Bible Dictionary
Hall
An open court or enclosed area. In the Gospels it may refer to the high priest’s courtyard, the Roman governor’s praetorium, or a sheepfold, depending on the context.
Definition
A hall is an open court, quadrangle, entrance passage, or enclosed area. In biblical usage the word can denote a house court, a governor’s residence, or a sheepfold.
Biblical Usage
The term refers to the high priest’s court, the praetorium or residence of the Roman governor, and the sheepfold in Jesus’ teaching. The entrance hall led into the central court open to the sky.
Historical Background
The Authorized Version sometimes rendered the word “palace” or “common hall,” while the Revised Version used “court” or “palace” according to context.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Gr. aule, Luke 22:55; R.V., “court”), the open court or quadrangle belonging to the high priest’s house. In Matt. 26:69 and Mark 14:66 this word is incorrectly rendered “palace” in the Authorized Version, but correctly “court” in the Revised Version. In John 10:1, 16 it means a “sheep-fold.” In Matt. 27:27 and Mark 15:16 (A.V., “common hall;” R.V., “palace”) it refers to the proetorium or residence of the Roman governor at Jerusalem. The “porch” in Matt. 26:71 is the entrance-hall or passage leading into the central court, which is open to the sky.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
used of the court of the high priest’s house. (Luke 22:55) In (Matthew 27:27) and Mark 15:16 “Hall” is synonymous with “praetorium,” which in (John 18:28) is in Authorized Version “judgment hall.”
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>hol (Lu 22:55 the King James Version).</p><p>See HOUSE.</p>