Parlor
The Word in English Bible Translation
The KJV uses "parlor" in three passages — Judges 3:20-25, 1 Samuel 9:22, and 1 Chronicles 28:11 — each translating a different Hebrew word and describing a different type of room. Modern translations have replaced "parlor" with more precise terms that better convey the original meaning: "upper room," "guest chamber," and "inner chambers."
The Upper Room of Eglon
In Judges 3:20-25, the parlor is the private upper room where the Moabite king Eglon was sitting when the judge Ehud came to deliver a message. Ehud told Eglon he had a word from God, and when they were alone in this cool upper chamber, Ehud drew a concealed sword and struck down the oppressor (Judges 3:21-22). After the assassination, Ehud locked the doors and escaped. Eglon's servants waited so long before checking on their king that Ehud was able to flee to safety. The Hebrew word here refers to an elevated room, typically built on the roof or upper story of a house to catch cooling breezes — a common feature of ancient Near Eastern architecture.
Samuel's Guest Chamber
In 1 Samuel 9:22, the parlor is the dining hall or guest chamber where Samuel hosted Saul and his servant before a sacrificial meal. Samuel had received prior revelation from God that Saul would arrive, and he had prepared a place of honor for the future king (1 Samuel 9:19-24). This room served as a banquet hall for special occasions, likely attached to a high place where sacrifices were offered. The Hebrew word here denotes a room or hall used for communal dining.
The Temple Chambers
In 1 Chronicles 28:11, David gave Solomon the architectural plans for the temple, including the design of its "parlors" — the inner chambers and rooms that made up the temple complex. These included storage rooms, treasuries, and the Most Holy Place itself. The Hebrew word here refers to the various rooms and chambers that served different functions within the sacred building.
Understanding Ancient Architecture
The varying translations of "parlor" across these passages reflect the diverse types of rooms found in ancient Israelite buildings. From private upper chambers to public banquet halls to sacred temple rooms, the architecture of the biblical world was more varied and sophisticated than casual readers might assume. Each type of room served distinct social and religious functions, and understanding these spaces enriches our reading of the biblical narratives that take place within them.
Biblical Context
The word 'parlor' (KJV) appears in Judges 3:20-25 (Ehud and Eglon's upper room), 1 Samuel 9:22 (Samuel's guest chamber for Saul), and 1 Chronicles 28:11 (the inner chambers of Solomon's temple). Each occurrence translates a different Hebrew word, reflecting the variety of private and semi-private spaces in ancient Israelite architecture.
Theological Significance
The biblical parlors serve as settings for pivotal spiritual moments: divine judgment against an oppressor (Judges 3), the anointing of Israel's first king (1 Samuel 9), and the planning of God's temple (1 Chronicles 28). These private rooms become stages for God's sovereign action, reminding readers that God works in hidden places as much as in public ones.
Historical Background
Archaeological excavations throughout Israel have revealed the layout of ancient buildings, including upper rooms, banquet halls, and temple complexes. The upper room (aliyah) was a common feature of larger homes in the ancient Near East, built on the roof for privacy and ventilation. Communal dining rooms attached to high places have been identified at several sites. The temple chambers described in Chronicles match the archaeological evidence from Iron Age temple architecture in the region.