Winter-House
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Winter-House in the Bible?
The winter-house was a fortified, heated residence used by King Jehoiakim of Judah during the cold months, featuring a brazier for warmth and serving as the setting for the burning of Jeremiah's scroll.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the winter-house as a distinct, insulated architectural space clarifies the cultural and physical context of Jeremiah 36, illustrating how royal comfort and security were maintained in ancient Judah and emphasizing the gravity of Jehoiakim's act of destroying the prophet's message in a private, heated chamber.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Winter-House were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Winter-House in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Winter-House clarify?
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Winter-House." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/winterhouse/