Topical Encyclopedia
The term "arched" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of arches and their architectural significance can be inferred from various descriptions of structures and buildings mentioned in the Scriptures. Arches, as architectural elements, are curved structures designed to span an opening and support weight from above. They are often associated with strength, stability, and beauty, reflecting the grandeur and durability of ancient constructions.
Biblical Context and SymbolismIn biblical times, architecture played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the people. While the Bible does not specifically mention arches, it does describe various structures that likely incorporated arched designs, given the architectural practices of the ancient Near East. For instance, the construction of Solomon's Temple, as described in
1 Kings 6, showcases the grandeur and intricate design that would have included advanced architectural techniques, possibly including arches.
The use of arches in ancient architecture often symbolized strength and permanence. This symbolism aligns with biblical themes of God's enduring presence and the eternal nature of His promises. In
Isaiah 28:16 , the prophet speaks of a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation," which can be metaphorically linked to the stability and support provided by an arch.
Historical and Cultural InsightsArches were a common feature in the architecture of ancient civilizations surrounding Israel, such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. These cultures influenced the architectural practices of the Israelites, who would have been familiar with the use of arches in construction. The Romans, known for their engineering prowess, later perfected the use of arches, which became a staple in their buildings and infrastructure.
The presence of arches in ancient architecture is also indicative of the technological advancements of the time. The ability to construct arches required a deep understanding of geometry and engineering, reflecting the sophistication of ancient builders. This knowledge would have been passed down through generations, influencing the construction of significant biblical structures.
Spiritual ReflectionsThe concept of an arch, with its ability to bear weight and provide support, can serve as a metaphor for God's role in the lives of believers. Just as an arch upholds a structure, God upholds His people, offering strength and stability in times of need.
Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer," emphasizing the protective and sustaining nature of God, akin to the function of an arch in architecture.
In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone (
Ephesians 2:20), the essential element that holds the structure of the Church together. This imagery can be extended to include the arch, as both the cornerstone and the arch are foundational to the integrity and unity of a building.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not explicitly mention arches, the architectural and symbolic significance of arches can be gleaned from the descriptions of ancient structures and the spiritual metaphors found throughout Scripture. Arches represent strength, stability, and beauty, reflecting the enduring nature of God's presence and promises.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Arch.
2. (a.) Made with an arch or curve; covered with an arch; as, an arched door.
Strong's Hebrew
3553. koba -- helmet... helmet. From an unused root meaning to be high or rounded; a helmet (as
arched) --
helmet. Compare qowba'. see HEBREW qowba'. 3552, 3553. koba. 3554 .
...1384. gibben -- crookbacked, humpbacked
... crookbacked. From an unused root meaning to bearched or contracted; hunch-backed --
crookbackt. 1383, 1384. gibben. 1385 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Dream of St. Ursula
... she leads, by completely painting her little bedroom in the light of dawn, so that
you can see everything in it It is lighted by two doubly-arched windows, the...
Useful Phrases
... arbitrarily imposed. arch conspirator.arched embrasure [embrasure = flared opening
for a gun in a wall or parapet]. archeological pursuits. architectural grandeur...
The Great Denial
... A Western house looks into the street, but an Oriental into its own interior, having
no opening to the front except a greatarched gateway, shut with a heavy...
The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... and a robe of different colors. There were also two wreaths of silk and
wool, and anarched crown. One of the priests himself cut...
Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... 8. The Beth Moked wasarched, and was a great house surrounded by extensions (perhaps
terraces) of stone, and the elders of the house of their fathers slept...
Jesus Washeth his Disciples' Feet
... The general features of the chamber, with itsarched ceiling and flattened dome,
its leewans (raised platform) and the entrance-passage of colored stones...
Life in the Villages
... Scarcely any bricks are required for such building, and the deep, lofty,arched
room affords the warmest shelter in our bitter Shansi winter cold, as it does...
Index of Hymns.
... HERE, 280 BRIGHTLY BEAMS THE FATHER'S MERCY, 431 BUILD THEE MORE STATELY MANSIONS,
249 BY COOL SILOAM'S SHADY RILL, 318 BY THE RUDE BRIDGE THATARCHED THE FLOOD...
The Messenger
... His eyes were brilliant and over themarched eyebrows that were almost white. He
made a jerky obeisance. "Greeting, son of Mentu. Dost thou remember me?"....
The Fall of Babylon.
... They both descend from heaven: the one is a mighty angel, and the other has great
power; the one is enveloped with a robe of cloud, his head isarched with the...
Thesaurus
Arched (3 Occurrences)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Arch. 2. (a.) Made with an arch or curve; covered with an arch;
as, an
arched door. Multi-Version Concordance
Arched (3 Occurrences).
...Arch (24 Occurrences)
... Anarched form need not necessarily be constructed with radiating joints;
it can be corbelled as at Mycenae (Treasury of Atreus)....
Vault (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Anarched structure of masonry, forming
a ceiling or canopy. 2. (n.) Anarched apartment; especially...
Vaulted (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Vault. 2. (a.)Arched; concave; as, a vaulted roof.... 4. (a.)Arched
like the roof of the mouth, as the upper lip of many ringent flowers....
Peacock
... The peacock has a bill of moderate size with anarched tip, its cheeks are bare,
the eyes not large, but very luminous, a crest of 24 feathers 2 inches long...
Oven (22 Occurrences)
... (See Genesis 18:6; 1 Kings 19:6.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A placearched
over with brick or stonework, and used for baking, heating, or drying; hence...
Passover (81 Occurrences)
... described: "The city itself and the neighbourhood became more and more crowded as
the feast approached, the narrow streets and darkarched bazaars showing the...
Bail (1 Occurrence)
... go bail for any one. 10. (n.) Thearched handle of a kettle, pail, or
similar vessel, usually movable. 11. (n.) A half hoop for...
Bow (248 Occurrences)
... 19. (sing. or pl.) Two pieces of wood which form thearched forward part of a
saddletree. 20. (vi) To play (music) with a bow. 21. (vi) To manage the bow. 22....
Bosses (1 Occurrence)
... The projecting parts of a shield (Job 15:26). The Hebrew word thus rendered means
anything convex orarched, and hence the back, as of animals....
Resources
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