Bible Dictionaries
Tent

Easton's Bible Dictionary

  • Heb. 'ohel (Genesis 9:21,27 ). This word is used also of a dwelling or habitation (1 Kings 8:66; Isaiah 16:5; Jeremiah 4:20 ), and of the temple (Ezekiel 41:1 ). When used of the tabernacle, as in 1 Kings 1:39 , it denotes the covering of goat's hair which was placed over the mishcan.

  • Heb. mishcan (Song of Solomon 1:8 ), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Psalm 87:2 ), the grave (Isaiah 22:16; comp 14:18), the temple (Psalm 46:4; 84:2; 132:5 ), and of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:9; 26:1; 40:9; Numbers 1:50,53; 10:11 ). When distinguished from 'ohel, it denotes the twelve interior curtains which lay upon the framework of the tabernacle (q.v.).

  • Heb. kubbah (Numbers 25:8 ), a dome-like tent devoted to the impure worship of Baal-peor.

  • Heb. succah (2 Samuel 11:11 ), a tent or booth made of green boughs or branches (see Genesis 33:17; Leviticus 23:34,42; Psalm 18:11; Jonah 4:5; Isaiah 4:6; Nehemiah 8:15-17 , where the word is variously rendered).

    Jubal was "the father of such as dwell in tents" (Genesis 4:20 ). The patriarchs were "dwellers in tents" (Genesis 9:21,27; 12:8; 13:12; 26:17 ); and during their wilderness wanderings all Israel dwelt in tents (Exodus 16:16; Deuteronomy 33:18; Joshua 7:24 ). Tents have always occupied a prominent place in Eastern life (1 Samuel 17:54; 2 Kings 7:7; Psalm 120:5; Song of Solomon 1:5 ). Paul the apostle's occupation was that of a tent-maker (Acts 18:3 ); i.e., perhaps a maker of tent cloth.

    Bibliography Information
    Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Tent'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​ebd/​t/tent.html. 1897.