The meaning of “הֵיכָל”
Understanding hêykâl reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
probably from יָכֹל (in the sense of capacity) palace, temple. - a large public building, such as a palace or temple 1) ...
הֵיכָל
probably from יָכֹל (in the sense of capacity) palace, temple. - a large public building, such as a palace or temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Samuel 3:3 | “And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;” Word: הֵיכָל (hêykâl) | |
| 2 Chronicles 26:16 | “But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense.” Word: הֵיכָל (hêykâl) | |
| Proverbs 30:28 | “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings’ palaces.” Word: הֵיכָל (hêykâl) | |
| Daniel 1:4 | “Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” Word: הֵיכָל (hêykâl) | |
| Jonah 2:7 | “When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.” Word: הֵיכָל (hêykâl) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Temple
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Temple, palace
The Hebrew heikhal (הֵיכָל) denotes God's temple or palace—the sacred dwelling place where God's presence resided. Solomon's temple was the center of Israel's worship until its destruction.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Temple, sanctuary
The Greek naos (ναός) means temple or inner sanctuary. Paul declares believers are 'the temple of the living God' (2 Corinthians 6:16), individually (1 Corinthians 6:19) and corporately as the church.