Bible Dictionary
SECRET
“Secret” can describe something hidden or concealed. In Ezekiel 7:22, however, the phrase traditionally translated “secret place” more likely refers to God’s treasured or cherished place, Jerusalem.
Definition
Secret describes something hidden or concealed. In Ezekiel 7:22, however, the traditional phrase “secret place” is better understood as God’s cherished or treasured place, referring to Jerusalem rather than to the Holy of Holies.
Biblical Usage
Ezekiel 7:22 speaks of the profanation of God’s cherished place. The passage does not refer to the secret place of the Holy of Holies according to the supplied interpretation.
Historical Background
The underlying Hebrew word can mean to hide or treasure. The Revised Version’s other uses of “secret” are described as straightforward, while several King James Version renderings receive correction.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>se'-kret: In Eze 7:22, English Versions of the Bible has "secret place" for (tsaphan), "hide," "treasure." A correct translation is, "They shall profane my cherished place" (Jerusalem), and there is no reference to the Holy of Holies. The other uses of "secret" in the Revised Version (British and American) are obvious, but Revised Version's corrections of the King James Version in Jud 13:18; 1Sa 5:9; Job 15:11 should be noted.</p>