מִבְדָּלָה
𐤌𐤁𐤃𐤋𐤄
mibdâlâh
H3995 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A physical or conceptual structure or space that is set apart or designated as distinct from others; specifically, a portion, area, or feature that is separated from the surrounding context. The term may refer to a literal architectural or ritual separation (such as a division within the structure of the Second Temple), or to a figurative designation of something as distinct and set apart.
Semantic Range
separate area; structure set apart; physical separation (especially in sacred architecture); conceptually distinct place
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root ב-ד-ל (בָּדַל), meaning 'to separate' or 'to divide.' The noun form מִבְדָּלָה is a feminine denominative, indicating the result or construct of the act of separating.
Historical & Contextual Notes
מִבְדָּלָה occurs only in Ezekiel (especially in descriptions of the vision of the temple; Ezekiel 41:12, etc.), where it describes a specific separated, defined place or structure adjacent to the Holy Place. This term reflects ritual and architectural distinctions significant in priestly contexts. Later rabbinic usage and English translations sometimes reduce its nuance simply to 'separate place,' but the biblical text often associates it with religious or cultic separation, highlighting the importance of maintaining boundaries between sacred and profane. The term is rare and occurs in post-exilic, priestly passages, differing from שַׁעַר ('gate') or גְּבוּל ('boundary'), as it emphasizes separation for the sake of sacred distinction, not merely physical division. English translations ('separate place,' 'building,' 'structure') do not fully encapsulate the ritual and hierarchical layers encoded in the term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from בָּדַל; a separation, i.e. (concretely) a separate place; separate.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
בדל (b-d-l) — separate, divide, distinguish
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H913 | בְּדִיל | separated-out metal |
| H914 | בָּדַל | the one set apart |
| H915 | בָּדָל | separated piece |
| H916 | בְּדֹלַח | the bdellium resin |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3995-01 |
הַ/מִּבְדָּלוֹת֙ | hamivedalot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the-separated | the set-apart divisions | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3995-01 |
Joshua 16:9 | הַ/מִּבְדָּלוֹת֙ | hamivedalot | HTd/Ncfpa |
the-separated | the set-apart divisions |