H2762 H2762
the lattice (window lattice through which the beloved peers)
Found in Song of Songs 2:9, 'the lattice' (הַחֲרַכִּים) describes decorative window openings through which the beloved peers. The plural form suggests multiple lattice openings or the component slats of the lattice structure. The verse pairs 'looking through the windows' with 'peering through the lattice,' creating parallel images of the lover's eager gaze. Ancient Near Eastern architecture used lattice windows for ventilation and privacy while allowing sight and air passage. The term indicates smaller openings than standard windows.
Senses
1. sense 1 — The beloved's action of peering through lattice creates an image of passionate yet restrained approach—present but not fully revealed, watching intently through the decorative screen. The Hebrew root suggests openings or apertures, with Aramaic cognates meaning window. This architectural detail grounds the Song's romantic imagery in domestic architecture, where latticed windows provided spaces of partial concealment and revelation, fitting the Song's themes of desire and anticipation. 1×
AR["هَ-حَرَكِّيم"]·ben["-ফাঁকের।"]·DE["[החרכים]"]·EN["the-lattice"]·FR["les-treillis."]·heb["ה-חרכים"]·HI["झीलियों"]·ID["-kisi-kisi"]·IT["il-il-lattice"]·jav["kisi-kisi"]·KO["그-격자들-을"]·PT["as-frestas"]·RU["решёток."]·ES["las-celosías"]·SW["matundu"]·TR["kafeslerin"]·urd["جھروکھوں-سے"]
Related Senses
H1129 1. Qal: build, construct (316×)H2691a 1. court, courtyard, enclosure (142×)G4864 1. synagogue, place of Jewish assembly (56×)G5438 1. prison, place of confinement (41×)H4013 1. fortress, stronghold (37×)H0875 1. well, cistern (dug water source) (35×)H0352b 1. pillar or jamb of gateway (32×)H2474 1. window, opening in wall (32×)H1406 1. roof / rooftop (31×)H4609b 1. steps, stairs, stairway (31×)H1129 2. Nifal: be built, be established (30×)H0361 1. portico, porch (architectural structure) (27×)H1129 3. Qal participle: builder (27×)H1219 1. fortified, inaccessible (25×)H4581 1. fortress, stronghold (25×)H3805 1. capital of a pillar (24×)H4350 1. stand, base, pedestal (24×)H0759 1. palace, royal residence (21×)H4692 1. siege, besiegement (20×)G3618 1. build or construct physically (19×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
† חֲרַכִּים n.[m.]pl. lattice or other opening through which one may look (Aramaic חֲרַכָּא 𝔗 Jos 2:15 al. = Heb. חַלּוֹן; but NH חֲרָךְ is an opening smaller than a window)—only מֵצִיץ מִן־הַח׳ Ct 2:9 peeping in at the lattice (‖ מַשְׁגִּיחַ מִן־הַחַלֹּנוֹת).