נִשְׁכָּה (nish.kah)

nish.kah

chamber

H5393 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-F

Language: Biblical Hebrew
Testament: Old Testament
Occurrences: 3 verses
Root: —
Part of speech: H:N-F

Word Overview

The Hebrew noun nishkah refers to a small, enclosed room or chamber. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, primarily within the book of Nehemiah. In these contexts, it describes specific interior spaces used for storage or private residence.

For example, Nehemiah 13:5 mentions a large chamber provided in the temple courts for storing grain and offerings. Another instance in Nehemiah 13:8 refers to this same room becoming desolate when Eliashim the priest allowed Tobiah to store his household goods there. The word emphasizes the physical nature of these rooms as distinct, bounded areas within larger structures.

Its root relates to concepts of hiding or concealing, suggesting a space set apart from the open exterior. This usage highlights how ancient Israelite architecture utilized separate chambers for both sacred and domestic purposes, creating clear distinctions between public courtyards and private or restricted interior spaces.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word nishkah describes a specific, enclosed space—a chamber set apart from the bustling activity outside. In the Old Testament, these rooms were not just architectural features but functional spaces for storing grain, offerings, and personal goods. They represent places of order and provision within the community's life.

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he found that one such chamber in the temple courts had been given over to Tobiah, a foreigner who opposed God’s people. This act disrupted the sacred purpose of the space. The room was meant for holy offerings, yet it became a storage place for worldly alliances.

This history reminds us that our hearts are also chambers before God. We must guard what we store there. Are we keeping space for His provisions and promises, or have we allowed distractions and compromises to take up residence? Keeping our inner lives ordered for God brings peace and clarity.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

the/ rooms1×
room/ his1×
a room1×

Forms in the text

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

נִשְׁכָּתֽ/וֹ\׃\ \ס1×
נִשְׁכָּ֔ה1×
הַ/נְּשָׁכ֗וֹת1×

Key Verses

Nehemiah 13:7
and I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing him a room in the courts of God’s house.

This verse highlights the misuse of a sacred chamber, showing how physical spaces can reflect spiritual priorities when holy areas are repurposed for personal alliances.
Nehemiah 12:44
On that day, men were appointed over the rooms for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them according to the fields of the cities the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites; for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites who served.

Here the chambers are restored to their proper function, serving as organized stores for tithes and offerings that supported the priests and Levites in their service.
Nehemiah 3:30
After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another portion. After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs across from his room.

This reference shows the word used in a secular context, describing a private room or house adjacent to the temple wall being repaired by Hananiah.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nishkah mean in the Bible?

Nishkah is a Hebrew noun that translates to 'chamber' or 'small room.' It specifically denotes an enclosed, interior space within a larger structure, often used for storage or private residence. The word appears only three times in the Old Testament.

Why is nishkah significant in Nehemiah 13?

In Nehemiah 13:7, the term describes a chamber in the temple courts that was improperly given to Tobiah. This incident highlights the seriousness of maintaining the sanctity and proper use of spaces dedicated to God's service.

How is nishkah different from other words for 'room'?

While other Hebrew words like bayith mean 'house' or cheder can mean 'room,' nishkah often implies a specific, perhaps smaller or more secluded chamber. Its root association with hiding suggests a space set apart from the open exterior.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3:30

After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another portion. After him,…

Nehemiah 12:44

On that day, men were appointed over the rooms for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for…

Nehemiah 13:7

and I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing him a room in the…