Lexical Summary
ab or ob: Medium, necromancer, spiritist
Original Word:עָב
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:`ab
Pronunciation:ohb
Phonetic Spelling:(awb)
KJV: thick (beam, plant)
NASB:threshold, thresholds
Word Origin:[from an unused root meaning to cover; properly, equivalent toH5645 (עָב - clouds)]
1. but used only as an architectural term, an architrave (as shading the pillars)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
thick beam, plant
Or sob {obe}; from an unused root meaning to cover; properly, equivalent toab; but used only as an architectural term, an architrave (as shading the pillars) -- thick (beam, plant).
see HEBREWab
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originof uncertain derivation
Definitionperhaps a landing
NASB Translationthreshold (2), thresholds (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
I. , [] architectural term, meaning unknown; 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
1 Kings 7:6; apparently construct
Ezekiel 41:25; plural (si vera lectio)
Ezekiel 41:26.
II. see .
Topical Lexicon
Biblical OccurrencesThe 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).
2. Threshold Theology: Because the canopy stands at the verge of a holier space, it embodies the biblical pattern of mediated access—approach is welcomed, yet ordered.
3. Continuity of Covenant Architecture: From the Tabernacle’s linen curtains (Exodus 26) to Solomon’s cedar beams and Ezekiel’s wooden canopy, the Scriptures maintain a consistent motif of enclosed holiness guarded by symbolic coverings.
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.
• Pastoral Care: The canopy motif reminds leaders that they serve as guardians of sacred thresholds, welcoming God’s people while upholding reverence (Titus 1:7;Hebrews 13:17).
• Promise of Covering: Believers may appropriate the image devotionally, trusting that the Lord “will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity” (Psalm 27:5). The miniature canopy above temple entrances points to the ultimate shelter granted in Christ, under whose finished work “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19).
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‘ubbîm
Links
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Parallel Texts
