The term "winter-house" appears in the Bible as a reference to a dwelling or part of a dwelling used during the colder months. In ancient times, homes were often designed with seasonal living in mind, with separate areas designated for summer and winter use. The winter-house would typically be a more enclosed and warmer space, providing shelter from the cold and harsh weather.

Biblical References:

1. Jeremiah 36:22 · "Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him."

In this passage, King Jehoiakim of Judah is depicted as sitting in his winter-house during the ninth month, which corresponds to the late autumn or early winter period. The presence of a fire in the brazier highlights the need for warmth and comfort during the colder season. This setting underscores the king's indifference to the prophetic message being read to him, as he is more concerned with his own comfort and surroundings.

2. Amos 3:15 · "I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end," declares the LORD.

Here, the prophet Amos delivers a message of judgment from the LORD, indicating that both the winter and summer houses will be destroyed. This pronouncement is part of a broader condemnation of the opulence and complacency of the people of Israel. The mention of "houses of ivory" and "great houses" suggests that these dwellings were symbols of wealth and luxury, which had led the people away from righteousness and justice.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the concept of a winter-house reflects the practical architectural adaptations to the region's climate. Homes were often constructed with thick walls and small windows to retain heat during the winter months. The use of braziers or hearths for heating was common, as seen in the account of King Jehoiakim.

The distinction between winter and summer houses also indicates a level of affluence, as only those with sufficient resources could afford to maintain separate living quarters for different seasons. This practice is evident in the biblical narrative, where such homes are associated with royalty and the wealthy elite.

Theological Implications:

The biblical references to winter-houses serve as a backdrop for messages of divine judgment and human accountability. In Jeremiah, the winter-house is a setting for the rejection of God's word, while in Amos, it symbolizes the excess and moral decay that provoke God's wrath. These passages remind believers of the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material comforts and the dangers of allowing wealth to lead to spiritual complacency.

The winter-house, therefore, is not merely a physical structure but a representation of the choices and priorities that define one's relationship with God.WINTER-HOUSE

(beth ha-choreph (Jeremiah 36:22 Amos 3:15)): See under SUMMER-HOUSE. The "winter-house" in Jeremiah is that of King Jehoiakim; mention is made of the fire burning in the brazier.

2779. choreph -- harvest time, autumn
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition harvest time, autumn NASB Word Usage
autumn (1), prime (1), winter (5). cold, winter house, youth. ...
/hebrew/2779.htm - 6k

1004. bayith -- a house
... especially family, etc.) -- court, daughter, door, + dungeon, family, + forth of,
X great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter)house(-hold), inside ...
/hebrew/1004.htm - 7k

The Writing of an Ancient Book
... And Jehudi read it to him and to all the leaders who were with him. Now Jehoiakim
was sitting in the winter house with a brazier burning before him. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/the writing of an ancient.htm

Winterhouse (1 Occurrence)
... The "winter-house" in Jeremiah is that of King Jehoiakim; mention is made of the
fire burning in the brazier. Multi-Version Concordance Winterhouse (1 ...
/w/winterhouse.htm - 7k

Winter-house (2 Occurrences)
Winter-house. Winterhouse, Winter-house. Wintering . Int. ... (See JPS ASV DBY WBS
YLT). Winterhouse, Winter-house. Wintering . Reference Bible.
/w/winter-house.htm - 7k

Summer-house (4 Occurrences)
... SUMMER-HOUSE. (beth ha-qayits): Amos 3:15 notes it as part of the judgment on Israel
that Yahweh would smite "the winter-house with the summer ... See WINTER-HOUSE. ...
/s/summer-house.htm - 8k

Winter (22 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Jeremiah 36:22 Now the king was sitting in the winterhouse in the ninth
month: and there was a fire in the brazier burning before him. ...
/w/winter.htm - 14k

Summerhouse
... SUMMER-HOUSE. (beth ha-qayits): Amos 3:15 notes it as part of the judgment on Israel
that Yahweh would smite "the winter-house with the summer ... See WINTER-HOUSE. ...
/s/summerhouse.htm - 7k

Wintering (1 Occurrence)

/w/wintering.htm - 6k

Wintereth (1 Occurrence)

/w/wintereth.htm - 6k

Fire-pan (4 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Jeremiah 36:22 Now the king was sitting in the winter-house in the
ninth month, and with the fire-pan burning before him. (DBY). ...
/f/fire-pan.htm - 7k

Firepot (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Jeremiah 36:22 Now the king was seated in the winterhouse, and a
fire was burning in the fireplace in front of him. (See NIV). ...
/f/firepot.htm - 7k

Fireplace (7 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Jeremiah 36:22 Now the king was seated in the winterhouse, and a
fire was burning in the fireplace in front of him. (BBE). ...
/f/fireplace.htm - 8k

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