Bible Encyclopedias
Stall

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

stōl ((1) מרבּק , marbēḳ , literally,, "a place for tying up" ( Amos 6:4; Malachi 4:2 ), (2) אבס , 'ābhaṣ , "to give fodder" (Proverbs 15:17 ), (3) ארוה , 'urvāh , "to pluck and feed" (1 Kings 4:26; 2 Chronicles 9:25; 2 Chronicles 32:28 ), (4) רפת , repheth , "a resting place" (Habakkuk 3:17 ); (5) φάτνη , phátnē , "a manger" or "crib" (Luke 13:15; compare אבוּס , 'ēbhūṣ , translated "crib" in Isaiah 1:3; Proverbs 14:4 )): During the season when cattle are not being used they are allowed to roam in the fields. Otherwise they are tied in rooms in the winter time, or under shelters made of green boughs in the summer, and all their food brought to them. Horses and cattle alike are haltered and the chains fastened through holes made in stones projecting from the walls. No stanchions and no separating partitions between animals are used. The horses are usually hobbled as well.