Parlor
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Parlor in the Bible?
A parlor is a formal room in a house designated for receiving guests, distinct from private living quarters or service areas. In biblical translation contexts, the Hebrew words often rendered as 'parlor' (such as 'aliyah' or 'chadar') refer to an upper room or chamber, with the Revised Version adjusting the translation to 'upper room,' 'guest-chamber,' or 'chambers' to reflect architectural reality.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the parlor as a formal social space clarifies the cultural protocols of hospitality and status displayed in biblical narratives, helping readers understand the specific social interactions and hierarchical dynamics occurring within these domestic settings.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Parlor in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Parlor clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.