court, courtyard

Definition

The terms “court” and “courtyard” refer to an enclosed area that is open to the sky and surrounded by walls.

• The tabernacle was surrounded by one courtyard which was enclosed by walls made of thick, cloth curtains.
• The temple complex had three inner courtyards: one for the priests, one for Jewish men, and one for Jewish women.
• These inner courtyards were surrounded by a low stone wall that separated them from an outer courtyard where Gentiles were permitted to worship.
• The king's court can refer to the physical location where legal and political matters were handled. It can also refer to the people who supported the king and carried out his decrees.
• The courtyard of a house was an open area in the middle of the house.

Translation Suggestions

• The terms “court” and “courtyard” could be translated as “enclosed space” or “walled-in land” or “walled-in space” or “tabernacle grounds” or “temple grounds” or “temple enclosure” depending on the context.
• If it would be natural in your language the term used for a king’s court could also be used to refer to Yahweh’s court.

(See also: Gentile,tabernacle, temple)

Bible References

• 2 Kings 20:4-5
• Exodus 27:9
• Jeremiah 19:14-15
• Luke 22:55
• Matthew 26:69-70
• Numbers 3:26
• Psalms 65:4

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1004, H1508, H2691, H5835, H7339, H8651, G08330, G42590