עֲזָרָה (a.za.rah)
a.za.rah
enclosure
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 a.zarah refers to an enclosed space, specifically functioning as either a ledge or a courtyard within sacred architecture. In most instances, it denotes the outer court of the temple, serving as a defined boundary for worshipers. This usage highlights its role in organizing the physical layout of religious sites.
A notable specific application appears in Ezekiel’s vision of the altar. Here, the word describes a ledge that surrounds the structure, providing a stable platform or walkway. This architectural detail underscores the precision required in designing holy spaces, ensuring safe access for those performing rituals.
With only two occurrences in Scripture, both found in II Chronicles, the term is closely tied to the historical descriptions of temple construction and maintenance. Its limited appearance emphasizes its technical nature, referring to a functional part of the building rather than a metaphorical concept. The word helps readers visualize the structured environment of ancient Israelite worship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word azarah points to a specific kind of boundary—an enclosure or courtyard that separated sacred space from the ordinary world. In the temple, this was not just a wall but a designated area where worshipers could gather near the presence of God without crossing into the holiest zones reserved for priests. It reminds us that approaching the divine involves both intimacy and reverence, structured by clear boundaries.
When we read about Solomon standing on a platform in the midst of this court (II Chronicles 6:13), we see a physical reality where heaven and earth seemed to meet. The azarah provided the space for that encounter. It was a place set apart, ensuring that those who came to pray had a defined, safe, and holy ground on which to kneel.
For your faith life, this word invites you to consider your own 'enclosures'—the habits, spaces, or rhythms you set aside for God. Just as the temple courtyard was designed for focused worship, creating intentional boundaries in your day can help you step away from noise and into a place of quiet connection with the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ precinct1×
- for the/ precinct1×
- and/ the/ precinct1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לָ/עֲזָרָ֛ה1×
- וְ/הָ/עֲזָרָ֖ה1×
- הָ/עֲזָרָה֒1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 4:9
Furthermore he made the court of the priests, the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid their doors with bronze.
This verse establishes the azarah as the 'court of the priests,' defining it as a functional, enclosed area within the larger temple complex that organized the flow of worship.
-
II Chronicles 6:13
(for Solomon had made a bronze platform, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the middle of the court; and he stood on it, and knelt down on his knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven).
Here, Solomon stands on a platform within this court to pray, showing how the azarah served as the specific stage for public intercession before the assembly of Israel.