Tent (1.) Heb. 'ohel (Genesis 9:21, Genesis 1:9). This word is used also of a dwelling or habitation (1 Kings 8:66; Isaiah 16:5; Jeremiah 4:20), and of the temple (Ezekiel 41:1). When used of the tabernacle, as in 1 Kings 1:39, it denotes the covering of goat's hair which was placed over the mishcan.
(2.) Heb. mishcan (Song of Solomon 1:8), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Psalms 87:2), the grave (Isaiah 22:16; comp. 14:18), the temple (Psalms 46:4; Psalms 1:84; Psalms 1:132), and of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:9; Exodus 1:26; Exodus 1:40; Numbers 1:50, Numbers 1:1; Numbers 1:10). When distinguished from 'ohel, it denotes the twelve interior curtains which lay upon the framework of the tabernacle (q.v.).
(3.) Heb. kubbah (Numbers 25:8), a dome-like tent devoted to the impure worship of Baal-peor.
(4.) Heb. succah (2 Samuel 11:11), a tent or booth made of green boughs or branches (See Genesis 33:17; Leviticus 23:34, Leviticus 1:23; Psalms 18:11; Jonah 4:5; Isaiah 4:6; Neh 8:15-17, where the word is variously rendered).
Jubal was "the father of such as dwell in tents" (Genesis 4:20). The patriarchs were "dwellers in tents" (Genesis 9:21, Genesis 1:9; Genesis 1:12; Genesis 1:13; Genesis 1:26); and during their wilderness wanderings all Israel dwelt in tents (Exodus 16:16; Deuteronomy 33:18; Joshua 7:24). Tents have always occupied a prominent place in Eastern life (1 Samuel 17:54; 2 Kings 7:7; Psalms 120:5; Song of Solomon 1:5). Paul the apostle's occupation was that of a tent-maker (Acts 18:3); i.e., perhaps a maker of tent cloth.