GALLERY (אַתִּיק, H916, etymology and meaning uncertain; suggested are gallery, porch, balcony portico, colonnade). A long, narrow balcony(?).

The Heb. word occurs in Ezekiel 41:15f.; 42:3, 5 as a part of the description of the Temple that Ezekiel saw in a vision. These “galleries,” with other features, distinguished the Temple of Ezekiel’s vision from that of Solomon. Some have compared the structure of this building, apparently with terraces or recessed upper stories, with the design of the Babylonian ziggurat or stage-tower temple.

KJV also has “galleries” (Song of Solomon 7:5), but this should prob. be corrected to read, “tresses, locks of hair” (cf. RSV). A different Heb. word is involved (רַ֫הַט֒, H8110, the meaning of which is also uncertain).