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מֶחֱזָה (me.che.zah)

me.che.zah

window

H4237 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 2 verses

H:N-F

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
2 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun meḥezah refers to a window or an opening that admits light. Its root meaning connects directly to vision and sight, describing a "place of seeing" where one looks out from the interior of a building. In the biblical text, this term is rare, appearing only twice in the Old Testament.

Both occurrences are found in 1 Kings, specifically in the description of Solomon’s temple and palace. The word highlights the architectural feature that allowed light to enter these sacred and royal spaces, linking the physical structure with the act of observation. Translators typically render it simply as "window," capturing its function as a source of illumination and a point of connection between inside and outside.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word meḥezah describes a specific architectural feature found in Solomon’s temple: windows placed directly opposite one another. This design allowed light to flood the sacred interior, creating an atmosphere of openness and visibility. It was not merely a hole in the wall but a deliberate structure meant to invite the outside world into the holy space.

For your faith, this image offers a gentle reminder about perspective. Just as these windows framed the view from within, our spiritual eyes are called to look outward with clarity and hope. God invites us to see His presence in the light that enters our lives, even when we are surrounded by complex structures or heavy responsibilities.

When you feel enclosed by daily worries, remember this ancient design. The same God who crafted Solomon’s palace also opens windows of grace into your heart. Let His light shine through, illuminating your path and reminding you that you are never truly hidden from His care.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • window3×
  • and/ window1×

Forms in the text

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

  • מֶחֱזָ֖ה2×
  • מֶחֱזָ֛ה1×
  • וּ/מֶחֱזָ֥ה1×

Key Verses

  • I Kings 7:4
    There were beams in three rows, and window was facing window in three ranks.

    This verse establishes the architectural pattern of opposing windows in the temple's colonnade, emphasizing symmetry and structured light.

  • I Kings 7:5
    All the doors and posts were made square with beams; and window was facing window in three ranks.

    Here the term appears again to describe the square posts and beams, reinforcing the deliberate design that allowed visibility throughout the royal complex.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does meḥezah mean in the Bible?

Meḥezah is a rare Hebrew noun meaning 'window' or an opening for light. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both in 1 Kings describing Solomon’s temple architecture. The word emphasizes a place designed for seeing and letting light in.

How is meḥezah different from other words for window?

While chul (H2474) is the general word for window, meḥezah specifically refers to a lattice or opening that admits light and view. It carries a stronger connection to vision and observation, fitting its use in describing the temple's structured design.

Why are there only two verses with this word?

The term is highly specific to the architectural description of Solomon’s palace and temple. Because it describes a unique structural feature of that building, biblical authors used it only in those two passages (1 Kings 7:4-5) rather than in general speech.

Every Occurrence (2 verses across 1 books)