from סָכַךְ; a hut (as of entwined boughs); also a lair; covert, den, pavilion, tabernacle.
Transliteration:çôk
Pronunciation:soke
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H5520 (סֹךְ, *çôk*) is derived from the verbal root סָכַךְ (sāḵaḵ), which signifies "to intertwine," "to cover," "to screen," or "to overshadow." This etymological connection is crucial, as çôk fundamentally describes a place or structure that provides covering or concealment through interwoven materials. Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing:
1. **A temporary dwelling or hut:** Often constructed from entwined branches or boughs, similar to the booths used during the Feast of Tabernacles. This emphasizes its temporary and often humble nature.
2. **A lair or den:** Specifically referring to the hidden dwelling place of wild animals, particularly predatory ones like lions. This nuance highlights a place of concealment and potential danger.
3. **A covert or pavilion:** A sheltered or secluded spot, offering refuge or a hidden retreat. In some contexts, it can denote a more elaborate, yet still often temporary, structure for dwelling or assembly.
4. **Tabernacle:** While not referring to the specific *Mishkan* (Tabernacle) of Israel, it can be used metaphorically or generally to describe a temporary dwelling or sacred enclosure.
The core meaning thus revolves around the concept of a covered, often temporary, place of shelter, whether for humans, animals, or even metaphorically for divine presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H5520 appears in several significant biblical contexts, each illustrating a facet of its semantic range:
* **Animal Lairs/Dens:**
* In [[Psalm 10:9]], the wicked man is depicted as lying "in wait secretly as a lion in his den (סֹךְ)," emphasizing a hidden place for predatory ambush.
* [[Job 38:40]] uses çôk to describe the dens where young lions "crouch" in wait for prey, reinforcing the image of a concealed, dangerous animal dwelling.
* Similarly, [[Jeremiah 25:38]] portrays God's furious departure from His "covert (סֹךְ)" like a lion leaving its lair, signifying a powerful, destructive emergence.
* **Divine Protection/Refuge:**
* A profound use is found in [[Psalm 27:5]]: "For in the day of trouble he will conceal me in his tabernacle (סֹךְ); in the secret place of his tent he will hide me." Here, çôk denotes a place of divine refuge and protection, suggesting God's intimate and sheltering presence. It is a secure, hidden place provided by God for the faithful.
* [[Psalm 76:2]] states, "In Salem also is his tabernacle (סֹךְ), and his dwelling place in Zion." This refers to God's dwelling place in Jerusalem, possibly alluding to the Temple or a more general sense of His presence, perhaps emphasizing its accessibility or even its nature as a temporary, yet sacred, abode for the Divine.
* **Vulnerable/Temporary Structures:**
* [[Lamentations 2:6]] offers a poignant use: "He has laid waste his tabernacle (סֹךְ), as if it were a garden." This verse laments the destruction of the Temple, metaphorically referring to it as a çôk, a temporary booth or pavilion, which could be easily dismantled or laid waste. This highlights the vulnerability of even sacred structures in the face of divine judgment.
Across these contexts, çôk consistently conveys the idea of a covered, often hidden, place, whether for predatory activity, personal safety, or divine presence, and sometimes underscores its temporary nature.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of çôk is enriched by its relationship to several other Hebrew terms:
* **סָכַךְ (sāḵaḵ) `{{H5526}}`:** The verbal root from which çôk derives. Meaning "to cover," "to screen," or "to overshadow," it provides the foundational understanding of çôk as a covered place. The noun is the result of the action of the verb.
* **סֻכָּה (sukkah) `{{H5521}}`:** This is the feminine form of çôk and is famously known as the "booth" or "tabernacle" for the Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles). While çôk can be a more general term for a "covert" or "den," sukkah specifically refers to the temporary, often flimsy, human dwelling constructed for the festival, commemorating Israel's wilderness wanderings. The close semantic overlap and shared root highlight their common emphasis on temporary shelter.
* **מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) `{{H4908}}`:** This term specifically refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary of Israel in the wilderness. While çôk can be translated "tabernacle," mishkan carries a much stronger connotation of a divinely ordained, sacred dwelling, distinct from the more general or humble çôk.
* **אָהֶל (ohel) `{{H168}}`:** Meaning "tent," this is another common word for a temporary dwelling. While ohel is a broader term for any tent, çôk specifically implies a structure made of intertwined boughs or branches, emphasizing a more natural, perhaps rustic, form of shelter.
Conceptually, çôk is intertwined with ideas of shelter, protection, concealment, vulnerability, and transience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of çôk is multifaceted, touching upon themes of divine protection, human vulnerability, and the nature of God's presence:
* **Divine Refuge and Immanence:** The use of çôk to describe God's "tabernacle" or "covert" in [[Psalm 27:5]] and [[Psalm 76:2]] is highly significant. It portrays God not as distant or unapproachable, but as intimately present, providing a secure and hidden sanctuary for His people in times of distress. This speaks to God's tender care and His active role as a protector who shelters His own. The imagery of a "covert" also suggests a hidden, perhaps mysterious, aspect of God's dwelling, yet one that is accessible to the faithful.
* **Vulnerability and Transience:** The inherent nature of a çôk as a temporary hut of boughs or an animal den underscores fragility and impermanence. This is powerfully conveyed in [[Lamentations 2:6]], where the once-grand Temple is lamented as a çôk that God easily "laid waste." This highlights the sobering truth that even sacred structures are not immune to divine judgment or the ravages of time and human sin. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly achievements and the ultimate sovereignty of God.
* **God's Justice and Power:** When çôk describes the lair of a lion (e.g., [[Psalm 10:9]], [[Jeremiah 25:38]]), it often conveys an image of raw power and impending judgment. God emerging from His "covert" like a lion suggests a formidable, uncontainable force of divine wrath against wickedness.
* **Contrast with Permanent Structures:** While çôk can refer to God's dwelling, its temporary and humble connotations contrast with the more permanent and glorious associations of mishkan (Tabernacle) or Beit HaMikdash (Temple). This contrast might subtly convey that God's presence is not confined to grand, permanent edifices but can manifest in humble, even transient, settings, emphasizing His omnipresence and His ability to meet His people where they are.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5520 (סֹךְ, *çôk*) is a rich and versatile term derived from the root סָכַךְ (to cover or screen). Its primary meanings encompass a temporary hut of entwined boughs, an animal's lair, a covert, or a pavilion. This semantic range highlights themes of concealment, shelter, and often, transience. In biblical contexts, çôk describes both the hidden dens of predatory animals, symbolizing danger or divine judgment, and metaphorically, the divine refuge God provides for His people. Its use to describe God's "tabernacle" or "covert" underscores His immanent protection and accessibility, while its application to the destroyed Temple in [[Lamentations 2:6]] poignantly conveys the vulnerability of even sacred earthly structures. Ultimately, çôk speaks to the diverse ways shelter is provided and experienced, from the most humble and temporary to the profound and protective presence of God.
TRV