מִשְׁכַּן (mish.kan)
mish.kan
habitation
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Aramaic noun mishkan denotes a dwelling or abode, serving as the Semitic counterpart to the Hebrew word for tabernacle. In the biblical text, it appears only once, specifically in Ezra 7:15, where it refers to the house of God in Jerusalem.
This single usage highlights the continuity between Jewish communities in exile and their sacred heritage. By employing this term, the text emphasizes that the temple remains a valid place of worship and divine presence, even outside the land of Israel. The word underscores the idea that God’s dwelling is not confined by geography but follows His people.
Its rarity makes this occurrence particularly significant. It signals a moment where the identity of the faithful is tied to their place of worship in Jerusalem, reinforcing the importance of the temple as the center of religious life for the returned exiles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mishkan points to a place where God makes His home among His people. In Ezra 7:15, it describes Jerusalem as the location of the Lord's habitation. This reminds us that God is not distant or unreachable; He chooses to dwell with those who seek Him.
For your life today, this offers great comfort. You do not need to search for God in far-off places or complex rituals. He is present and accessible. Whether you are in a season of stability or transition, the promise remains that He lives among His people. This connection grounds our faith in a tangible reality.
Let this truth encourage you as you navigate your daily walk. You carry the presence of God with you. His dwelling is not limited by geography but follows His faithful ones. Rest in the assurance that you are never alone, for He has chosen to make His home with you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- abode/ his1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִשְׁכְּנֵֽ/הּ\׃1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 7:15
and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
This verse uniquely identifies Jerusalem as the specific habitation of the God of Israel, linking the returned exiles directly to their sacred heritage.