Topical Encyclopedia The term "Shekinah" is not found in the Bible itself but is a post-biblical Hebrew word derived from the root "shakan," meaning "to dwell" or "to settle." It is used in Jewish and Christian theology to describe the manifest presence of God, particularly His dwelling among His people. The concept of Shekinah is closely associated with the glory and presence of God as revealed in the Scriptures.Biblical Foundations While the word "Shekinah" does not appear in the biblical text, the concept is deeply rooted in the narrative of God's interactions with His people. The idea of God dwelling among His people is first introduced in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 25:8, God instructs Moses, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This dwelling is further emphasized in the construction of the Tabernacle, where God's presence is visibly manifested. The glory of the Lord, often associated with the Shekinah, is described in several passages. In Exodus 40:34-35, the cloud covering the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle signify God's presence: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." The Temple and the Shekinah The concept of Shekinah is also linked to the Temple in Jerusalem. When Solomon dedicated the Temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:10-11: "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD." The Shekinah was understood as a visible manifestation of God's presence, often depicted as a radiant light or cloud. This presence was a source of guidance, protection, and blessing for the Israelites. The Shekinah in the New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of God's dwelling among His people is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Here, the term "dwelling" (Greek: "skenoo") echoes the Old Testament idea of God's presence among His people. The Shekinah is also reflected in the presence of the Holy Spirit within believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit is a continuation of the Shekinah, signifying God's ongoing presence with His people. Theological Significance The Shekinah represents the intimate relationship between God and His people, emphasizing His desire to dwell among them. It serves as a reminder of God's holiness, glory, and the transformative power of His presence. The Shekinah also points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people in the new creation, as described in Revelation 21:3: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The visible majesty of the Divine Presence, especially when resting or dwelling between the cherubim on the mercy seat, in the Tabernacle, or in the Temple of Solomon; -- a term used in the Targums and by the later Jews, and adopted by Christians.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHEKINAHshe-ki'-na (shekhinah, "that which dwells," from the verb shakhen, or shakhan, "to dwell," "reside"): This word is not found in the Bible, but there are allusions to it in Isaiah 60:2 Matthew 17:5 Luke 2:9 Romans 9:4. It is first found in the Targums. Library The Fact of the Redeemer's Return had a Spectacular Setting Forth ... The Tabernacle of God with Men. The Redemption of the Body Joy and Faith, the Fruits of Christ's Departure The Millennium in Relation to Israel. Power "In" and "Upon. " Responsiveness to Christ. Prayer and the House of God Honour and Glory unto Him. The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face. Thesaurus Shekinah... the later Jews, and adopted by Christians. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHEKINAH. she-ki'-na (shekhinah, "that which dwells," from ... /s/shekinah.htm - 7k Nations (683 Occurrences) Desire (565 Occurrences) Dwell (474 Occurrences) All (60349 Occurrences) Shelah (18 Occurrences) Shekels (92 Occurrences) Shechinah Astrology Resources What is the Shekinah glory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the star of Bethlehem? | GotQuestions.org How is the Holy Spirit like a fire? | GotQuestions.org Shekinah: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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