Bible Word Study
מֶחֱזָה
mechĕzâh · a window
מֶחֱזָה
a window
Definition
The Hebrew noun מֶחֱזָה (mechĕzâh) refers to a specific type of window or opening, likely one designed for light and ventilation. In its two biblical occurrences in 1 Kings 7:4-5, it describes the windows in the structure of Solomon's palace, specifically in the 'House of the Forest of Lebanon.' The context suggests these were architectural features, possibly arranged in rows or sets of three. The word is distinct from the more common term for window (חַלּוֹן, challôn), implying a particular design or function in a grand building.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both in the same architectural description within 1 Kings 7:4 and 7:5. It describes the windows of Solomon's grand 'House of the Forest of Lebanon.' The usage is purely descriptive of a royal building's construction, with no metaphorical or narrative application elsewhere in Scripture.
Etymology
מֶחֱזָה (mechĕzâh) is derived from the root חָזָה (H2372), which means 'to see, perceive, or behold.' This root is also the source for words related to vision and prophecy. The noun form likely developed to mean 'a place for seeing' or 'an opening for sight/light,' connecting the physical structure to the act of vision.
Semantic Range
In the context of 1 Kings 7, these windows were part of a massive, prestigious royal complex built with costly cedar. Their specific arrangement (mentioned with frames set in opposite directions in 1 Kings 7:4-5) highlights advanced Israelite architecture under Solomon's reign and the opulence of his building projects. It signifies a move toward permanent, grandiose structures in the united monarchy. חַלּוֹן (challôn, H2474) — The standard, more common biblical Hebrew word for 'window,' used in various contexts (e.g., Genesis 8:6, Joshua 2:15). מֶחֱזָה appears to be a more specialized or architectural term.
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]