### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4126}}` (מוֹבָא, *môwbâʼ*) carries the core meaning of "an entrance" or "a coming." Its definition explicitly notes it as a transposition or variant form of `{{H3996}}` (מָבוֹא, *mābôʼ*), which also signifies "entrance," "coming," and by extension, "the west" (as the place where the sun "comes in" or "enters" its setting). While `{{H3996}}` enjoys a broader semantic range and more frequent attestation in the Hebrew Bible, `{{H4126}}` retains the fundamental sense of a point of entry or arrival. It denotes a physical aperture or a direction of approach, emphasizing the act or possibility of entry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4126}}` is remarkably rare in the Masoretic Text, appearing only once:
* [[Ezekiel 43:11]]: "And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the design of the temple, its arrangement, its exits, and its entrances, and all its forms, and all its statutes; and write it before their eyes, so that they may observe its whole design and all its statutes and perform them."
In this singular occurrence, `{{H4126}}` appears in the plural construct form, וּמוֹבָאָיו (*ûmôwbâʼāyw*), meaning "and its entrances." It is paired antonymically with וּמֹצָאֹתָיו (*ûmôṣāʼōṯāyw*), "and its exits" (`{{H4161}}`). The context is profoundly significant: it is part of the detailed divine instructions given to Ezekiel concerning the design and ordinances of the future temple. The precise enumeration of "exits and entrances" underscores the meticulous divine blueprint for the sacred space. This pairing highlights the function of `{{H4126}}` as a defined point of access, controlling movement into and out of a specific, consecrated area. The emphasis is on order, structure, and the regulated nature of approach to God's dwelling.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H3996}}` (מָבוֹא, *mābôʼ*), from which `{{H4126}}` is noted as a transposition. `{{H3996}}` is a more common noun derived from the verb `{{H935}}` (בּוֹא, *bôʼ*), "to come, to enter." `{{H3996}}` encompasses not only physical entrances (e.g., [[Judges 1:24]] - "entrance to the city") but also directional concepts, particularly "the west" (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 11:30]] - "the way toward the going down of the sun"). The shared root `{{H935}}` connects `{{H4126}}` to the fundamental act of "coming" or "entering."
Another crucial related term, especially in its sole biblical context, is `{{H4161}}` (מֹצָא, *môṣāʼ*), "an exit, a going forth." The pairing of "exits and entrances" (`{{H4161}}` and `{{H4126}}`) in [[Ezekiel 43:11]] establishes a complete system of access and egress, defining the boundaries and pathways within a sacred structure. This linguistic pairing emphasizes the concept of ordered movement within a divinely appointed space.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H4126}}` in [[Ezekiel 43:11]] imbues it with profound theological significance, particularly within the context of the Temple vision:
1. **Divine Order and Holiness:** The meticulous detail concerning the temple's "entrances" (and exits) speaks to the absolute order and holiness required for God's dwelling place. Every aspect of access is divinely ordained, underscoring that approach to the Holy God is not arbitrary but according to His precise design.
2. **Regulated Access to God's Presence:** Entrances to the temple symbolize the means by which humanity can approach the divine presence. In Ezekiel's vision, these are not merely architectural features but represent the pathways for worship, sacrifice, and communion, all governed by divine law. The very existence of defined entrances implies a distinction between inside (sacred, God's presence) and outside (profane, common), and the necessity of proper protocol for transition.
3. **Theological Blueprint for Restoration:** As part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored temple and covenant, the "entrances" are components of a future reality where God's glory returns to dwell among His people. They are part of the divine architectural plan for a renewed relationship, emphasizing the structured and holy nature of that future communion.
4. **Anticipation of Christ:** While not directly referring to Christ, the concept of a divinely ordained "entrance" to God's presence finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus declares Himself the "door" or "gate" (`{{G2374}}`) through whom believers enter into salvation and access the Father ([[John 10:9]], [[Ephesians 2:18]]). The Old Testament emphasis on physical, regulated entrances to the Temple foreshadows the singular, spiritual access provided through Christ.
### Summary
`{{H4126}}` (מוֹבָא, *môwbâʼ*) is a rare Hebrew noun meaning "an entrance" or "a coming," functioning as a variant of the more common `{{H3996}}` (מָבוֹא). Its sole occurrence in [[Ezekiel 43:11]], where it appears in the plural form "its entrances," is highly significant. Paired with "exits," it describes the precise, divinely ordained points of access for the visionary temple. Theologically, `{{H4126}}` underscores the divine order, holiness, and regulated nature of access to God's sacred presence, serving as a component of the detailed blueprint for a restored covenant relationship between God and His people. It implicitly points to the necessity of proper approach to the divine, a concept ultimately fulfilled in the person of Christ as the singular "entrance" to God.
TRV