or סֻכֹּת; plural of סֻכָּה; booths; Succoth, the name of a place in Egypt and of three in Palestine; Succoth.
Transliteration:Çukkôwth
Pronunciation:sook-kohth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5523}}` *Çukkôwth* (סֻכּוֹת) is the plural form of `{{H5521}}` *sukkah* (סֻכָּה), meaning "booth," "hut," or "temporary shelter." The root concept conveys a flimsy, hastily constructed dwelling, often made of branches, foliage, or reeds, providing minimal shelter. Its plural form, `{{H5523}}`, can refer literally to multiple such booths, but more commonly functions as a proper noun, designating specific geographical locations named for the presence or historical significance of such temporary dwellings. The semantic range thus extends from the literal architectural structure to significant place names in biblical history, carrying connotations of transience, encampment, and initial settlement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H5523}}` appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily as a geographical designation.
1. **Exodus Narrative (Egyptian Location):** The most prominent occurrence is as the first encampment of the Israelites after their departure from Rameses in Egypt. [[Exodus 12:37]] records, "The sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth." This is reiterated in [[Exodus 13:20]] and in the wilderness itinerary of [[Numbers 33:5]] and [[Numbers 33:6]]. This "Succoth" marks the very beginning of Israel's journey out of slavery into the wilderness, symbolizing their transition from settled life to a nomadic existence, dwelling in temporary shelters. It signifies a critical point of divine leading and the commencement of their pilgrimage.
2. **Jacob's Journey (Transjordan Location):** In [[Genesis 33:17]], after his reconciliation with Esau, Jacob journeys to Succoth, where he "built himself a house and made booths for his livestock; therefore the place was named Succoth." This instance directly links the place name to the action of building temporary shelters (*sukkot*) for his animals, highlighting Jacob's semi-nomadic lifestyle and his establishment of a temporary dwelling place before moving on to Shechem. This Succoth is located east of the Jordan River, in the Jabbok Valley.
3. **Solomon's Temple Construction (Transjordan Location):** `{{H5523}}` is mentioned as a location in the Jordan Valley where the bronze articles for Solomon's Temple were cast. [[1 Kings 7:46]] states, "In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan." [[2 Chronicles 4:17]] echoes this, "In the plain of the Jordan the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah." This indicates Succoth as a site of industrial significance, possibly due to suitable clay deposits, connecting the temporary nature of the wilderness tabernacle (God's dwelling in a tent) with the permanent structure of the Temple.
4. **Gideon's Campaign (Transjordan Town):** During Gideon's pursuit of the Midianite kings, he requests provisions from the elders of Succoth, who refuse to aid him. [[Judges 8:5]] records, "He said to the men of Succoth, 'Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are weary, and I am pursuing Zebah and Zalmunna, the kings of Midian.'" Their refusal leads to Gideon's subsequent punishment of them upon his return ([[Judges 8:6]], [[Judges 8:8]], [[Judges 8:14]], [[Judges 8:15]], [[Judges 8:16]]). This portrayal of Succoth is as a settled town with elders, illustrating the internal divisions and lack of unity among Israelite tribes during the period of the Judges.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the singular form, `{{H5521}}` *sukkah* (סֻכָּה), which means "booth" or "tabernacle." This singular form is used extensively to refer to the temporary shelters constructed during the annual Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles), known as Sukkot. This festival, commanded in [[Leviticus 23:34]] and [[Deuteronomy 16:13]], requires Israelites to dwell in booths for seven days, commemorating their dwelling in temporary shelters during the wilderness wanderings after the Exodus.
Other related concepts include:
* **Wilderness Wanderings:** The period of Israel's journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, characterized by nomadic life and dependence on God's provision.
* **Pilgrimage/Sojourning:** The theological concept of God's people as temporary residents on earth, looking forward to a permanent dwelling.
* **Divine Provision:** The booths, while temporary, represent God's faithful provision of shelter and sustenance in the wilderness.
* **Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):** The central religious observance directly tied to the concept of *sukkot* and the historical memory of the Exodus.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5523}}` *Çukkôwth* is deeply intertwined with Israel's foundational narrative and their identity as God's chosen people.
1. **Remembrance of Divine Providence:** As the first stop of the Exodus, Succoth serves as a powerful reminder of God's miraculous deliverance from slavery and His faithful guidance and provision in the initial stages of their wilderness journey. It marks the beginning of their direct reliance on Him outside the familiar structures of Egypt.
2. **Symbol of Israel's Pilgrim Identity:** The very name "Booths" encapsulates the transient nature of Israel's early history and, by extension, their ongoing identity as sojourners in the world. The command to observe the Feast of Sukkot explicitly connects the dwelling in temporary booths to remembering the forty years in the wilderness, reinforcing the idea that their ultimate home and security are found in God, not in fixed earthly structures. This theme resonates with the New Testament concept of believers as "aliens and strangers" ([[1 Peter 2:11]]) in this world.
3. **Humility and Dependence:** Living in booths, rather than permanent homes, fosters a sense of humility and dependence on God. It strips away the illusion of self-sufficiency and highlights God as the ultimate provider of shelter and security.
4. **God's Dwelling Among His People:** While humans dwelt in temporary booths, God Himself chose to dwell among Israel in a temporary structure—the Tabernacle (also a "tent" or "dwelling"). This parallel underscores God's willingness to humble Himself and reside with His people in their transient state, foreshadowing the ultimate "tabernacling" of God with humanity in Jesus Christ ([[John 1:14]] where "dwelt" literally means "tabernacled").
### Summary
`{{H5523}}` *Çukkôwth* primarily denotes "booths" or "temporary shelters," and by extension, specific geographical locations named for such structures. Its biblical occurrences mark pivotal moments in Israel's history: the initial encampment after the Exodus from Egypt, Jacob's establishment of a temporary dwelling, a site for the casting of Temple bronze, and a settled town in the period of the Judges. The most profound theological significance of `{{H5523}}` lies in its intrinsic connection to the Feast of Sukkot, commemorating Israel's wilderness wanderings. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithful provision, Israel's pilgrim identity, and their ongoing dependence on the Almighty, encapsulating themes of transience, divine guidance, and historical remembrance.
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