מִגְרָעָה (mig.ra.ah)
mig.ra.ah
recess
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun migraah refers to a recess or ledge, specifically describing an architectural feature found in ancient construction. It appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Kings 6:6, where it details the design of Solomon’s Temple. The term denotes a space set back from the main wall, creating a shelf-like area within the structure.
This recess served a practical purpose: it provided a place to store items or perhaps allowed for thinner outer walls while maintaining interior space. By building these side chambers against the temple walls, the builders could support the roof without obstructing the holy inner rooms. The word highlights the careful engineering involved in creating such a significant religious edifice.
Its singular occurrence makes it a unique term in biblical vocabulary. Translators often render it as "recess" or "ledge," capturing the idea of an indentation rather than a protrusion. This specific architectural detail underscores the precision and thoughtfulness applied to the temple’s design, reflecting the importance of order and structure in worship spaces.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word migraah describes a recess or ledge built into the walls of Solomon’s Temple. This architectural detail allowed builders to attach roof beams without drilling holes directly into the holy inner chambers. It reflects a thoughtful design that protected the sanctity of the space while ensuring structural stability.
For your faith, this small detail reminds us that God cares about order and precision in worship. The temple was not just a grand monument but a carefully planned home for His presence. Even hidden features like these recesses show that every part of our lives can be built with intentionality and care for the Lord.
When you read Scripture, notice how physical structures often mirror spiritual truths. Just as the migraah supported the temple without intruding on its holiness, wise choices in your life can support your walk with God without compromising your devotion to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- ledges1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִגְרָעוֹת֩1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 6:6
The lowest floor was five cubits wide, and the middle was six cubits wide, and the third was seven cubits wide; for on the outside he made offsets in the wall of the house all around, that the beams should not be inserted into the walls of the house.
This verse uniquely illustrates how the migraah provided structural support for temple beams while preserving the integrity of the inner holy rooms.