מְלוּנָה (me.lu.nah)
me.lu.nah
lodge
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun melunah refers to a temporary dwelling, such as a tent or hut used for lodging. With only two occurrences in the entire Bible, both found in Isaiah, the word carries a sense of impermanence and shelter rather than permanent residence. It describes a place where one rests or stays for a short time.
In its sole appearances, the term underscores the transient nature of human life against the backdrop of God’s eternal presence. The prophet uses this image to contrast the fragility of earthly shelters with the enduring security found in divine protection. Translators typically render it as "lodge" or "hut," capturing the idea of a simple, functional space for resting.
This word highlights the biblical theme of sojourning, reminding readers that their time on earth is brief. It serves as a poetic device to emphasize reliance on God rather than on physical structures for safety and comfort.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word melunah describes a temporary shelter, such as a tent or hut used for resting during travel. In Isaiah 1:8, this image appears when Zion is left like a mere lodge in a vineyard, highlighting how fragile human defenses can be without divine protection. These structures offer only brief cover against the elements, reminding us that our earthly security is often temporary and incomplete.
Yet this impermanence invites trust in God’s enduring care. While physical shelters may fail or be removed, the Creator who provides them remains steadfast. When life feels unstable or when our own efforts to stay safe seem insufficient, we can look beyond the temporary to the One who offers true rest and lasting peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ a watchman's hut1×
- like <the>/ hut1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּ/מְּלוּנָ֑ה1×
- כִּ/מְלוּנָ֥ה1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 1:8
The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a besieged city.
This verse uses melunah to depict Zion’s vulnerability as a lone shelter left in a vineyard, emphasizing the insufficiency of human protection without God.