Definition of the word tabernacle

The word "tabernacle" has its roots in Hebrew and Latin. In Hebrew, the word is "mishkan" (מִשְׁכָּן), which refers to the portable place of worship used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This structure was commanded by God to be built by Moses and served as a dwelling place for God's presence among the people. The Latin translation of "mishkan" is "tabernaculum", which means "tent" or "dwelling". This Latin term was later adopted into Middle English as "tabernacle", and has been used to refer to a structure used for worship, especially the wooden structure found in many Christian churches that holds the consecrated bread and wine during the Eucharist. Over time, the word "tabernacle" has also come to be used in other contexts, such as to describe a place of refuge or protection.