Bible Word Study
סִפֻּן
çippun · a wainscot
סִפֻּן
a wainscot
Definition
The Hebrew noun סִפֻּן (çippun) refers to a wooden paneling or wainscot used in interior construction. In its sole biblical occurrence, it describes the fine cedar paneling applied to the interior walls of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:15). The term likely denotes a decorative, finished wooden covering, distinct from the structural stone walls. The KJV translates it as 'cieling' (ceiling), but modern versions more accurately render it as 'paneling' or 'wainscoting,' focusing on the wall covering rather than the overhead structure.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 6:15, within the detailed description of Solomon's Temple construction. It specifies the material (cedar wood) used to panel the interior walls of the Temple's main hall and inner sanctuary (the Holy of Holies). The usage is purely descriptive of a high-quality architectural feature in a sacred, royal building project.
Etymology
סִפֻּן (çippun) is a noun derived from the root verb סָפַן (sāphan, H5603), which means 'to cover' or 'to panel.' This root connection clearly informs the noun's meaning as a covering or paneling. The derivation highlights the functional aspect of the object—it is a material used to overlay and finish a surface.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is an architectural term, its singular use in describing the Temple's interior points to the care, expense, and sacred beauty devoted to God's dwelling place. The choice of costly cedar paneling (1 Kings 6:15) reflects the theology that the worship of Yahweh deserved the finest materials and craftsmanship, symbolizing honor, glory, and permanence. In ancient Near Eastern culture, especially in royal and temple architecture, lining interior walls with expensive, aromatic wood like cedar was a mark of great wealth, prestige, and divine honor. Cedar was imported from Lebanon and was highly prized. This paneling would have provided a finished, luxurious appearance and a pleasant aroma, setting the Temple apart as a uniquely glorious structure. קִיר (qîr, H7023) — a general term for 'wall,' referring to the structure itself, not a decorative covering. לוּחַ (lûaḥ, H3871) — can mean a 'board' or 'plank,' a component possibly used in such paneling. גָּדֵר (gādēr, H1447) — a 'wall' or 'fence,' often of a more rudimentary or exterior kind.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]