English · KJV
H4237

מֶחֱזָה

mechĕzâh /mekh-ez-aw'/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom חָזָה
Meaninga window
KJV usagelight.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of mechĕzâh — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word mechĕzâh, represented by H4237, is defined as a window; light. Based on the root word חָזָה, it is a rare term, appearing only 4 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is highly specific, tied to architectural descriptions.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical context, H4237 is used exclusively in the book of 1 Kings to describe a feature of a building's construction. The text specifies a symmetrical design where openings were aligned in tiers. This is seen in the repeated phrase "light H4237 was against light H4237 in three ranks" (1 Kings 7:4, 1 Kings 7:5). This arrangement applied to both the windows and the square doors and posts, indicating an orderly and balanced design.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the architectural context of H4237:

  • H8261 shâquph: This word for light, window or "an embrasure or opening" is used in 1 Kings 7:4 to describe the "windows" where mechĕzâh was present. It is also used to describe "windows of narrow lights" 1 Kings 6:4.
  • H8260 sheqeph: Meaning a loophole... window, this term appears in 1 Kings 7:5 to describe the "windows" that were part of the structure where "light was against light".
  • H6471 paʻam: A versatile word for a stroke or time, it is used as "ranks" in 1 Kings 7:4-5 to establish the three-tiered structure. Its other uses include denoting frequency, such as "times" Joshua 6:4 or "steps" Psalms 119:133.

Theological Significance

The significance of H4237 is primarily architectural rather than theological, based on its limited usage in scripture.

  • Ordered Design: The repetition of "light was against light in three ranks" highlights a principle of symmetry and deliberate order in the construction described in 1 Kings 1 Kings 7:4-5.
  • Literal Illumination: The word's function is strictly literal, referring to physical light and the openings designed to let it in. It is a practical term used to convey a specific building feature.
  • Context of Construction: Its appearance in 1 Kings places it within the narrative of the significant building projects undertaken by Solomon, where the careful arrangement of light was a key element of the design.

Summary

In summary, H4237 is a precise and uncommon term for "light" or "window" found only in an architectural context in 1 Kings. Its meaning is directly tied to the physical description of a building with symmetrically aligned openings. Paired with other specific words for windows and structure, it provides a detailed picture of an orderly and well-planned design.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a noun across 4 occurrences, inflected in 1 grammatical form — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it.

  • מֶחֱזָה

Related Words

Related

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

H8261 שָׁקֻף passive participle of שָׁקַף; (compare שֶׁקֶף); an embrasure or opening with bevelled jam; light, window. H8260 שֶׁקֶף from שָׁקַף; a loophole (for looking out), to admit light and air; window. H6471 פַּעַם or (feminine) פַּעֲמָה; from פָּעַם; a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow); anvil, co

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

2 verses, all in 1 Kings — and none of the other 38 Old Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.