Bible Dictionary
ENDIRONS
A King James Version term for hooks or fittings in the temple area, probably used to fasten sacrificial animals or possibly referring to hearthstones.
Definition
Endirons is an archaic form appearing in the margin of Ezekiel 40:43. The corresponding text reads “hooks,” probably referring to places or fittings used for fastening sacrificial victims, though the term may possibly describe two hearthstones.
Biblical Usage
The word is connected with the temple arrangements described in Ezekiel and with the handling of animals intended for sacrifice.
Historical Background
The form is regarded as a corruption influenced by the Middle English word “andiron,” though it is not etymologically related to the Hebrew term. A marginal reading gives “ledges” according to the Vulgate and Syriac.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>end'-i-urnz (shephattayim):</p><p>Used once (Eze 40:43 the King James Version) in the margin only. In text, both the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American), "hooks," denoting stalls or places for the fastening of victims for sacrifice, or perhaps the two hearthstones. The term is a corruption from another word similar in form and identity of usage. This word, "andiron," from Middle English, has assumed many peculiar forms, as "anderne," "aundirne," from which the form is doubtless derived, though this is not the original and has no relation to it. the American Revised Version, margin reads, "According to Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 AD.) and Syriac, ledges."</p>