Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the term "bolted" is not frequently encountered in the text of the Bible itself. However, the concept of bolting, particularly in the context of securing or fastening, can be related to various scriptural themes and passages that discuss security, protection, and the closing or sealing of doors and gates.
Scriptural ContextThe idea of bolting or securing is often associated with the protection and safety provided by God. In ancient times, bolting a door or gate was a common practice to ensure the safety of a household or city. This physical act of securing an entrance can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual protection that God offers to His people.
Protection and SecurityIn the Bible, the imagery of God as a protector is prevalent. For instance,
Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." While the term "bolted" is not used here, the concept of God providing a secure refuge is evident.
Similarly, in the New Testament, the idea of spiritual security is emphasized. In
John 10:9 , Jesus says, "I am the gate. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture." Here, Jesus is depicted as the gate, offering security and salvation to those who enter through Him.
Symbolism of Doors and GatesThe act of bolting a door or gate can also symbolize the closing off of something, whether it be protection from external threats or the sealing of something sacred. In
Revelation 3:7 , it is written, "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens, no one will shut; and what He shuts, no one will open." This passage highlights the authority of Christ in opening and closing doors, symbolizing His control over access to spiritual truths and blessings.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsFrom a moral and spiritual perspective, the concept of bolting can also be related to the idea of guarding one's heart and mind.
Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This guarding can be likened to bolting a door, ensuring that one's inner life is protected from harmful influences.
ConclusionWhile the specific term "bolted" may not be directly referenced in the Bible, the underlying themes of security, protection, and the closing or sealing of doors are woven throughout the scriptural narrative. These themes serve as powerful reminders of God's provision and the importance of spiritual vigilance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Bolt.
Library
Delivered from Prison
... Peter was confined in a rock-hewn cell, the doors of which were stronglybolted
and barred; and the soldiers on guard were made answerable for the safekeeping...
And Disputes
... a fine end at the last. His own bishop, who had met him, had clapped spurs
to his horse andbolted. It may be suspected that this...
The Heart-Road to the Head.
... Calvary. And there it seemed to have succeeded. At last the light was shut
in and down; the door was shut and barred andbolted. And...
Christ's Question to Each
... I take it that it lies here. There are two opposite errors which, like all opposite
errors, arebolted together, and revolve round a common centre....
Fifth Appearance of Jesus.
... beheld a spirit. [His entrance through abolted door lent weight to their
idea that he had no corporeal body. They knew nothing...
"I am Enraged in Heart, Believe Me, And, through Vexation...
... is generally rolled forth by the clerics; but the possessed, being brought up to
him, he ordered all others to depart, and the doors beingbolted, clothed in...
"You Knew the Too Barbarous And, Beyond Measure, Bloody Ferocity...
... But when, in the silence of the depths of the night, and as all were at rest, no
entrance was possible through thebolted doors, he lays himself down before...
Of the Son of the Priest.
... Then he first laid on him many stripes, then applied hot spits to his feet and hands
and back, then shut him up in his bedroom,bolted the door on the outside...
Peter Released from Prison. Acts 12:5-8
... Peter when in prison cast,. Though by soldiers kept with care; Though the doors
werebolted fast,. Was soon released by prayer. While he slept an angel came....
August the Thirtieth How to Delight in the Word
...Bolted food never unlocks its essences. And meditation is just mental mastication.
To "turn the word over" in my mind will help to disburden its treasure....
Thesaurus
Bolted (3 Occurrences)...Bolted (3 Occurrences). Judges 3:23 And Ehud goeth out at the porch, and shutteth
the doors of the upper chamber upon him, and hath
bolted 'it'; (YLT).
...Bolt (5 Occurrences)
... 15. (vi) To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt. 16. (vi) To spring suddenly
aside, or out of the regular path; as, the horsebolted. 17....
Bolts (14 Occurrences)
Vest (11 Occurrences)
... daughters that were virgins apparelled. And his attendant brought her out,
andbolted the door after her. (DBY). 2 Samuel 13:19 And...
Virgins (33 Occurrences)
... were virgins dressed. Then his servant brought her out, andbolted the door
after her. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). 1 Chronicles...
Knock (7 Occurrences)
... nok (krouo): The oriental house was fitted with heavy doors which werebolted and
locked with wooden keys too large to be carried about, so that even a member...
Ornamented (14 Occurrences)
... daughters who were virgins dressed. Then his servant brought her out, and
bolted the door after her. (See NIV). 2 Samuel 13:19 Tamar...
Latch (1 Occurrence)
... piece which holds anything in place by entering a notch or cavity; specifically,
the catch which holds a door or gate when closed, though it be notbolted....
Long-sleeved (2 Occurrences)
... is' a long coat, for such upper robes do daughters of the king who 'are' virgins
put on, -- and his servant taketh her out without, and hathbolted the door...
Wore (19 Occurrences)
... daughters who were virgins dressed. Then his servant brought her out, and
bolted the door after her. (See NIV). 2 Samuel 13:19 Tamar...
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