feminine participle passive of אָרַב (as if for lurking); a lattice; (by implication) a window, dovecot (because of the pigeon-holes), chimney (with its apertures for smoke), sluice (with openings for water); chimney, window.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼărubbâh**, represented by `{{H699}}`, refers to a lattice, window, dovecot, chimney, or sluice. It appears **9 times** in **9 unique verses**. The word's definition, derived from a root suggesting "lurking," implies an opening or a structure with apertures, such as for smoke, water, or pigeons.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H699}}` most often refers to the "windows of heaven." These are portrayed as conduits for God's direct action upon the earth. They were opened to unleash the cataclysmic waters of the flood alongside the "fountains of the great deep" [[Genesis 7:11]] and were later stopped to restrain the rain [[Genesis 8:2]]. In a contrasting context, the LORD challenges Israel to prove Him by bringing tithes, promising to open the **windows** of heaven and pour out an immense blessing [[Malachi 3:10]]. The term also describes more grounded apertures, such as a **chimney** where smoke escapes [[Hosea 13:3]], the **windows** of a dovecot to which doves fly [[Isaiah 60:8]], and the windows of a house whose observers grow dim in old age [[Ecclesiastes 12:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the meaning of `{{H699}}`:
* `{{H8064}}` **shâmayim** (heaven): This word is frequently paired with `{{H699}}` to form the phrase "windows of heaven," establishing the sky as the location of these divine sluices for both judgment and blessing ([[Genesis 7:11]], [[Malachi 3:10]]).
* `{{H4599}}` **maʻyân** (fountain): Used in parallel with `{{H699}}` in the flood account, these **fountains** of the great deep represent the earthly source of water that, combined with the "windows of heaven," brought about the deluge ([[Genesis 7:11]], [[Genesis 8:2]]).
* `{{H6605}}` **pâthach** (to open wide): This verb is used to describe the action of opening the "windows of heaven," signifying the beginning of a powerful divine intervention ([[Genesis 7:11]], [[Malachi 3:10]], [[Isaiah 24:18]]).
* `{{H3123}}` **yôwnâh** (a dove): The connection is made explicit in [[Isaiah 60:8]], where a group is seen flying like **doves** `{{H3123}}` to their **windows** `{{H699}}`, reinforcing the "dovecot" meaning of the word.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H699}}` is significant, illustrating God's sovereignty over the natural and spiritual realms.
* **Conduits of Judgment and Blessing:** The "windows of heaven" serve as a powerful image for God's ability to directly impact the world. They can be opened for destructive floods [[Genesis 7:11]] and judgment [[Isaiah 24:18]] or for abundant provision in response to faithfulness [[Malachi 3:10]].
* **The Overwhelming Nature of God's Acts:** Whether for curse or blessing, the opening of these windows signifies an unstoppable and overwhelming event. The floodwaters covered the earth, and the promised blessing in Malachi is so great there is not room enough to receive it [[Malachi 3:10]].
* **Connecting the Physical and Divine:** The use of `{{H699}}` for both a common **chimney** [[Hosea 13:3]] and the majestic "windows of heaven" links the tangible world to divine realities, using a familiar concept of an opening to explain God's interaction with His creation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H699}}` is a versatile term that transcends a simple architectural definition. It encompasses physical openings like dovecots and chimneys while also serving as a potent theological symbol. As the "windows of heaven," it represents the very floodgates through which God pours out both devastating judgment and immeasurable blessing, reminding readers of His ultimate control over the forces of nature and the fortunes of humanity.
TRV