Definition: The word "alcazaba" appears in the Hebrew Bible as a term of speech, often used to denote a person or place that has been chosen for special purposes. In Genesis 28:14-15, the angel Gabriel speaks with a voice like the voice of an owl (a kind of bird) and says, "May I speak to you?" The Hebrew phrase is "alcazaba," which literally means "one who speaks." The word has a specific meaning in this context. It refers to someone or something chosen for special purposes. In other words, it could be a place like an ark, a temple, or a sacred site dedicated to God or other spiritual beings. It's important to note that the term was likely used with reference to a sanctuary in ancient times where sacrifices were made regularly. The Hebrew Bible itself does not define the exact meaning of "alcazaba," and its usage is primarily attributed to Jewish scholars who studied it more extensively in the 16th century CE. The word "alcazaba" has been used by scholars across various disciplines, including archaeology, history, theology, and literature. The Hebrew Bible often serves as a foundational text for understanding the ancient world's culture and religious beliefs.

alcazaba