shechina: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowSpecialized/Religious
Quick answer
What does “shechina” mean?
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in the Temple in Jerusalem.
A term used to denote the divine presence of God in the world, often associated with light, radiance, and immanence. In Kabbalistic thought, it represents the feminine aspect of the divine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling between British and American English. Both treat it as a specialized theological loanword.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties: sacred, mystical, and specifically Jewish theological.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions, limited to specific religious or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shechina” in a Sentence
The Shechina + verb (dwelt, rested, descended)presence of the Shechinaconcept of the ShechinaVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological studies, comparative religion, and Jewish studies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used as a technical term in Jewish theology and mysticism (Kabbalah).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shechina”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shechina”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shechina”
- Misspelling as 'shekinah', 'shekina', or 'shechina'. The most standard transliteration is 'Shekhina' or 'Shechina'.
- Using it as a common noun without capitalization.
- Mispronouncing the 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like in 'chair'); it is /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Hebrew, fully naturalized in English theological and academic vocabulary.
'Shechina' refers specifically to the dwelling or manifest presence of God, not to God as a transcendent entity.
Yes, it is conventionally capitalized in English due to its sacred reference, similar to terms like 'the Holy Spirit'.
Mispronouncing the 'ch' as in 'church' (/tʃ/) instead of as a 'k' sound (/k/).
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in the Temple in Jerusalem.
Shechina is usually specialized/religious in register.
Shechina: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˈkiːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˈkinə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Shechina is in exile (a Kabbalistic concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHE' + 'CHINA' – but it's the divine 'SHE' (feminine aspect) that 'dwells' (key meaning) in a holy place.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVINE PRESENCE IS A DWELLING ENTITY / DIVINE GLORY IS LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Shechina' primarily used?