mercy seat

noun

: the throne of God regarded as a place of divine access, communion, or propitiation

Word History

Etymology

from mercy seat, gold covering over the ark of the covenant in the Bible (Exodus 25:17); translation of German gnadenstuhl, translation of Hebrew kappōreth

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now