house of our Godבַּיִת
bayit · Hebrew Noun
A place where God dwells among His people. In the Old Testament, it refers to the Tabernacle or Temple, representing the center of Israel's worship, presence, and atonement.
showbreadלֶחֶם הַפָּנִים
lechem hapanim · Hebrew Noun phrase
The twelve loaves of bread kept before the presence of God in the sanctuary, symbolizing the constant presence of God and the recognition of His provision for the twelve tribes of Israel.
sin offeringsחַטָּאָה
chattat · Hebrew Noun
An offering intended to make expiation for sin, restoring the broken relationship between a person and God through the shedding of blood and the substitution of the sacrifice.
atonementכָּפַר
kaphar · Hebrew Verb
The act of covering sin to satisfy God’s righteous demands, symbolically removing the guilt and restoring fellowship between God and His people.
cast lotsגּוֹרָל
goral · Hebrew Noun
A method used to seek God’s direction or divine will in decision-making, often used in the Old Testament to determine duties or divisions within the priesthood and the people.
altarמִזְבֵּחַ
mizbeach · Hebrew Noun
The structure where animal sacrifices were offered to God. It represents the place of reconciliation and the intersection of human devotion and divine holiness.
firstfruitsבִּכּוּר
bikkurim · Hebrew Noun
The first portion of the harvest, presented to God as an act of thanksgiving and dedication, acknowledging that all productivity and blessing originate from Him.
houseבַּיִת
bayith · Hebrew Noun
A designated place for the physical manifestation of God’s presence, where His people gather for worship, sacrifice, and instruction. In the New Testament, this imagery is expanded to include the body of the believer and the collective church as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
priestsכֹּהֵן
kohen · Hebrew Noun
Those set apart from the rest of the people to mediate between God and man through sacrificial duties, teaching the Law, and maintaining the rituals of the tabernacle or temple. They represent the people before God, culminating in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the perfect High Priest.
firstbornבְּכוֹר
bekor · Hebrew Noun
The first offspring of humans or animals, which under Mosaic Law were designated as holy to the Lord as a reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt and His sovereignty over life. They were to be redeemed or presented to God in recognition of His ownership.
Lawתּוֹרָה
torah · Hebrew Noun
The divine instruction, moral standards, and ceremonial regulations given by God to Israel through Moses. It functions as a tutor to reveal sin and point humanity toward the need for a Savior, ultimately fulfilled in the righteous life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
contributionsתְּרוּמָה
terumah · Hebrew Noun
A portion of one's produce or income dedicated to God as an act of worship, gratitude, and support for those in full-time ministry. It acknowledges that all wealth and sustenance come from God and belongs to Him.
Levitesלֵוִי
Levi · Hebrew Noun
The tribe set apart for service in the tabernacle and temple, assisting the priests, maintaining the sacred vessels, and teaching the law. They represent the devotion of the tribe to the service of God rather than possessing an inheritance of land.
tithesמַעֲשֵׂר
ma'aser · Hebrew Noun
A tenth part of one's increase, given to God as a religious duty to support the Levites and the poor. It serves as a practical expression of faith, recognizing God as the ultimate provider and owner of the land.
chambersלִשְׁכָּה
lishkah · Hebrew Noun
A storage area within or adjacent to the temple complex used to keep the collected offerings, tithes, and ritual items secure. It symbolizes the communal responsibility to ensure that the work of God and His servants is well-supplied.
vesselsכְּלִי
keli · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the physical tools, utensils, and items used in the daily service of the temple. These were considered holy, consecrated to God for specific liturgical purposes and not to be used for common tasks.
sanctuaryמִקְדָּשׁ
miqdash · Hebrew Noun
A place set apart as holy, separated from the profane world for the purpose of encountering God. It denotes the holiness of God’s presence and the requirement of purity for those who draw near to Him.