(Aramaic) corresponding to מִשְׁכָּן; residence; habitation.
Transliteration:mishkan
Pronunciation:mish-kan'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic noun mishkan (`{{H4907}}`) directly corresponds to the Hebrew mishkan (`{{H4908}}`), both deriving from the verbal root shakan (`{{H7931}}`), meaning "to dwell, settle, abide." Its core meaning is "residence," "dwelling place," or "habitation." Semantically, it denotes a fixed or established place where one resides. While the Hebrew counterpart carries profound theological weight, primarily referring to the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people, the Aramaic form, due to its limited occurrences, maintains a more general sense of a physical abode. However, its single biblical instance within an ecclesiastical context imbues it with a sacred connotation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic mishkan (`{{H4907}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezra:
* [[Ezra 7:24]]: "Also we make known to you that concerning any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or custom on them."
In this verse, mishkan is used in the phrase "house of God" (בֵּית אֱלָהָא דְּנָה), referring specifically to the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. Here, it functions as a synonym for the sacred edifice where divine worship was conducted. The context is a decree from King Artaxerxes, granting exemptions to those ministering in the Temple, underscoring the importance and sanctity of this "habitation" dedicated to God. While not carrying the direct Tabernacle imagery of its Hebrew cognate, its application to the Temple reinforces the concept of a dedicated dwelling place for the divine presence.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, mishkan (`{{H4908}}`), which is used extensively to refer to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among Israel in the wilderness. This connection is vital for understanding the theological depth inherent in the root. The verbal root shakan (`{{H7931}}`) means "to dwell" or "to settle," and it is foundational to the concept of God's immanence. Other related terms include ohel (`{{H168}}`, "tent"), often used in conjunction with mishkan to describe the Tabernacle structure, and bayith (`{{H1004}}`, "house"), which also designates God's dwelling place (e.g., the Temple). The concept of shekinah (שְׁכִינָה), a rabbinic term referring to the dwelling or settling of the divine presence, is also directly derived from this root, further highlighting the profound theological implications of God's desire to dwell among His people.
### Theological Significance
Though mishkan (`{{H4907}}`) itself has a singular occurrence in the Aramaic portions of Scripture, its theological significance is profoundly shaped by its relationship to the broader biblical concept of God's dwelling. The use of mishkan for the Temple in [[Ezra 7:24]] underscores the continuity of the belief that God chooses a specific earthly place to manifest His presence and receive worship. This reflects the foundational truth established with the Tabernacle (`{{H4908}}`), where God promised to "dwell among them" ([[Exodus 29:45]]). The concept of God's "dwelling" (from shakan `{{H7931}}`) is central to the covenant relationship, signifying His accessibility, faithfulness, and desire for communion with humanity. Ultimately, this divine indwelling finds its perfect fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" or "dwelt" among us ([[John 1:14]], using the Greek skenoo `{{G4637}}`, echoing the Hebrew concept).
### Summary
The Aramaic word mishkan (`{{H4907}}`) signifies a "residence" or "habitation," directly corresponding to the more frequently occurring Hebrew mishkan (`{{H4908}}`). While appearing only once in [[Ezra 7:24]] to denote the "house of God" (the Temple), its usage reinforces the biblical understanding of a designated sacred space for divine presence. Its root, shakan (`{{H7931}}`), emphasizes the profound theological concept of God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme central to the Tabernacle, the Temple, and ultimately fulfilled in the Incarnation of Christ. Thus, mishkan (`{{H4907}}`), though rare, contributes to the rich biblical tapestry of God's immanence and His covenant relationship with humanity.
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