from סָבַב; a turn, i.e. circuit (of a building); winding about.
Transliteration:mûwçâb
Pronunciation:moo-sawb'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun mûwçâb (`{{H4141}}`) derives from the verbal root sâbab (`{{H5437}}`), which fundamentally means "to turn," "to go around," or "to surround." As a noun, mûwçâb carries the sense of something that is "turned" or "wound about." Its primary semantic range is architectural, referring to a "circuit" or a "winding" structure, particularly within the context of a building. It denotes an encircling element or a path that ascends in a spiral fashion. The term emphasizes the curvilinear or circumferential aspect of a structure, distinct from linear or planar dimensions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term mûwçâb appears exclusively in descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple architecture, highlighting its specialized technical usage.
1. **1 Kings 6:8**: This is a pivotal occurrence: "The door for the middle chamber was in the right side of the house: and they went up with winding stairs [וּבְתַחְתִּיָּה בַּצֵּלָע מוּסַב] into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third." Here, mûwçâb clearly refers to "winding stairs" or a "winding ascent." It describes the means by which one would move vertically through the side-chambers of Solomon's Temple, emphasizing a non-linear, perhaps spiral, path. This detail underscores the intricacy and multi-level nature of the sacred edifice.
2. **Ezekiel 41:7**: In Ezekiel's visionary temple, mûwçâb appears three times within a single verse: "And there was an enlarging, and a winding about [וּמוּסָב] still upward to the side-chambers; for the winding about [כִּי־מוּסַב] of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst." Here, the term describes a "winding" or "revolving" architectural feature that expands as it ascends, connecting the side-chambers. It speaks to a continuous, upward-spiraling structure that encompasses the main body of the temple, illustrating a complex, integrated design.
3. **Ezekiel 41:11-12**: These verses describe the surrounding areas of the visionary temple: "And the breadth of the door of the side-chamber was toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about [מוּסָב]." "The building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about [מוּסָב], and the length thereof ninety cubits." In these instances, mûwçâb denotes "round about" or "surrounding," referring to the perimeter or the encircling thickness of a wall or space. This usage highlights the enclosed and defined nature of the sacred precincts.
Across its occurrences, mûwçâb consistently points to architectural features that either wind upwards (as stairs) or encircle/surround a structure, emphasizing the intricate and ordered design of God's dwelling places.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root sâbab (`{{H5437}}`), meaning "to turn," "to go around," "to surround," or "to encompass." This root gives mûwçâb its core sense of circularity or circumambulation. Other derivatives include:
* sâbîyb (`{{H5439}}`): A common adverb or noun meaning "around," "round about," or "circuit."
* sibbâ (`{{H5438}}`): "A turn," "a cause" (that which causes things to turn or happen).
Conceptually, mûwçâb relates to:
* **Temple Architecture**: It is a specific technical term for components of the sacred dwelling, underscoring the meticulous divine blueprint.
* **Sacred Space**: The "winding about" and "round about" aspects contribute to the sense of enclosure, separation, and ordered access within holy areas.
* **Ascension/Progression**: The "winding stairs" in 1 Kings suggest a deliberate, perhaps symbolic, journey upwards within the sacred structure.
* **Divine Order**: The precise use of such a term in architectural descriptions reflects the divine wisdom and order inherent in God's design for His dwelling.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mûwçâb lies primarily in its contribution to understanding the nature of God's dwelling place among His people. The meticulous detail given to the "winding stairs" and "winding about" structures in both the Solomonic and Ezekielian temples suggests several points:
1. **Divine Precision and Intricacy**: The presence of such a specific architectural term underscores the divine authorship and meticulous planning behind the Temple. God's dwelling is not haphazard but a work of intricate design, reflecting His perfect order and wisdom. This attention to detail speaks to the sacredness of the space and the reverence due to it.
2. **Sacred Enclosure and Separation**: The "round about" aspect of mûwçâb in Ezekiel emphasizes the boundaries and perimeters of the sacred space. It signifies a clear demarcation between the holy and the common, ensuring that access to God's presence is ordered and controlled, reflecting His holiness.
3. **Journey of Access and Holiness**: The "winding stairs" (1 Kings 6:8) are particularly evocative. They suggest that access to the inner, higher chambers of the Temple was not direct but involved a winding, ascending journey. Theologically, this can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual progression or purification required to draw nearer to God. It implies a deliberate, step-by-step approach to holiness, moving from one level of sanctity to another.
4. **Symbol of God's Presence**: The entire structure of the Temple, including its winding and surrounding elements, was designed to house the divine presence (Shekinah). The complexity described by mûwçâb reflects the multifaceted glory and majesty of the God who condescends to dwell among His people.
### Summary
Mûwçâb (`{{H4141}}`) is a specialized Hebrew term derived from the root sâbab (`{{H5437}}`), denoting a "winding" or "surrounding" architectural feature. It appears exclusively in biblical descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple, referring to "winding stairs" in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:8) and "winding about" or "round about" structures in Ezekiel's visionary Temple (Ezekiel 41:7, 41:11-12). Theologically, mûwçâb highlights the divine precision and intricate design of God's dwelling place, emphasizing the sacred enclosure, the ordered access, and the symbolic journey of ascent towards holiness within His presence. It contributes to a profound understanding of the structured and reverent nature of the divine-human encounter in ancient Israel.
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