Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, barns were essential structures used for storing agricultural produce, particularly grain. They are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing both material wealth and spiritual lessons.
Old Testament ReferencesBarns are first mentioned in the context of agricultural prosperity. In the book of Genesis, Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream led to the construction of storehouses to prepare for the coming famine (
Genesis 41:48-49). Although the term "barn" is not explicitly used here, the concept of storing surplus grain is evident.
Proverbs frequently references barns in the context of wisdom and diligence.
Proverbs 3:9-10 states, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage highlights the principle of honoring God with one's resources, promising abundance as a result.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, barns are used metaphorically in Jesus' teachings. The Parable of the Rich Fool in
Luke 12:16-21 illustrates the futility of hoarding earthly wealth without being "rich toward God." The rich man plans to tear down his barns to build larger ones to store his surplus grain, saying to himself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry." However, God calls him a fool, as his life is demanded of him that very night, emphasizing the transient nature of material wealth.
Spiritual SignificanceBarns in the Bible often symbolize the accumulation and storage of resources. They serve as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of stewardship. The biblical narrative encourages believers to trust in God's provision rather than relying solely on their own efforts or material possessions.
The imagery of barns also underscores the importance of spiritual readiness. Just as a farmer prepares for future needs by storing grain, believers are called to prepare spiritually for the return of Christ, storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (
Matthew 6:19-21).
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, barns were typically simple structures made of wood or stone, designed to protect grain from the elements and pests. The agricultural society of the time relied heavily on successful harvests, making barns a vital part of daily life and economic stability.
ConclusionWhile barns in the Bible are literal structures for storing grain, they carry deeper spiritual meanings. They remind believers of the importance of honoring God with their resources, the futility of relying on material wealth, and the necessity of spiritual preparedness. Through these lessons, barns serve as a metaphor for the balance between earthly responsibilities and eternal priorities.
Greek
596. apotheke -- a place for putting away, hence a storehouse... Word Origin from apotithemi Definition a place for putting away, hence a storehouse
NASB Word Usage barn (4),
barns (2). barn, granary, storehouse.
...Strong's Hebrew
4460. mammegurah -- granary, storehouse... 4459, 4460. mammegurah. 4461 . granary, storehouse. Transliteration: mammegurah
Phonetic Spelling: (mam-meg-oo-raw') Short Definition:
barns.
...3965. maabus -- granary
... granary. Transliteration: maabus Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ab-ooce') Short Definition:
barns. Word Origin from abas Definition granary NASB Word Usagebarns (1)....
618. asam -- a storehouse
... 617, 618. asam. 619 . a storehouse. Transliteration: asam Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-sawm') Short Definition:barns. Word Origin from...
Library
How Many HundredBarns must There Be, to Hold all the Learned...
... [Way-1-52] How many hundredbarns must there be, to hold all the learned
volumes? How many hundredbarns must there be, to hold...
On Worldly Folly
... fruits. And he said, This will I:do: I will pull down mybarns, and build
greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods....
On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 15, "And He Said unto Them...
... For how many years had already passed away, and yet thosebarns had been enough?
So great then was the produce, that the accustomed places were not sufficient....
The Rich Fool
... 18. And he said, This will I:do: I will pull down mybarns, and build greater;
and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.19....
The Rich Fool.
... fruits? And he said, This will I:do: I will pull down mybarns, and build
greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods....
True Harvest Joy.
... Well, thought he, I will pull down mybarns and build greater, and in them will
I bestow all my fruits and my goods; and not till then was to begin his easy...
Heavenly Rest
... Sometimes his vats overflow, hisbarns are crammed, his heart is full of joy and
gladness, there are periods with him when he flourishes like a green bay tree...
Diamond and his Mother Sat Down Upon the Edge of the Rough Grass...
... "Father told me that day I went to Epping Forest with him, that the rose-bushes,
and the may-bushes, and the holly-bushes were the bird'sbarns, for there were...
The Feast of Ingathering in the End of the Year
... of the year is a 'time of ingathering' and 'harvest.' We too begin the new year
with the accumulated consequences of these past days in our 'barns and garners...
Signs and Wonders.
... you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these."And the birds
of the air: They sow not, neither reap, nor gather intobarns; and yet...
Thesaurus
Barns (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Barns (7 Occurrences). Matthew 6:26 See the birds of the
sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into
barns.
...Store (134 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds which fly in the air: they do not sow or reap or
store up inbarns, but your Heavenly Father feeds them: are not you of much...
Greater (219 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds which fly in the air: they do not sow or reap or
store up inbarns, but your Heavenly Father feeds them: are not you of much...
Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap,
nor gather intobarns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them....
Value (138 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Value (138 Occurrences). Matthew 6:26 See the birds of
the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather intobarns....
Vats (5 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 3:10 so yourbarns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will
overflow with new wine. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)....
Undertake (16 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 28:8 Yahweh will command the blessing on you in yourbarns, and in all
that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh...
Larger (23 Occurrences)
... Luke 12:18 "And he said to himself, "'This is what I will do: I will pull down my
barns and build larger ones, and in them I will store up all my harvest and...
Granaries (7 Occurrences)
... Joel 1:17 The seeds rot under their clods. The granaries are laid desolate. The
barns are broken down, for the grain has withered. (WEB DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)....
Garner (4 Occurrences)
... The same word is translated "barns" in Matthew 6:26; Matthew 13:30 Luke
12:18, 24. Multi-Version Concordance Garner (4 Occurrences)....
Resources
Should Christians stockpile food/supplies in preparation for a possible future disaster? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs “eat, drink, and be merry” a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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