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חֻפָּה (chup.pah)

chup.pah

Huppah

H2647 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N-M-P

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N-M-P

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun chuppah appears only once in the Old Testament, serving as the proper name of a priest in the thirteenth division of temple service during King David’s reign (1 Chronicles 24:13). While it functions primarily as a personal identifier here, its root meaning carries significant cultural weight.

Lexical sources define chuppah as a canopy or covering. This etymology connects the word to the concept of shelter and protection, imagery that later became central to Jewish marriage customs where the wedding canopy symbolizes the new home established by the couple. Though this specific biblical instance does not describe a marital event, it preserves the linguistic foundation for one of the most enduring symbols in Hebrew tradition.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chuppah appears in Scripture as the name of a priest serving under King David. Though it is a personal identifier here, its root meaning speaks of a covering or shelter. This imagery reminds us that God often provides protection and intimacy in hidden places.

In later Jewish tradition, this term came to represent the wedding canopy, symbolizing the new home built by a couple. For believers today, it points to the security found in divine presence. We are covered, known, and held within a sacred space that reflects God's faithful care.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • to/ Huppah1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • לְ/חֻפָּה֙1×

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the word chuppah mean in the Bible?

Chuppah means a canopy or covering. In 1 Chronicles 24:13, it is used as the name of a priest. The root concept involves shelter and protection, which later influenced Jewish wedding customs.

Why is chuppah important for understanding marriage?

Although not describing a wedding in the Old Testament, the word’s meaning of covering evolved to symbolize the marital home. It represents the intimate, protected space created by a couple under God’s blessing.

How is chuppah different from other Hebrew words for home?

While words like bayit refer to a physical house, chuppah emphasizes the canopy or covering aspect. It focuses on the symbolic shelter of marriage rather than just the structure itself.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)