### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **lishkâh**, represented by `{{H3957}}`, defines a **room in a building**, which can be a chamber or parlour used for storage, eating, or lodging. It appears 47 times across 41 unique verses in the Bible. The term consistently refers to a specific, designated room within a larger structure, most often the house of the LORD.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3957}}` is predominantly used to describe the chambers within the temple complex. These rooms were integral to the temple's function, serving as holy spaces where priests would eat the most holy things [[Ezekiel 42:13]]. They were also used to store tithes and offerings such as **new wine** `{{H8492}}`, **oil** `{{H3323}}`, and **corn** `{{H1715}}` [[Nehemiah 10:37]]. The chambers were lodging for the Levites who served day and night [[1 Chronicles 9:33]] and were located in various parts of the temple area, including the courts and near the gates ([[Ezekiel 40:17]], [[Jeremiah 36:10]]). Outside of a strictly religious context, it is used for a scribe's **chamber** where princes gathered [[Jeremiah 36:12]] and a **parlour** where Samuel hosted Saul [[1 Samuel 9:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and function of a **lishkâh**:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): A **lishkâh** is almost always a room within a larger **house**, whether it is the **house** of the LORD [[Jeremiah 35:2]] or the king's **house** [[Jeremiah 36:12]].
* `{{H2691}}` **châtsêr** (court): The temple chambers were frequently situated within the temple **courts**, highlighting their role as part of the sacred grounds ([[1 Chronicles 23:28]], [[Ezekiel 40:17]]).
* `{{H214}}` **'ôwtsâr** (storehouse, treasure): The chambers often functioned as a **treasure** house, a depository for tithes and sacred items, linking the room to the temple's economy and provisions [[Nehemiah 10:38]].
* `{{H1146}}` **binyân** (building): In Ezekiel's vision, the **chamber** is described as being before or against the main **building**, emphasizing its place as an ancillary but essential part of a larger architectural plan ([[Ezekiel 42:1]], [[Ezekiel 42:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The functional significance of `{{H3957}}` is central to understanding the organized worship and administration in Israel.
* **Sacred Storage:** The chambers were designated depositories for holy items. They housed the **vessels** `{{H3627}}` of the sanctuary, **meat offerings** `{{H4503}}`, and **frankincense** `{{H3828}}`, ensuring these items were properly kept ([[Nehemiah 10:39]], [[Nehemiah 13:9]]).
* **Ministerial Support:** These rooms were vital for supporting the priesthood. They served as places for priests to eat consecrated meals [[Ezekiel 42:13]], store their ministerial **garments** `{{H899}}` [[Ezekiel 44:19]], and reside while performing their duties [[1 Chronicles 9:33]].
* **Administrative Centers:** A **lishkâh** could also function as an office. The scribe's **chamber** was a place where princes sat [[Jeremiah 36:12]] and where the prophetic scroll of Jeremiah was kept before being read to the king [[Jeremiah 36:20-21]].
* **Maintaining Holiness:** The chambers were part of a system of maintaining sacred space. Priests were required to lay their holy garments in the **holy** chambers `{{H3957}}` before going out to the people, to avoid sanctifying them improperly [[Ezekiel 44:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3957}}` is much more than a generic term for a room. It signifies a specific, purposed space within a larger complex, particularly the temple. As a **chamber** or **parlour**, it served the critical functions of sacred storage, priestly lodging, official administration, and the separation of the holy from the common. From holding the tithes that sustained the Levites to being the place where God’s word was read, the **lishkâh** was an essential component of Israel's religious and civic life.
TRV