Lexical Summary ab or ob: Medium, necromancer, spiritist Original Word: עָב Strong's Exhaustive Concordance thick beam, plant Or sob {obe}; from an unused root meaning to cover; properly, equivalent to ab; but used only as an architectural term, an architrave (as shading the pillars) -- thick (beam, plant). see HEBREW ab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps a landing NASB Translation threshold (2), thresholds (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. עָב, [עֹב] noun masculine architectural term, meaning unknown; projecting roof is conjectured (Sm Co Berthol); others landing (Da); AV RV thick beam or plank, RVm threshold; Benz Kit Toy leave untranslated; in any case a structure of wood; — absolute וְעַמֻּדִים וְעָב 1 Kings 7:6; apparently construct וְעָב עֵץ אֶלמְּֿנֵי הָאוּלָם מֵהַחוּץ Ezekiel 41:25; plural (si vera lectio) הָעֻבִּים Ezekiel 41:26. II. עָב see עוּב. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences The term appears only three times, each in connection with monumental buildings that serve a covenant-centered purpose (1 Kings 7:6; Ezekiel 41:25; Ezekiel 41:26). In every instance the context is architectural and sacred, describing a wooden or carved structure—translated in the Berean Standard Bible as “canopy”—situated at the front of a portico or vestibule. Architectural Significance In Solomon’s complex (1 Kings 7:6) the canopy crowns the Hall of Pillars, a reception space adjoining the royal residence. Its placement “in front of” the portico gives visual emphasis to the threshold between common ground and the elevated sphere where the king dispenses justice. In Ezekiel’s visionary temple the same feature is found twice (Ezekiel 41:25-26). There it frames the entrance to the inner sanctuary, underscoring the progressive holiness of the structure. The repeated detail signals that the restored temple will preserve, and even heighten, the grandeur first associated with Solomon’s reign. Symbolic Overtones 1. Shelter and Glory: A canopy represents covering and honor. The imagery parallels priestly and royal investiture, indicating that those who approach the house of God come under His sheltering presence (cf. Psalm 27:5; Psalm 91:4). Historical and Prophetic Continuity Solomon’s canopy belonged to a historic palace-temple complex that displayed Israel’s zenith among the nations. Ezekiel’s vision, recorded during exile, picks up the same architectural marker to affirm that exile will not nullify God’s promise. The prophet’s future temple foresees restored worship in which the lost splendor—and the protective covering it signified—is reinstated. Thus the word links Israel’s past glory with eschatological hope. Ministry Reflections • Worship Space: Churches today often employ architectural transitions—narthexes, arches, communion rails—that echo the biblical canopy by distinguishing common space from the assembly gathered before God. Summary Though rare in Scripture, the term designates a key architectural and theological element—a protective, honor-laden covering at the outset of sacred space. By appearing in both the historic palace of Solomon and the prophetic temple of Ezekiel, it unites the account of Israel’s worship, anticipates the full restoration of God’s house, and offers enduring lessons about reverent approach, divine shelter, and covenant continuity. Forms and Transliterations וְהָעֻבִּֽים׃ וְעָ֖ב וְעָ֥ב והעבים׃ ועב veAv vehaubBim wə‘āḇ wə·‘āḇ wə·hā·‘ub·bîm wəhā‘ubbîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 7:6 HEB: פְּנֵיהֶ֔ם וְעַמֻּדִ֥ים וְעָ֖ב עַל־ פְּנֵיהֶֽם׃ NAS: of them and pillars and a threshold in front KJV: them: and the [other] pillars and the thick beam [were] before them. INT: front and pillars threshold in front Ezekiel 41:25 Ezekiel 41:26 3 Occurrences |
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