Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "parlor" is used to describe a room or area within a house or building designated for receiving guests or conducting private meetings. The concept of a parlor as a space for hospitality and conversation is evident in several passages of Scripture, reflecting the cultural and social practices of ancient Near Eastern societies.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Hebrew word often translated as "parlor" is "lishkah," which can also mean a chamber or room. In
Judges 3:20, the term is used in the context of Ehud's encounter with King Eglon of Moab: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat..." . Here, the "cool upper room" serves as a private space where the king could receive messages and conduct affairs away from the public eye.
In
1 Samuel 9:22, the prophet Samuel uses a similar space to honor Saul: "Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and gave them a seat at the head of those who had been invited—about thirty in all" . This setting indicates a place of honor and hospitality, where guests are received and entertained.
Cultural and Social ContextThe parlor, or its equivalent, was an essential part of ancient Israelite homes, reflecting the importance of hospitality in the culture. Hospitality was a highly valued virtue, and providing a space for guests was a way to demonstrate respect and honor. The parlor served as a setting for important discussions, the sharing of meals, and the strengthening of social bonds.
New Testament ConsiderationsWhile the specific term "parlor" is not used in the New Testament, the concept of a designated space for hospitality and fellowship is evident. For example, in
Acts 1:13, the disciples gather in an upper room: "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying..." . This upper room serves as a place for prayer, fellowship, and decision-making, similar to the function of a parlor.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of parlors and similar spaces in biblical narratives underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the life of God's people. These settings provide a backdrop for significant events and divine encounters, highlighting the role of hospitality in facilitating spiritual and relational growth. The parlor, as a place of gathering, reflects the biblical call to love and serve one another, offering a tangible expression of God's love and grace through the act of welcoming others into one's home.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Parlora word in English usage meaning the common room of the family, and hence probably in Authorized Version denoting the king's audience-chamber, so used in reference to Eglon. (Judges 3:20-25)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A room for business or social conversation; for the reception of guests.
2. (n.) The apartment in a monastery or nunnery where the inmates are permitted to meet and converse with each other, or with visitors and friends from without.
3. (n.) In large private houses, a sitting room for the family and for familiar guests, -- a room for less formal uses than the drawing-room. Esp., in modern times, the dining room of a house having few apartments, as a London house, where the dining parlor is usually on the ground floor.
4. (n.) Commonly, in the United States, a drawing-room, or the room where visitors are received and entertained.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PARLORpar'-ler: This word in the King James Version, occurring inJudges 3:20-251 Samuel 9:22;1 Chronicles 28:11, is in every instance changed in the Revised Version: in Judges into "upper room," in 1 Samuel into "guest-chamber," in 1 Chronicles into "chambers," representing as many Hebrew words.
SeeHOUSE.
Strong's Hebrew
3957. lishkah -- room, chamber, hall, cell... chamber,
parlor. From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a room in a building
(whether for storage, eating, or lodging) -- chamber, parlour. Compare nishkah.
...5944. aliyyah -- a roof chamber
... 2), upper room (4), upper rooms (4). ascent, upper chamber, going up, loft,
parlor. Feminine from alah; something lofty, ie A stair...
2315. cheder -- a chamber, room
... 1), room (5), rooms (4), south (1). inner chamber, innermost part,parlor,
south, within. From chadar; an apartment (usually literal...
Library
The Home-Parlor.
... CHAPTER XXII. THE HOME-PARLOR.... The Christian home includes theparlor. This
department we must give but a brief and passing notice....
The Family Bible.
... lamp to the Christian's path. We find the bible upon theirparlor table,
but how seldom in the family room! They make it a part...
How Our People Served the Moabites Eighteen Years, and were Then...
... So the young man, when he had offered his presents to the king, who then resided
in a smallparlor that stood conveniently to avoid the heat, fell into...
Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness.
... No really cultivated young girl will, for instance, open and play upon a piano in
a hotelparlor or any otherparlor at inappropriate times or when it is...
The Law.
... Then the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a very largeparlor
that was full of dust, because never swept; the which, after he had...
Chapter twenty-three
... He came into theparlor and greeted Mrs. Bruce, who after a few moments
was called out of the room, leaving the two men together....
Home and the Home-Maker.
... The walls of the living room andparlor are made beautiful with simple tasteful
pictures made by the daughter, whose natural gift in art was early cultivated....
Some Preliminary Definitions
... The seat of justice was for some time in theparlor of the writer's father's residence,
or in the front yard, to which court was occasionally adjourned when...
Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... Thousands are freely expended to invest the bar room and the gambling hall with
the cozy attractions of theparlor. The harlot's palace opens wide its doors....
Gambling, Card-Playing
... In one form or another it has entered the rank and file of every department of
life"in privateparlor over cards; in hotel drawing-room over election reports...
Thesaurus
Parlor (5 Occurrences)... Esp., in modern times, the dining room of a house having few apartments, as a London
house, where the dining
parlor is usually on the ground floor.
...PARLOR.
...Summer-parlor (1 Occurrence)
Summer-parlor. Summer-house, Summer-parlor. Summing . Multi-Version
Concordance Summer-parlor (1 Occurrence). Judges...
Summer (28 Occurrences)
... The term "summerparlor" in Judges 3:20 (compare 3:24) is literally, "upper room,"
and is so rendered in the Revised Version (British and American)....
Summer-house (4 Occurrences)
Summer-house. Summerhouse, Summer-house. Summer-parlor . Int.... (See JPS ASV DBY
WBS YLT). Summerhouse, Summer-house. Summer-parlor . Reference Bible.
Upper (99 Occurrences)
... etc.; anogeon (Mark 14:15 Luke 22:12), huperoon (Acts 1:13; Acts 9:37, 39; 20:8)):
In Judges 3:20 the English Revised Version renders "summerparlor" and in...
Guest-chamber (4 Occurrences)
... gest'-cham-ber: The translation of (1) (lishkah) (1 Samuel 9:22, the King James
Version "parlor"), and (2) (kataluma) (Mark 14:14 parallel Luke 22:11)....
Guestchamber (2 Occurrences)
... gest'-cham-ber: The translation of (1) (lishkah) (1 Samuel 9:22, the King James
Version "parlor"), and (2) (kataluma) (Mark 14:14 parallel Luke 22:11)....
Room (174 Occurrences)
... etc.; anogeon (Mark 14:15 Luke 22:12), huperoon (Acts 1:13; Acts 9:37, 39; 20:8)):
In Judges 3:20 the English Revised Version renders "summerparlor" and in...
Parlors (1 Occurrence)
Parks (1 Occurrence)
Resources
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