposeful spaces within larger structures. Theologically, its consistent association with the Temple imbues it with profound significance, underscoring principles of divine order, holiness, and the practical facilitation of worship and administration within God's sacred dwelling place. The integrity and proper use of these chambers were vital to the spiritual health and covenant faithfulness of Israel.
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