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H872 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בִּיאָה
biah
Noun, feminine
entrance, coming in, entry

Definition

Biah (בִּיאָה) is a noun meaning 'entrance,' 'coming in,' or 'the act of entering.' It derives from the common verb bo (H935, to come, enter, go in) and captures the moment or act of entry. The word is used in Ezekiel 8:5 describing the entrance to the inner court of the temple — the sacred threshold one crosses in approaching God's presence. Thresholds and entry points carry enormous symbolic weight in biblical literature.

Usage & Theological Significance

The act of entering — biah — is laden with covenant meaning in Scripture. Entering the Promised Land is entering rest (Hebrews 4). Entering the temple is entering God's presence. The Psalm invitation, 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving' (Psalm 100:4), uses related vocabulary. In Ruth and Proverbs, 'entering' describes the transition into covenant relationship (marriage, wisdom). Jesus declares, 'I am the door; if anyone enters through me, he will be saved' (John 10:9) — making himself the ultimate biah, the entry point into life.

Key Bible Verses

Ezekiel 8:5 Then he said to me, 'Son of man, look toward the north.' So I looked, and in the gate of the altar this idol was in the entrance [biah].
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.
Deuteronomy 6:10 When the LORD your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers.
Joshua 1:11 Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land.
John 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

Related Words

External Resources

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