### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term çippun (`{{H5604}}`) is a noun derived from the verb sapan (`{{H5603}}`), which fundamentally means "to cover," "to overlay," or "to conceal." As such, çippun denotes an architectural covering or interior finishing. Its primary semantic range encompasses "wainscoting" (paneling on the lower part of a wall) and "ceiling" (the overhead interior surface of a room). Both definitions point to decorative or protective coverings applied to the inner surfaces of a building, often implying a degree of craftsmanship and material quality. The word specifically refers to the finished surface rather than the structural elements themselves.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term çippun (`{{H5604}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, offering a stark and significant contrast in its application:
1. **[[1 Kings 6:9]]**: "So he built the house and finished it; and he covered the house with beams and boards of cedar."
Here, çippun describes the interior paneling of Solomon's Temple. The context emphasizes the meticulous construction and the use of precious materials, specifically cedar wood, for the house of the Lord. The "covering" or "paneling" signifies the beauty, grandeur, and sacredness of the Temple, reflecting the honor and devotion given to Yahweh through the quality of His dwelling place. It speaks to a divine standard of excellence in craftsmanship for sacred purposes.
2. **[[Jeremiah 22:14]]**: "who says, 'I will build myself a spacious house with large upper rooms, and cut out windows for it, paneling it with cedar and painting it with vermilion.'"
In this passage, the prophet Jeremiah uses çippun in a condemnatory tone, directed at King Jehoiakim of Judah. The king is criticized for his self-indulgent pursuit of lavish personal palaces, characterized by spacious rooms, large windows, and luxurious cedar paneling, even painted with vermilion. The prophet contrasts this extravagance with Jehoiakim's failure to uphold justice and righteousness for his people ([[Jeremiah 22:3-5]]). Here, the "paneling" or "ceiling" symbolizes human pride, materialism, and a king's dereliction of duty, highlighting a stark misuse of resources and authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Word:** sapan (`{{H5603}}`): The verb from which çippun is derived, meaning "to cover," "to hide," or "to store up." This connection underscores the function of çippun as an applied covering.
* **Building Materials:** The contexts in which çippun appears often mention specific materials:
* 'erez (`{{H730}}`): Cedar wood, a prized and durable timber, frequently associated with temple and palace construction.
* 'etz (`{{H6086}}`): General term for wood or tree.
* **Architectural Elements:**
* qorah (`{{H6982}}`): Beam, rafter.
* luach (`{{H3871}}`): Board, plank.
* **Concepts:** Luxury, opulence, craftsmanship, temple construction, royal architecture, justice, righteousness, idolatry of wealth, stewardship.
### Theological Significance
The dual usage of çippun (`{{H5604}}`) presents a profound theological dichotomy concerning the proper use of resources, wealth, and human endeavor.
In the context of Solomon's Temple, çippun signifies the dedication of the finest materials and craftsmanship to the glory of God. The beauty and preciousness of the cedar paneling reflect the reverence and honor due to the divine presence. It illustrates that human skill and material abundance, when consecrated to sacred purposes, become an act of worship and a testament to God's majesty.
Conversely, in Jeremiah's prophecy, the same word for luxurious paneling exposes the moral corruption of King Jehoiakim. Here, çippun represents self-aggrandizement, misplaced priorities, and a king's exploitation of his people for personal comfort and display. The prophet's condemnation highlights that what is beautiful and honorable in one context (the Temple) becomes an affront to God and an injustice to humanity when pursued for selfish gain, especially at the expense of social justice and covenant faithfulness.
The word thus serves as a powerful reminder that the inherent value of an object or material is often secondary to the *intent* and *purpose* behind its creation and use. It underscores the biblical emphasis on righteousness and justice as foundational elements of true worship and leadership, contrasting genuine piety with superficial religiosity or material excess.
### Summary
The Hebrew word çippun (`{{H5604}}`) refers to architectural paneling or ceiling, derived from the root meaning "to cover." Despite its rare occurrence in the biblical text, its two appearances offer a potent theological lesson. In [[1 Kings 6:9]], çippun describes the glorious cedar paneling of Solomon's Temple, signifying the honor and devotion given to God through meticulous craftsmanship and precious materials. In stark contrast, [[Jeremiah 22:14]] uses the same word to condemn King Jehoiakim's lavish, self-serving palace, symbolizing his pride, materialism, and neglect of justice. Thus, çippun serves as a powerful biblical illustration that even beautiful artistry and material wealth, when consecrated to God's glory and aligned with righteous living, reflect divine majesty; but when pursued for selfish gain and at the expense of justice, they become a sign of spiritual corruption and a target for prophetic condemnation.
TRV