from סָכַךְ; inclosure; Secacah, a place in Palestine; Secacah.
Transliteration:Çᵉkâkâh
Pronunciation:sek-aw-kaw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word סְכָכָה (Çᵉkâkâh - `{{H5527}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb סָכַךְ (sâkak - `{{H5526}}`), which carries the primary meaning of "to intertwine," "to weave," and by extension, "to cover," "to overshadow," "to screen," or "to fence in." As a noun, סְכָכָה therefore fundamentally denotes an "inclosure," "covering," or "shelter." Its base meaning suggests something that provides protection or defines a boundary through a covering or interwoven structure. In its sole biblical occurrence, however, it functions as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location. This transition from a common noun describing a type of structure to a proper noun for a place suggests that the location itself was characterized by such an "inclosure" or "covering," perhaps due to natural features like dense thickets or man-made structures like walled settlements or sheepfolds.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סְכָכָה (Çᵉkâkâh - `{{H5527}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Joshua:
* [[Joshua 15:61]]: "In the wilderness, Beth-arabah, Middin, and Secacah,"
This verse is part of a detailed list of cities allotted to the tribe of Judah. Specifically, it falls within the enumeration of cities located in the "wilderness" region of Judah, which generally refers to the arid and sparsely populated areas stretching towards the Dead Sea. The listing is purely geographical and administrative, outlining the boundaries and possessions of the tribal inheritance. As a proper place name, "Secacah" offers no direct contextual clue beyond its location within this wilderness territory. Its inclusion among other named settlements like Beth-arabah and Middin indicates it was a recognized, albeit perhaps minor, locale. The etymological root suggests that this place might have been known for some form of natural or artificial "covering" or "enclosure," perhaps a sheltered wadi, a fortified outpost, or an area of dense vegetation providing natural cover in an otherwise desolate landscape.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root verb סָכַךְ (sâkak - `{{H5526}}`), from which סְכָכָה (Çᵉkâkâh - `{{H5527}}`) is derived. This verb is employed in various contexts to describe acts of covering or overshadowing, often with a connotation of protection or presence. For instance, it describes the cherubim's wings "overshadowing" (סָכַךְ) the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing divine presence and protection ([[Exodus 25:20]], [[1 Kings 8:7]]).
Another closely related noun is סֻכָּה (sukkâh - `{{H5521}}`), meaning "booth," "tent," or "tabernacle." This word shares the same root and refers to a temporary dwelling or shelter, often constructed from interwoven branches. Its most prominent usage is in connection with the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), where Israelites were commanded to dwell in booths as a reminder of God's provision and their sojourn in the wilderness ([[Leviticus 23:42-43]]).
The semantic field thus encompasses notions of:
* **Covering/Shelter:** Providing protection from elements or adversaries.
* **Enclosure/Boundary:** Defining a space, whether for habitation or livestock.
* **Presence/Protection:** Particularly when the covering is divine or divinely ordained.
### Theological Significance
While סְכָכָה (Çᵉkâkâh - `{{H5527}}`) itself, as a mere place name, carries no overt theological meaning, its etymological roots and related terms contribute to a rich theological tapestry concerning divine protection, presence, and provision. The underlying concept of "covering" (from סָכַךְ - `{{H5526}}`) is profoundly theological in the Old Testament. God is frequently depicted as providing a "covering" or "shelter" for His people, a metaphor for His protective care and dwelling among them. The cherubim's wings overshadowing the Ark of the Covenant powerfully convey God's holy presence and His watchful guardianship over His covenant.
The connection to סֻכָּה (sukkâh - `{{H5521}}`) further amplifies this. The temporary "booths" of the Feast of Tabernacles served as a tangible reminder of God's faithful presence and provision for Israel during their wilderness wanderings. It symbolized God's willingness to "tabernacle" or dwell with His people, even in their vulnerability and transience. This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament concept of God "tabernacling" among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ ([[John 1:14]]) and the future promise of God dwelling with His redeemed people in the new creation ([[Revelation 21:3]]). Thus, even a seemingly mundane place name like Secacah, through its linguistic heritage, subtly evokes the broader biblical truth of a God who covers, shelters, and dwells with His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word סְכָכָה (Çᵉkâkâh - `{{H5527}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verb סָכַךְ (sâkak - `{{H5526}}`), meaning "to cover" or "to enclose." While its core meaning refers to an "inclosure" or "shelter," its sole biblical occurrence in [[Joshua 15:61]] designates a specific place name, Secacah, listed among the cities of Judah in the wilderness. Though its direct contextual significance is geographical, its etymological root connects it to broader biblical themes of divine covering, protection, and presence. Related terms like סֻכָּה (sukkâh - `{{H5521}}`), meaning "booth" or "tabernacle," underscore God's faithful provision and His desire to dwell with His people. Thus, even as a proper noun, סְכָכָה subtly echoes the profound theological truth of God as the ultimate shelter and protector of His covenant people.
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