Bible Dictionary
STALL
A stall was a place where horses or cattle were tied, sheltered, and supplied with fodder. Animals were commonly kept in rooms or simple shelters rather than in modern separated stalls.
Definition
A stall was a place where horses or cattle were tied, sheltered, rested, and supplied with fodder. In the biblical setting it generally consisted of a room or simple shelter rather than a modern structure divided into separate stalls.
Biblical Usage
The term is associated with the keeping and feeding of cattle and horses. Biblical passages use related words for a place of tying, feeding, resting, or a manger or crib.
Historical Background
Animals usually grazed in fields when not in use. In winter they were tied in rooms, and in summer they could be kept under shelters of green branches. Halters were fastened through holes in projecting stones; separate partitions were not used.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>stol</p><p>((1) marbeq, literally,, "a place for tying up" (Am 6:4; Mal 4:2),</p><p>(2) 'abhac, "to give fodder" (Pr 15:17),</p><p>(3) 'urvah, "to pluck and feed" (1Ki 4:26; 2Ch 9:25; 32:28),</p><p>(4) repheth, "a resting place" (Hab 3:17);</p><p>(5) phatne, "a manger" or "crib" (Lu 13:15; compare 'ebhuc, translated "crib" in Isa 1:3; Pr 14:4)): During the season when cattle are not being used they are allowed to roam in the fields. Otherwise they are tied in rooms in the winter time, or under shelters made of green boughs in the summer, and all their food brought to them. Horses and cattle alike are haltered and the chains fastened through holes made in stones projecting from the walls. No stanchions and no separating partitions between animals are used. The horses are usually hobbled as well.</p><p>James A. Patch</p>