or מְכֹנָה; feminine of מָכוֹן; a pedestal, also a spot; base.
Transliteration:mᵉkôwnâh
Pronunciation:mek-o-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the masculine noun māḵôn (`{{H4349}}`), which signifies a "fixed place," "foundation," or "base." At its core, mᵉkôwnâh refers to a "pedestal," "stand," or "base"—an object designed to provide stable support for another item. Its semantic range extends to encompass a "spot" or "place," implying a designated or established location. The fundamental concept embedded within mᵉkôwnâh is that of stability, foundational support, and a fixed position.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) in the Hebrew Bible are concentrated primarily in the descriptions of the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings, particularly in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.
Its most detailed and frequent usage is found in the accounts of the ten bronze stands (or "bases") crafted by Hiram for King Solomon's Temple. These elaborate structures were designed to hold the bronze lavers used for priestly ablutions.
* In [[1 Kings 7:27-39]], mᵉkôwnâh is used repeatedly to describe these intricate, wheeled bases. The text provides extensive details on their dimensions, materials (bronze), and decorative elements (lions, oxen, cherubim, wreaths), emphasizing their significant role and artistic craftsmanship within the Temple complex. These passages highlight their function as both functional supports and ornate elements of sacred architecture.
* [[2 Chronicles 4:6-8]] reiterates the purpose of these bases, specifying that five lavers were positioned on the right side of the Temple and five on the left, each resting upon its respective mᵉkôwnâh. This underscores their integral role in the Temple's ritual purification processes.
Beyond the Temple context, mᵉkôwnâh appears in a more general sense of a fixed "place" or "station":
* In [[Ezra 3:3]], it refers to the "place" or "site" of the altar. Here, the word emphasizes the re-establishment of the altar on its proper, foundational spot after the return from Babylonian exile, signifying the restoration of proper worship.
* In [[Daniel 11:20]], mᵉkôwnâh is used metaphorically to describe the "place" or "station" of a king, indicating his established position of authority or realm of rule. This usage extends the concept of a fixed base from a physical object to a metaphorical foundation of power.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other Hebrew terms:
* **māḵôn (`{{H4349}}`):** As the masculine root from which mᵉkôwnâh is derived, māḵôn shares the core meaning of "fixed place," "foundation," or "base." māḵôn is frequently used to describe God's dwelling place or the established foundations of the earth.
* **kûn (`{{H3559}}`):** This verbal root, meaning "to be firm," "to be established," or "to be prepared," is the etymological source for both māḵôn and mᵉkôwnâh. It underscores the inherent concept of stability, permanence, and readiness.
* **yāsad (`{{H3245}}`):** This verb means "to found," "to establish," or "to lay a foundation." It describes the action of creating a mᵉkôwnâh or māḵôn.
* **môsād (`{{H4143}}`):** A noun meaning "foundation" or "basis," often referring to the literal or metaphorical underpinnings of structures or the earth.
* **kîyôr (`{{H3597}}`):** The "laver" or "basin" that rested upon the mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) in the Temple. The function of the mᵉkôwnâh is best understood in its supportive relationship to the kîyôr.
* **'ădān (`{{H134}}`):** A "base" or "socket," typically used for the silver bases supporting the planks of the Tabernacle. While distinct, it shares the function of providing foundational support.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) is primarily rooted in its association with the sacred architecture and rituals of the Temple. The meticulous and divinely prescribed design of the bases for the lavers in Solomon's Temple highlights the divine emphasis on order, precision, and beauty in worship.
The mᵉkôwnâh provided essential stability and mobility for the lavers, which were critical for the ritual purification of the priests. This suggests that even the supporting elements within a sacred context are deemed significant by God, contributing to the sanctity and efficacy of the rites performed. The detailed instructions for their construction imply that God cares deeply about every foundational and functional aspect of His worship.
In a broader theological sense, the concept of a "base" or "foundation" points to the necessity of proper establishment and support for spiritual realities. Just as the physical lavers required a firm mᵉkôwnâh, so too does spiritual life necessitate a stable foundation, often understood as God's unchanging character, His covenant, or His revealed word.
The use of mᵉkôwnâh in [[Ezra 3:3]] for the "place" of the altar signifies the crucial act of re-establishing proper worship after the period of exile. The rebuilding of the altar upon its mᵉkôwnâh was a foundational step for the community's spiritual restoration and renewed relationship with God. Its metaphorical use in [[Daniel 11:20]] for a king's "station" subtly suggests that even earthly authority, when legitimate, rests upon a divinely established mᵉkôwnâh.
### Summary
The Hebrew word mᵉkôwnâh (`{{H4350}}`) fundamentally signifies a "base," "pedestal," or "stand," conveying concepts of stability, support, and a fixed position. Its most prominent biblical occurrences are found in the detailed descriptions of the ornate bronze stands that supported the lavers in Solomon's Temple, underscoring their vital role in facilitating ritual purification and maintaining order in sacred worship. Beyond its literal application, mᵉkôwnâh can also denote a specific "spot" or "place," as seen in the re-establishment of the altar's "place" in Ezra or a king's "station" in Daniel. Theologically, mᵉkôwnâh highlights the divine emphasis on proper foundations and supporting structures within sacred contexts, signifying the importance of stability, order, and divine design in all aspects of worship and, by extension, in the established realities of the world. It points to the essential underlying support required for sacred functions and enduring truths.
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