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H4908 · Hebrew · Old Testament
מִשְׁכָּן
mishkan
Noun Masculine
dwelling place, tabernacle, sanctuary

Definition

The noun mishkan (from shakan, H7931 — to dwell, to settle) is the primary term for the Tabernacle — the portable sanctuary God commanded Moses to build in the wilderness as a dwelling place for His presence among Israel. More broadly, it refers to any dwelling or habitation, including the dwelling of the wicked in Sheol and the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity.

Usage & Theological Significance

Exodus 25–40 is essentially the mishkan manual: God gives precise, detailed instructions because this structure is meant to be a microcosm of creation — a space where heaven and earth meet, where God's glory (kavod) dwells among His people. The Hebrew verb shakan is the root of Shekinah — the rabbinic term for the manifest presence of God. The mishkan is where the Shekinah dwelled. John 1:14 uses the Greek eskēnōsen (he 'tabernacled') to describe the Incarnation: 'The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us.' Jesus is the living mishkan — God's presence embodied in human flesh. Revelation 21:3 promises the final mishkan: 'God's dwelling place [skēnē] is now among the people.'

Key Bible Verses

Exodus 25:9 Make this tabernacle [mishkan] and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.
Numbers 1:51 Whenever the tabernacle [mishkan] is to move, the Levites are to take it down.
Psalm 84:1 How lovely is your dwelling place [mishkan], LORD Almighty!
John 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling [eskēnōsen] among us.
Revelation 21:3 …'God's dwelling place [skēnē] is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.'

Related Words

External Resources

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