What Does meonah (מְעֹנָה) Mean in the Bible?

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun me’onah denotes a place of dwelling or habitation, but its usage in Scripture carries a distinct emotional weight beyond mere physical shelter. While it can refer to a den or lair for animals, the term is most frequently applied to God as a refuge or safe haven. In this context, it describes a secure location where one finds protection and rest, emphasizing stability and safety rather than just occupancy.

This word appears seven times in the Old Testament, with notable occurrences in Job 30:15 and Psalm 91:9. In Job, the protagonist laments that his former home has become a place of terror, illustrating how me’onah can represent a lost sense of security. Conversely, in Psalms, it characterizes God as a dwelling place that offers refuge from danger. The term suggests a deep, personal connection to a space where one is protected and at peace.

The root meaning connects to settling or staying, implying a deliberate choice to remain in a place of safety. Unlike words that simply describe a building, me’onah highlights the experience of finding rest within that structure. This nuance makes it particularly powerful when describing God’s presence as a reliable shelter for those seeking protection from life’s uncertainties.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word me’onah points to more than just a physical structure; it describes a place where life settles and safety is found. While the term can describe animal dens, Scripture often uses it to depict God as our ultimate refuge. This distinction highlights that true security comes not from walls or location, but from the presence of the One who protects us.

In moments of uncertainty, this concept offers a profound comfort. It invites us to view our relationship with God not as a distant observation, but as an intimate dwelling place where we can rest. When life feels unstable, remembering that He is our habitation reminds us that we are held securely in His care.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

in/ hiding places/ our1×

in <the>/ dens1×

from/ den/ its1×

from/ [the] dens of1×

dens/ their1×

and/ in/ dens/ its1×

[is] a hiding place1×

Forms in the text

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

מִ/מְּעֹנ֣וֹת1×

מִ/מְּעֹ֣נָת֔/וֹ1×

מְעֹנָה֙1×

מְ֝עוֹנֹתָ֗/ם1×

וּ/בִ/מְע֖וֹנֹתֶ֣י/הָ1×

בִּ/מְעוֹנוֹתֵֽי/נוּ\׃1×

בַ/מְּעוֹנ֑וֹת1×

Key Verses

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. He thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, ‘Destroy!’

This verse explicitly identifies the eternal God as the dwelling place, establishing Him as the source of enduring stability for His people.

Job 37:8

Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.

Here the word describes animals taking cover, illustrating the natural instinct to seek shelter when danger approaches.

Psalms 104:22

The sun rises, and they steal away, and lie down in their dens.

The text shows lions returning to their dens at sunrise, using the term to mark a place of rest and concealment from the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does me’onah mean in the Bible?

Me’onah refers to a habitation or dwelling place. It is used for animal dens but also describes God as a secure refuge where believers find protection and rest.

How is this word different from other words for house?

While other terms focus on the physical building, me’onah emphasizes the experience of safety and settlement. It suggests a place where one stays securely rather than just occupying space.

Where does this word appear most significantly?

It appears in Deuteronomy 33:27 to describe God as our dwelling place. It also appears in Job and Psalms to describe animal dens, showing its range from natural shelter to divine protection.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 6 books)