shekhinah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Religious, Academic
Quick answer
What does “shekhinah” mean?
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in a physical place such as the Tabernacle or Temple.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in a physical place such as the Tabernacle or Temple.
A term denoting the divine immanence, the manifestation of God's glory in the world, often conceptualized as a feminine aspect of the divine presence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling variations (Shekhinah/Shechinah/Schechinah) are used interchangeably in both regions, with 'Shekhinah' being the most common academic transliteration.
Connotations
Identical theological and academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general usage in both regions, confined to specific religious or academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “shekhinah” in a Sentence
The Shekhinah [verb of presence: dwells, rests, descends] in/on/upon [place/people].They experienced the [adjective] Shekhinah.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theology, religious studies, and Jewish studies to discuss concepts of divine immanence and mysticism.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
A technical term in Kabbalistic and theological discourse.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shekhinah”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shekhinah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shekhinah”
- Misspelling (e.g., Shekinah, Shechina, Schechina).
- Using it as a general term for 'atmosphere' or 'vibe'.
- Pronouncing the 'kh' as /k/ instead of the voiceless velar fricative /x/ or its English approximation /k/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a loanword from Hebrew (שְׁכִינָה) that has been adopted into English, primarily for use in theological and academic contexts.
The most common pronunciation is /ʃəˈkiːnə/. The 'kh' represents a guttural sound similar to the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach', though in English it is often softened to a /k/ sound.
No, it is almost exclusively used as a singular, uncountable noun referring to a singular divine presence.
In mainstream Jewish theology, no. The Shekhinah is a manifestation or attribute of the one God, specifically God's immanent presence. In some mystical interpretations, it takes on more distinct personified characteristics.
In Jewish theology, the dwelling or settling presence of God, especially in a physical place such as the Tabernacle or Temple.
Shekhinah is usually formal, religious, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common English usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHE KINdles a Holy INdwelling' – SHEKHINAH.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESENCE IS A DWELLER / DIVINE GLORY IS LIGHT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Shekhinah' most appropriately used?