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H2646 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֻפָּה
chuppah
Noun, feminine
canopy, chamber, bridal chamber, wedding pavilion

Definition

Chuppah refers to the bridal chamber or wedding canopy — the covered space under which a bride and groom enter in Hebrew wedding tradition. The word appears three times in the Hebrew Bible: Psalm 19:5 (the sun emerging from its chuppah), Joel 2:16 (the bridegroom leaving his chuppah), and Isaiah 4:5 (divine protection described as a chuppah over Zion). The chuppah remains central to Jewish wedding ceremony to this day.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Psalm 19, the sun 'comes out from its chuppah like a bridegroom.' This remarkable metaphor identifies the daily rising of the sun with the joy of a groom going to his bride — an image of exuberance, glory, and new beginning. In Joel 2:16, even the bridegroom must leave his chuppah for the urgency of national repentance. In Isaiah 4:5, God Himself becomes the chuppah — a canopy of glory and protection over Mount Zion. The marriage covenant and divine protection merge in this single image, pointing toward the marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7-9).

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 19:5 In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber [chuppah], like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
Joel 2:16 Let the bridegroom leave his room [chuppah] and the bride her chamber.
Isaiah 4:5 Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion... a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy [chuppah].
Song of Solomon 1:4 Take me away with you — let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.
Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.

Related Words

External Resources

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