### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **miçdᵉrôwn**, represented by `{{H4528}}`, designates a **porch**. Its definition suggests a colonnade or internal portico, likely named for its rows of pillars. This architectural term is exceedingly rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** within the entirety of the Bible, making its single appearance highly specific.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H4528}}` is found within the narrative of Ehud's escape after assassinating Eglon, king of Moab. After striking the king in his private chamber, Ehud needed a way out. The text states, "Then Ehud went forth through the **porch**, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them" [[Judges 3:23]]. Here, the **porch** functions as a transitional space that allows Ehud to exit the parlour and secure the doors from the outside, delaying the discovery of his actions.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this word is clarified by several other terms used in the same verse, which together paint a complete picture of the scene:
* `{{H164}}` **ʼÊhûwd** (Ehud): He is the central figure of the narrative, a deliverer for Israel whose decisive action is followed by this tactical escape through the **porch** [[Judges 3:23]].
* `{{H5944}}` **ʻălîyâh** (parlour): This term refers to the upper chamber or second-story room where the assassination took place, and from which Ehud exited into the **porch** [[Judges 3:23]].
* `{{H1817}}` **deleth** (door): These are the doors to the parlour that Ehud passed through. By shutting them after moving through the **porch**, he concealed his deed and created a barrier [[Judges 3:23]].
* `{{H5462}}` **çâgar** (shut up): This verb describes Ehud's action of securing the area after he had gone out through the **porch**. This act was critical to the success of his escape [[Judges 3:23]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4528}}` is entirely narrative rather than theological, providing a crucial detail for understanding the logistics of Ehud's actions.
* **A Key Element of Escape:** The **porch** is not merely descriptive but functional. It serves as the architectural feature that enables Ehud to bar the doors of the parlour from the outside, which was essential for his getaway.
* **Creating a Diversion:** By exiting into the **porch** and then locking the doors, Ehud creates the impression that the king is simply occupied in his chamber, a belief the servants initially hold [[Judges 3:24]].
* **Narrative Realism:** The inclusion of this specific term adds spatial realism to the account. It maps out a clear path—from the parlour, through the **porch**, to the locked doors—that highlights the deliberate and calculated nature of Ehud's plan.
### Summary
In summary, **miçdᵉrôwn** `{{H4528}}` is a highly specific noun for a **porch** whose importance comes from its single, strategic appearance in Scripture. It does not carry broad theological weight but instead plays a vital role in the mechanics of the narrative in Judges 3. The word demonstrates how even rare architectural terms are used with precision in the biblical text to build a vivid and logical sequence of events, in this case, forming a key part of the escape route for Ehud, a deliverer of Israel.
TRV