Etymology Shekhinah

shekhinah derived hebrew verb שכן. semitic root means settle, inhabit, or dwell . abstract noun not present in bible, , first encountered in rabbinic literature. root word used refer birds nesting , nests. ( every fowl dwells near kind , man near equal. ) , can mean neighbor ( if 2 tobiahs appeared, 1 of whom neighbour , other scholar, scholar given precedence.

the word tabernacle, mishkan, derivative of same root , used in sense of dwelling-place in bible, e.g. psalms 132:5 ( till find place lord, dwelling mighty 1 of jacob. ) , numbers 24:5 ( how beautiful tents, jacob, dwelling places, israel! word dwelling places mishkenotecha). accordingly, in classic jewish thought, shekhinah refers dwelling or settling in special sense, dwelling or settling of divine presence, effect that, while in proximity shekhinah, connection god more readily perceivable.

the concept similar in gospel of matthew 18:20, 2 or 3 gathered in name there in midst. christian theologians have connected concept of shekhinah greek term parousia, presence or arrival, used in new testament in similar way divine presence .