Topical Encyclopedia
Cavities, commonly understood today as dental caries or tooth decay, are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Scriptures do provide insights into health, hygiene, and the importance of maintaining one's body, which can be applied to the understanding of dental health.
Biblical Context of Health and HygieneThe Bible emphasizes the importance of health and cleanliness, which can be extended to oral hygiene. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given various laws concerning cleanliness and health. For example,
Leviticus 11 outlines dietary laws that, among other things, promote health and well-being. While these laws do not specifically address dental care, they reflect a broader principle of maintaining the body as a temple of God.
The Body as a TempleThe New Testament reinforces the idea of caring for one's body. In
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage underscores the responsibility of believers to care for their physical bodies, which includes dental health.
Symbolism of Teeth in ScriptureTeeth are mentioned in various symbolic contexts in the Bible. For instance, in the poetic language of the Song of Solomon, teeth are described as a sign of beauty and strength: "Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep coming up from the washing, each one bearing twins, and not one has lost her young" (
Song of Solomon 4:2). This imagery highlights the value placed on healthy teeth, which can be seen as a metaphor for vitality and purity.
Wisdom and CareProverbs, a book known for its wisdom literature, often speaks to the importance of wisdom in all areas of life, including health.
Proverbs 3:7-8 advises, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones." While not directly about dental care, this passage suggests that living according to God's wisdom brings overall health benefits.
Practical ImplicationsWhile the Bible does not provide specific instructions on dental care, the principles of stewardship, cleanliness, and wisdom can be applied to modern understandings of health, including the prevention and treatment of cavities. Believers are encouraged to seek knowledge and apply it in caring for their bodies, recognizing that maintaining health is part of honoring God.
In summary, while cavities as a specific condition are not addressed in Scripture, the biblical principles of health, cleanliness, and stewardship provide a framework for understanding the importance of dental care in the life of a believer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Cavity.
Library
From Apostolic Teaching Tertullian Turns to that of Companions of...
... Again, in the case of a house: if any spots andcavities in the party-walls had
been reported to the priest, before he entered to inspect that house he bids...
An Examination of the Question Where the Ruling Principle is to be...
... which naturally takes place over the whole body in a condition of grief, everything
that meets a hindrance in its passage is driven to thecavities in the...
The Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation.
... same manner the basis of other animals that live upon it; nay we find in the most
solid bodies, as in marble itself, innumerable cells andcavities that are...
The Leaven.
... remain open, and consequently the lump, which would otherwise have been solid, is
penetrated in every direction by an innumerable multitude of smallcavities....
In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the...
... the Hebrew nationality], and set a hedge about it, and digged a ^b pit for the
^a winepress in it [The winepress consisted of two tub-shapedcavities dug in...
Of a Certain Remainder of Love that Oftentimes Rests in the Soul...
... But we knew beforehand by philosophy that it was not any one in the well who repeated
our words, but simply that there werecavities, in one of which our...
How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid...
... was according to the Corinthian order, [14] with folding doors, and their adjoining
pillars of equal magnitude, each fluted with threecavities; which building...
After Thus Misrepresenting Our views of the Nature of God...
... For there are in different parts of the earthcavities, varying in form and
in magnitude, into which run water, and clouds, and air....
Whether the Humors Will Rise Again in the Body?
... twofold state"-either as being at the beginning of its transformation, and thus
it is called "ros," namely the humidity that is found in thecavities of the...
Spiritual Significance of the Precepts of Moses Respecting...
... satisfactory. Comp. Clem. Alex. P??dag. ii. 10. [1581] We have left trupas
untranslated. [Cavities, ie, of conception]. [1582] Cod. Sin. has...
Thesaurus
Cavities (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Cavity. Multi-Version Concordance
Cavities (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 2:21 To enter into
cavities...Marrow (5 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The tissue which fills thecavities of most
bones; the medulla. In the largercavities it is commonly...
Nose (23 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The prominent part of the face or anterior extremity of the head containing
the nostrils and olfactorycavities; the olfactory organ. See Olfactory....
Ouches (8 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary An Old English word denotingcavities or sockets in which
gems were set (Exodus 28:11). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OUCHES....
Cave (40 Occurrences)
... Idumea Proper. The pits orcavities in rocks were also sometimes used as
prisons (Isaiah 24:22; 51:14; Zechariah 9:11). Those which...
Cavilleth (1 Occurrence)
Searcher (6 Occurrences)
... luggage, etc. 4. (n.) An inspector of leather. 5. (n.) An instrument for
examining the bore of a cannon, to detectcavities. 6. (n...
Sound (1245 Occurrences)
... 17. (n.) Any elongated instrument or probe, usually metallic, by whichcavities
of the body are sounded or explored, especially the bladder for stone, or the...
Excellency (53 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 2:21 To enter intocavities of the rocks, And into clefts of the high places,
Because of the fear of Jehovah, And because of the honour of His excellency...
Cease (138 Occurrences)
Resources
Cavities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
