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.
Transliteration:mᵉʻôwnâh
Pronunciation:meh-o-naw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מְעוֹנָה (mᵉʻôwnâh, `{{H4585}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root עון, which conveys the idea of dwelling or abiding. It serves as the feminine counterpart to מָעוֹן (maʻown, `{{H4583}}`), sharing an identical semantic range. At its core, mᵉʻôwnâh signifies a "dwelling place," "habitation," or "abode." Its semantic breadth encompasses a variety of contexts:
* **Animal Lairs:** It can denote the den or lair of wild animals, such as lions ([[Job 38:40]], [[Nahum 2:12]]).
* **Human Habitations:** It refers to the homes or dwelling places of people ([[1 Samuel 23:23]], [[Jeremiah 21:13]]).
* **Divine Abode:** Crucially, mᵉʻôwnâh is employed to describe the dwelling place of God, whether referring to the Tabernacle/Temple ([[Psalm 76:2]]) or, more profoundly, to God Himself as the eternal refuge and habitation of His people ([[Deuteronomy 33:27]], [[Psalm 90:1]]).
* **Place of Refuge/Retreat:** Beyond a mere physical structure, the word carries the connotation of a secure retreat or asylum, a place of safety and protection.
The versatility of mᵉʻôwnâh allows it to describe both tangible structures and abstract concepts of security and presence, depending on the context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of mᵉʻôwnâh across the Hebrew Bible illuminates its rich meaning:
* **Animal Dwellings:** In several passages, mᵉʻôwnâh describes the natural habitats of animals. For instance, [[Job 38:40]] speaks of the lion's mᵉʻôwnâh where they crouch in ambush, and [[Psalm 104:22]] depicts young lions returning to their dens. This usage highlights the natural order and the provision of suitable dwelling places for all creatures.
* **Human Habitations:** While less frequent for human homes than other terms like bayit (`{{H1004}}`), mᵉʻôwnâh does appear in this context. [[1 Samuel 23:23]] mentions David's dwelling places (mᵉʻôwnâh) as Saul seeks him out. [[Jeremiah 21:13]] uses it in a prophetic judgment against "the inhabitant of the valley, the rock of the plain," referring to Jerusalem's secure dwelling place.
* **Divine Dwelling and Refuge:** The most theologically significant occurrences of mᵉʻôwnâh pertain to God:
* **God's Earthly Sanctuary:** [[Psalm 76:2]] declares, "In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place (mᵉʻôwnâh) in Zion." Here, mᵉʻôwnâh refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, signifying God's chosen place to dwell among His people, making Himself accessible.
* **God as Eternal Refuge:** Perhaps the most powerful use is found in [[Deuteronomy 33:27]]: "The eternal God is your refuge (mᵉʻôwnâh), and underneath are the everlasting arms." This portrays God Himself as the ultimate, unshakeable sanctuary for His people.
* **God as Generations' Dwelling:** Similarly, [[Psalm 90:1]] states, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place (mᵉʻôwnâh) in all generations." This profound declaration emphasizes God's constancy, faithfulness, and self-sufficiency as the secure abode for His people throughout time.
* **Making God One's Dwelling:** [[Psalm 91:9]] encourages the worshiper, "Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place (mᵉʻôwnâh)." This verse turns the concept into an act of faith, where trust in God transforms Him into one's personal, secure habitation.
These contexts reveal that mᵉʻôwnâh evolves from a simple physical space to a profound theological concept of divine presence, protection, and eternal security.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of mᵉʻôwnâh is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **מָעוֹן (maʻown, `{{H4583}}`):** As noted, this is the masculine counterpart with an identical meaning and usage. The two terms are often used interchangeably, emphasizing the core concept of dwelling.
* **שָׁכַן (shakan, `{{H7931}}`):** The verb "to dwell" or "to settle," from which the concept of *Shekinah* (divine presence) is derived. While shakan describes the act of dwelling, mᵉʻôwnâh denotes the place or state of dwelling.
* **יָשַׁב (yashab, `{{H3427}}`):** Another common verb for "to sit," "to dwell," or "to inhabit." Like shakan, it describes the action, whereas mᵉʻôwnâh is the noun for the dwelling place.
* **אֹהֶל (ohel, `{{H168}}`):** "Tent" or "tabernacle." Often used to describe the temporary dwelling of God among His people in the wilderness, contrasting with the more permanent mᵉʻôwnâh of the Temple or God Himself.
* **בַּיִת (bayit, `{{H1004}}`):** "House" or "home." A very common term for human dwellings, also used for the "house of God" (Temple). mᵉʻôwnâh often carries a broader, more encompassing sense of habitation or refuge.
* **מִקְלָט (miqlat, `{{H4733}}`):** "Refuge" or "asylum," specifically referring to the cities of refuge. While mᵉʻôwnâh can mean refuge, miqlat is more specific to legal asylum.
The concepts associated with mᵉʻôwnâh include security, protection, rest, presence, and intimacy. When applied to God, it evokes His steadfastness, His provision of safety, and His desire to be in close relationship with His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of mᵉʻôwnâh is primarily found in its application to God. It reveals several profound truths:
* **God as the Ultimate Refuge and Security:** The most striking theological implication is that God Himself *is* the dwelling place and refuge for His people. This transcends any physical sanctuary. In [[Deuteronomy 33:27]] and [[Psalm 90:1]], mᵉʻôwnâh speaks to God's eternal, unchangeable nature as the secure abode for all generations. He is not merely a provider of refuge, but the very essence of refuge. This implies absolute safety, protection from all threats, and an unshakable foundation for life.
* **Divine Immanence and Presence:** When mᵉʻôwnâh refers to the Tabernacle or Temple ([[Psalm 76:2]]), it signifies God's willingness to condescend and dwell among His creation. This speaks to His immanence, His desire for relationship, and His accessibility to His covenant people. It is a tangible sign of His presence.
* **Intimacy and Relationship:** To dwell *in* God or to make God one's mᵉʻôwnâh ([[Psalm 91:9]]) suggests a deep, abiding, and intimate relationship. It implies a sense of belonging, rest, and peace found only in Him. This is not merely a place of occasional visit but a permanent state of residence for the soul.
* **Contrast with Human Transience:** In a world where human dwellings are temporary and vulnerable, God as mᵉʻôwnâh stands as the eternal, unchanging reality. This offers immense comfort and stability to believers, grounding their hope in His everlasting nature.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְעוֹנָה (mᵉʻôwnâh, `{{H4585}}`) denotes a "dwelling place," "habitation," or "refuge." Its semantic range extends from the physical dens of animals and homes of humans to, most significantly, the sacred dwelling places of God, whether the earthly Tabernacle/Temple or, more profoundly, God Himself.
Biblical occurrences highlight its versatility, but its deepest theological significance emerges when applied to the Divine. mᵉʻôwnâh portrays the Eternal God as the ultimate, unchanging refuge and dwelling place for His people across all generations. This concept underscores God's absolute security, His immanent presence among His covenant community, and the profound intimacy of a relationship where believers find their ultimate rest and safety in Him. It is a powerful affirmation of God's steadfastness and His unwavering commitment to protect and sustain those who make Him their mᵉʻôwnâh.
TRV