According to Webster's Dictionary, the word has several meanings, but only one of which applies here: "in Oriental countries, a royal council or council room." Other sources say it originates from Persian, this term refering to a reception chamber, particularly in a palace or residence. It later came to mean ministry or government office. It can also mean anthology of poems placed in alphabetical order. It is pronounced di-van, with emphasis on the second syllable. (Note: if emphasis is placed on the first syllable, it's meaning can change to "a large, low couch or sofa")

In the context of the Shrine, the Divan is the "board of directors" or "executive council" of the organization, and serves as the management team for both fraternal and business activities of the Temple. Each Shrine Temple has it's own Divan, and the minimum number of Divan members is set by Imperial by-laws at five, with each of these being elected by the Nobility (membership). Therefore, all Shrine Temples have at least five members on the Divan, but some have seven, and some, like El Bekal, have ten. For most temples that have more than five members on the Divan, the additional positions are usually appointed by the Potentate. Like most Masonic organizations, the Divan is usually a "progressive" line, which means that one new person is appointed or elected to the line each year, the other members of the Divan move "up" one position, and the top man retires from the line and becomes a Past Potentate. In addition, two more elected officers are considered part of the Divan, namely the Recorder (Secretary) and Treasurer. These two officers, however, are not usually part of the "progressive" line, and may serve in the same office for more than one year (if so elected).