feminine of סֹךְ; a hut or lair; booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent.
Transliteration:çukkâh
Pronunciation:sook-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word *sukkah* (`{{H5521}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H5520}}` (*sōk*), which denotes a thicket, covert, or booth. At its core, *sukkah* refers to a temporary dwelling or shelter, typically constructed from branches, foliage, or other light, readily available materials.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Booth/Tent:** The most common usage, referring to a rudimentary, temporary dwelling for people, often erected for specific, short-term purposes like harvest or travel.
* **Hut/Cottage:** Can describe a simple, small dwelling, though still implying a less permanent structure than a house.
* **Covert/Lair:** Refers to a hidden or sheltered place, sometimes used for animals (e.g., a lion's den or a beast's lair) or as a place of concealment for humans.
* **Pavilion/Tabernacle:** In some contexts, it can denote a more elaborate, yet still temporary, structure, particularly one offering shade or a temporary dwelling for a king or for divine presence, though not the permanent Tabernacle (`{{H4908}}`) itself.
The underlying sense is one of impermanence, protection, and a reliance on simple, natural construction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *sukkah* appears approximately 30 times in the Old Testament, with significant contextual variations:
* **Feast of Booths (Sukkot):** The most prominent usage of *sukkah* is in the context of the Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles. Israelites were commanded to dwell in these temporary shelters for seven days to commemorate their forty years of wandering in the wilderness and God's faithful provision and protection during that time ([[Leviticus 23:42-43]], [[Deuteronomy 16:13-16]], [[Nehemiah 8:14-17]]). This annual observance underscored the transient nature of life and the necessity of remembering God's past mercies.
* **Agricultural Context:** *Sukkah* often appears in relation to agricultural activities, particularly during harvest seasons. Farmers or watchmen would erect *sukkot* in their fields or vineyards to provide temporary shelter from the sun or elements while guarding crops ([[Isaiah 1:8]], [[Job 27:18]]). This highlights its practical utility as a temporary workspace or dwelling.
* **Divine Protection and Refuge:** Metaphorically, God is described as a *sukkah* or "covert" for His people, offering shelter and protection from danger or the elements ([[Psalm 27:5]], [[Psalm 31:20]], [[Psalm 76:2]]). This usage elevates the simple structure to a symbol of divine refuge and security.
* **Military and Royal Contexts:** *Sukkah* can refer to temporary military encampments or a royal pavilion, indicating a temporary dwelling in a strategic or ceremonial setting ([[2 Samuel 11:11]], [[1 Kings 20:12]], [[1 Kings 20:16]]).
* **Animal Lairs:** In a few instances, *sukkah* denotes the lair or den of wild animals, such as a lion's den or a hippopotamus's dwelling place ([[Job 38:40]], [[Job 40:21]]). This reinforces the "covert" aspect of its meaning.
* **Prophetic Significance (Amos 9:11):** A profoundly significant usage is found in [[Amos 9:11]], where the prophet declares, "In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen." This prophecy, quoted by James in [[Acts 15:16]], refers to the restoration of the Davidic dynasty and, more broadly, the re-establishment of God's covenant people, including the ingathering of Gentiles into the new covenant community through Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H5520}}` (*sōk*):** The masculine form of the root from which *sukkah* is derived, meaning "thicket," "covert," or "booth." It shares the core concept of a sheltered, often hidden, place.
* **`{{H168}}` (*ʾōhel*):** "Tent." While similar to *sukkah* in denoting a temporary dwelling, *ʾōhel* often refers to the more substantial, portable tent characteristic of nomadic life (e.g., Abraham's tent, the Tent of Meeting), whereas *sukkah* implies a more hastily constructed, less permanent structure, often for a specific short-term purpose.
* **`{{H4908}}` (*mishkān*):** "Dwelling place," "tabernacle." This term is specifically used for the divinely ordained Tabernacle in the wilderness, God's sacred dwelling place among His people. While *sukkah* can be a "tabernacle" in a general sense, *mishkān* carries a unique theological weight as the locus of God's manifest presence.
* **Pilgrimage and Sojourning:** The concept of the *sukkah* is intrinsically linked to the experience of pilgrimage and sojourning, emphasizing a transient existence and reliance on divine guidance rather than permanent settlement.
* **Feast of Tabernacles/Booths (Sukkot):** The annual festival is the central theological and practical context for understanding *sukkah*, embodying remembrance, gratitude, and future hope.
### Theological Significance
The *sukkah* holds multifaceted theological significance within the biblical narrative:
* **Divine Providence and Protection:** The most prominent theological theme associated with the *sukkah* is God's unwavering provision and protective presence for His people. Dwelling in booths during Sukkot served as a tangible, annual reminder that Israel's survival in the wilderness was solely dependent on God's miraculous care, not on their own strength or permanent dwellings. It teaches reliance on God as the ultimate shelter and provider.
* **Humility and Transience of Life:** The temporary and humble nature of the *sukkah* serves as a powerful symbol of human transience and dependence. It contrasts with the desire for permanent, secure dwellings, reminding humanity of its fleeting existence on earth and its ultimate pilgrimage towards an eternal dwelling. This fosters humility and a focus on spiritual realities over material security.
* **Messianic Hope and Restoration:** The prophecy in [[Amos 9:11]] regarding the "fallen booth of David" is profoundly significant. It points to the future restoration of the Davidic kingdom and, as interpreted in the New Testament ([[Acts 15:16]]), signifies the spiritual rebuilding of God's people through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This includes the ingathering of both Jews and Gentiles into God's one new covenant community, expanding the "booth" of God's people beyond ethnic Israel.
* **God's Desire to Dwell with Humanity:** While the Tabernacle (`{{H4908}}`) was the specific dwelling place of God, the broader concept of *sukkah* resonates with God's enduring desire to dwell with His people, even in their humble and temporary circumstances. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Incarnation, where God "tabernacled" (`{{G4637}}`, from *skēnoō*, related to tent/booth) among humanity in Jesus Christ ([[John 1:14]]), and in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, where God will permanently dwell with His people ([[Revelation 21:3]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word *sukkah* (`{{H5521}}`) denotes a temporary shelter, booth, or hut, often constructed from simple materials. Its usage spans agricultural contexts, military encampments, and even animal lairs, consistently emphasizing a temporary, protective structure. Most significantly, *sukkah* is central to the Feast of Booths, commemorating God's faithful provision during Israel's wilderness wanderings. Theologically, *sukkah* powerfully symbolizes divine protection and provision, the transient nature of human life and the call to humility, and the profound messianic hope of the restoration of David's "fallen booth" through Christ. Ultimately, *sukkah* encapsulates the beautiful truth of God's willingness to shelter and dwell with His people, through all their journeys and in all circumstances.
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