David in PrayerUnknown artist/maker (German), illuminator · early 16th century

Closet

/KLOZ-it/

Summary

A private room or inner chamber, commended by Jesus as the appropriate place for private prayer away from public display.

☩Place of Prayer

Jesus instructed His disciples to pray in their closet with the door shut, in contrast to hypocrites who pray publicly to be seen by others. The Greek word suggests a storeroom or any private place of retirement, emphasizing sincerity over display in prayer.

Key verses:Matthew 6:6

☩Other Uses

The Hebrew word translated 'closet' could refer to a bridal chamber with curtains, used for the canopy under which Jewish nuptial ceremonies were performed. The term could also designate any inner room of a house.

Key verses:Joel 2:16Luke 12:3

Related Verses3 mentions

Matthew· 1 verse

6:6

Joel· 1 verse

2:16

Luke· 1 verse

12:3

References

1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Closet," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
2.James Orr (ed.), "Closet," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).