קֻבָּה
𐤒𐤁𐤄
qubbâh
H6898 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A domed or vaulted structure, typically referring to a tent with a rounded or arched shape, providing shelter or covering. In biblical usage, denotes a specifically shaped tent, pavilion, or booth, distinct from the standard rectangular tent, often associated with temporary dwelling or shelter.
Semantic Range
domed tent, vaulted pavilion, arched shelter, rounded chamber
Root / Etymology
From the verbal root קָבַב (qavav), meaning 'to hollow out, to curve, to vault.' The feminine noun קֻבָּה (qubbâh) is derived on the qutlâ pattern and refers to an object characterized by curvature or hollowness, hence a domed shelter or tent.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, קֻבָּה appears in Numbers 25:8, describing a private tent or chamber where Zimri and Cozbi were found. The term differs from the general Hebrew word for tent (אֹהֶל, ʾohel) and the more temporary booth (סֻכָּה, sukkâ), in that it specifically connotes a rounded or vaulted shape, likely with a domed construction. This nuance is preserved in some ancient translations that render the word as 'vault' or 'chamber.' The word is rare, occurring only once in the Hebrew Bible, and its meaning is inferred both from context and the probable sense of the root and related Semitic words. In later Hebrew (and Aramaic, Syriac), derivatives retain the sense of arched or domed structures. English translations often render it as 'tent,' but this may obscure the architectural specificity and nuance of the term. Its usage in Numbers reflects a context of privacy and possible distinction from common Israelite tents. Over time, the root produced related vocabulary for domed buildings or canopies in post-biblical periods, though in the biblical period, the term's use is limited.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from קָבַב; a pavilion (as a domed cavity); tent.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
קבב (q-b-b) — to hollow, to arch, to vault, to curve
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6894 | קַב | the hollow measure-vessel |
| H6895 | קָבַב | to utter a curse |
| H6896 | קֵבָה | and the paunch |
| H6897 | קֹבָה | her belly-cavity |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6898-01 |
הַ/קֻּבָּ֗ה | haqubah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the chamber | the domed tent | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6898-01 |
Numbers 25:8 | הַ/קֻּבָּ֗ה | haqubah | HTd/Ncfsa |
the chamber | the domed tent |