or מְעֹנָה; feminine of מָעוֹן, and meaning the same; {an abode, of God (the Tabernacle or the Temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)}; den, habitation, (dwelling) place, refuge.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mᵉʻôwnâh**, represented by `{{H4585}}`, signifies a **den**, **habitation**, or **refuge**. It appears 9 times across 9 unique verses in the Bible. The term describes a dwelling place, whether for animals as a lair, for people as a home, or for God as a sanctuary or source of asylum.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H4585}}` is used to describe various types of dwelling places. It frequently refers to the **den** or lair of wild animals, such as lions ([[Nahum 2:12]], [[Amos 3:4]]) and leopards [[Song of Solomon 4:8]]. When the sun rises, the beasts **lay them down** in their **dens** [[Psalms 104:22]]. The word also depicts a place of human security, as when the people of Jerusalem defiantly ask who could possibly enter their **habitations** [[Jeremiah 21:13]]. Most significantly, it portrays God as a secure **refuge** for his people [[Deuteronomy 33:27]] and as having His **dwelling place** in Zion [[Psalms 76:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of a dwelling and its inhabitants:
* `{{H738}}` **ʼărîy** (lion): This term for **lion** is frequently connected with `{{H4585}}`. The **den** is where a **lion** roars when it has prey [[Amos 3:4]] and from which it tears pieces for its whelps [[Nahum 2:12]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell): This primitive root means to **sit down** or **dwell**. It highlights the function of a **mᵉʻôwnâh** as a place of abiding, whether for the **inhabitant** of a city [[Jeremiah 21:13]] or for beasts that **abide** in the covert [[Job 38:40]].
* `{{H695}}` **ʼereb** (den): A term meaning **ambuscade** or **den**, it is used to describe a place of hiding. Scripture notes that beasts **go into dens** `{{H695}}` and **remain in their places** `{{H4585}}`, underscoring the idea of a secret or protected dwelling [[Job 37:8]].
* `{{H6697}}` **tsûwr** (rock): Meaning a **cliff** or **refuge**, this word often symbolizes strength and security. It is used alongside `{{H4585}}` to describe the misplaced confidence of those who trust in their fortified **rock** and plain, believing their **habitations** are untouchable [[Jeremiah 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4585}}` is significant, contrasting human and divine shelters.
* **Divine Refuge:** The most profound use of `{{H4585}}` is to define God Himself as a **refuge** for His people. It positions God not just as a builder of shelters, but as the very place of safety, sustained by His **everlasting arms** [[Deuteronomy 33:27]].
* **God's Earthly Dwelling:** The term is used to identify Zion as God's **dwelling place** [[Psalms 76:2]], sanctifying a physical location as the center of His presence and tabernacle among His people.
* **The Folly of False Security:** In contrast, `{{H4585}}` illustrates the danger of placing trust in man-made or natural fortifications. The inhabitants of Jerusalem felt secure in their **habitations**, but the LORD declared He was against them, showing that true security is not found in a physical place but in God [[Jeremiah 21:13]].
* **Order in Creation:** The repeated use of `{{H4585}}` for animal **dens** shows a world ordered by God, where even wild beasts have a place to **remain** [[Job 37:8]], couch [[Job 38:40]], and raise their young [[Nahum 2:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **mᵉʻôwnâh** `{{H4585}}` carries a meaning that extends from the natural world to the divine. While it literally describes the **den** of a lion or a human **habitation**, its theological weight is found in its application to God. It teaches that while earthly dwellings can offer a false sense of security, the eternal God alone is the true and everlasting **refuge** and **dwelling place** for His people.
TRV