מִסְדְּרוֹן
a colonnade or internal portico (from its rows of pillars)
Definition
The Hebrew word מִסְדְּרוֹן (miçdᵉrôwn) refers to an architectural feature, specifically a colonnade or internal portico characterized by rows of pillars. It denotes a covered walkway or porch within a building, likely serving as a transitional space between rooms or areas. The term derives from the concept of 'order' or 'arrangement,' highlighting the structured, row-like formation of its supporting columns. In its single biblical occurrence in Judges 3:23, it describes the porch or vestibule of King Eglon's upper chamber, where Ehud made his escape after assassinating the king.
Biblical Usage
This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Judges 3:23. It is used in a narrative context to describe a specific part of a Moabite king's palace—the 'porch' or colonnaded area of his upper room. The usage is purely descriptive, serving to clarify the setting of a dramatic escape in the story of Ehud. There are no other occurrences or patterns of usage across different books.
Etymology
מִסְדְּרוֹן is derived from the root ס־ד־ר (s-d-r), related to סֶדֶר (seder, H5468), meaning 'order' or 'arrangement.' The noun form suggests a place characterized by orderly rows, specifically referring to the aligned pillars of a colonnade. This etymological connection emphasizes the structural regularity of the architectural feature it describes.
Semantic Range
In the ancient Near East, colonnades or porticos were common architectural elements in royal and significant buildings, providing shaded, semi-open spaces. The מִסְדְּרוֹן in Judges 3:23 reflects the sophistication of Moabite palace architecture, contrasting with simpler Israelite structures of the period. Understanding this term helps visualize the palace setting, emphasizing the boldness of Ehud's escape from a guarded, well-ordered royal space.
אוּלָם (ʼûlâm, H197) — a larger porch or hall, often at the entrance of the temple or palace. פְּרוֹזְדּוֹר (prôzdôwr, not in Strong's) — a later Hebrew term for a corridor or vestibule, less specific to pillars.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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