Tabernacle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tabernacle
[ˈtæbərnækl ]
Definition
religious setting
A tabernacle is a dwelling place or a temporary structure, often used in a religious context. In the Christian tradition, it refers specifically to a fixed, locked box or container for the Eucharist, where the consecrated host is kept. Historically, the term also refers to the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites in the wilderness, described in the Hebrew Bible. The tabernacle is symbolically significant as it represents God's presence among His people. In modern usage, it may also refer to a place of worship or assembly, particularly in some denominational contexts.
Synonyms
chapel, place of worship, sanctuary, shrine.
Examples of usage
- The priest opened the tabernacle during the mass.
- In the Old Testament, the Israelites built a tabernacle as their place of worship.
- The tabernacle in the church is beautifully designed.
- He spent time in prayer before the tabernacle.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Latin 'tabernaculum,' meaning 'tent' or 'shelter.'
- In ancient times, it referred to the portable sanctuary of the Israelites during their travels in the desert.
Religious Significance
- In Christianity, the term is often used to describe a structure in which the Eucharist is stored.
- In Judaism, it refers to the 'Mishkan,' which was the dwelling place of God among His people in the wilderness.
Architecture
- Many churches incorporate tabernacles as a focal point for worship, often designed with intricate artwork.
- The architectural style can vary widely based on regional cultural influences, from simple wooden structures to ornate stone designs.
Cultural References
- Tabernacle Choir is a well-known musical ensemble in the United States, associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- Various musical works have been inspired by the concept of a tabernacle, highlighting its spiritual and communal significance.
Modern Usage
- In a broader sense, the term can refer to any space or structure dedicated to reverence or spiritual gatherings.
- Some contemporary religious movements have reinterpreted the concept, creating modern spaces that emphasize community rather than tradition.
Origin of 'tabernacle'
The word 'tabernacle' comes from the Latin 'tabernāculum', which means 'tent' or 'hut'. This Latin word is derived from 'taberna', meaning 'hut' or 'cabin', which itself stems from a primitive Indo-European root. In the biblical context, the tabernacle refers to the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, detailed in the Book of Exodus. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice, designed to be transportable as the Israelites wandered through the wilderness. Beyond the biblical references, the term evolved to represent various forms of temporary or movable places of worship. In contemporary Christianity, the term is often associated with the sacred place where the Eucharist is reserved in churches, highlighting its continuity and evolution through religious history.