Porch

A covered walkway with columns, open on one side, where people could stand, sit, or walk.

Model of covered walkway surrounding Herod's temple
Model of covered walkway surrounding Herod's temple (© Ray Pritz by United Bible Societies) Colonnade, porch, covered walkway, stoa, portico

About Porch

Court associated with the temple or palace. In the kjv, it is the translation of several Hebrew words. In 1 Kings 7 and Ezekiel 40, the kjv has many mentions of porch as a part of the temple. The porch separated the Holy Place from the rest of the world. By means of several steps, one would enter into the porch, which was elevated above the surrounding area. Both the steps and the elevation emphasized the separation of the temple. On both sides of the entrance to the porch stood the supporting pillars, the Jachin and the Boaz. In the NT the kjv has “porch” for proaulion and stoa (“portico”). The stoa was a roofed portico supported by pillars. Solomon’s portico was the famous collonaded porch around the temple area facing the temple (cf. Jn 10:23; Acts 3:11; 5:12).

See also Architecture; Tabernacle; Temple.

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The object itself Article

Form, use in ancient daily life, and how translators render the term.

Key References

John 10:23

and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 3:11

While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 5:12

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.

All Scripture References (4)

John (2)
John 5:2

Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool with five covered colonnades, which in Hebrew is called Bethesda.

John 10:23

and Jesus was walking in the temple courts in Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts (2)
Acts 3:11

While the man clung to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and ran to them in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade.

Acts 5:12

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.