Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "parlor" is used to describe a room or area within a house or building designated for receiving guests or conducting private meetings. The concept of a parlor as a space for hospitality and conversation is evident in several passages of Scripture, reflecting the cultural and social practices of ancient Near Eastern societies.Old Testament References The Hebrew word often translated as "parlor" is "lishkah," which can also mean a chamber or room. In Judges 3:20, the term is used in the context of Ehud's encounter with King Eglon of Moab: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat..." . Here, the "cool upper room" serves as a private space where the king could receive messages and conduct affairs away from the public eye. In 1 Samuel 9:22, the prophet Samuel uses a similar space to honor Saul: "Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and gave them a seat at the head of those who had been invited—about thirty in all" . This setting indicates a place of honor and hospitality, where guests are received and entertained. Cultural and Social Context The parlor, or its equivalent, was an essential part of ancient Israelite homes, reflecting the importance of hospitality in the culture. Hospitality was a highly valued virtue, and providing a space for guests was a way to demonstrate respect and honor. The parlor served as a setting for important discussions, the sharing of meals, and the strengthening of social bonds. New Testament Considerations While the specific term "parlor" is not used in the New Testament, the concept of a designated space for hospitality and fellowship is evident. For example, in Acts 1:13, the disciples gather in an upper room: "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying..." . This upper room serves as a place for prayer, fellowship, and decision-making, similar to the function of a parlor. Theological Implications The use of parlors and similar spaces in biblical narratives underscores the importance of community and fellowship in the life of God's people. These settings provide a backdrop for significant events and divine encounters, highlighting the role of hospitality in facilitating spiritual and relational growth. The parlor, as a place of gathering, reflects the biblical call to love and serve one another, offering a tangible expression of God's love and grace through the act of welcoming others into one's home. Smith's Bible Dictionary Parlora word in English usage meaning the common room of the family, and hence probably in Authorized Version denoting the king's audience-chamber, so used in reference to Eglon. (Judges 3:20-25) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A room for business or social conversation; for the reception of guests.2. (n.) The apartment in a monastery or nunnery where the inmates are permitted to meet and converse with each other, or with visitors and friends from without. 3. (n.) In large private houses, a sitting room for the family and for familiar guests, -- a room for less formal uses than the drawing-room. Esp., in modern times, the dining room of a house having few apartments, as a London house, where the dining parlor is usually on the ground floor. 4. (n.) Commonly, in the United States, a drawing-room, or the room where visitors are received and entertained. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PARLORpar'-ler: This word in the King James Version, occurring in Judges 3:20-25 1 Samuel 9:22; 1 Chronicles 28:11, is in every instance changed in the Revised Version: in Judges into "upper room," in 1 Samuel into "guest-chamber," in 1 Chronicles into "chambers," representing as many Hebrew words. Strong's Hebrew 3957. lishkah -- room, chamber, hall, cell... chamber, parlor. From an unused root of uncertain meaning; a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging) -- chamber, parlour. Compare nishkah. ... /hebrew/3957.htm - 6k 5944. aliyyah -- a roof chamber 2315. cheder -- a chamber, room Library The Home-Parlor. The Family Bible. How Our People Served the Moabites Eighteen Years, and were Then ... Letter vii. Tact --Unobtrusiveness. The Law. Chapter twenty-three Home and the Home-Maker. Some Preliminary Definitions Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question. Gambling, Card-Playing Thesaurus Parlor (5 Occurrences)... Esp., in modern times, the dining room of a house having few apartments, as a London house, where the dining parlor is usually on the ground floor. ...PARLOR. ... /p/parlor.htm - 9k Summer-parlor (1 Occurrence) Summer (28 Occurrences) Summer-house (4 Occurrences) Upper (99 Occurrences) Guest-chamber (4 Occurrences) Guestchamber (2 Occurrences) Room (174 Occurrences) Parlors (1 Occurrence) Parks (1 Occurrence) Resources Is it a sin to get a tattoo? | GotQuestions.orgParlor: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Parlor (5 Occurrences)Judges 3:20 Judges 3:23 Judges 3:24 Judges 3:25 1 Samuel 9:22 Subtopics Parlor: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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