Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, "breadths" refers to measurements of width or extent, often used in the context of describing dimensions of sacred spaces, objects, or territories. The concept of breadth is significant in the Bible as it often symbolizes the vastness and inclusivity of God's creation and His plans.
Old Testament References1.
Tabernacle and Temple Measurements: The term "breadth" is frequently used in the detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle and the Temple, emphasizing the precision and divine order in their construction. For instance, in
Exodus 26:16, the boards for the Tabernacle are described: "Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide." The breadth here signifies the specific dimensions ordained by God for His dwelling place among the Israelites.
2.
Ezekiel’s Temple Vision: In
Ezekiel 40-42, the prophet receives a vision of a future temple with meticulous measurements.
Ezekiel 41:1 states, "Then he brought me into the outer sanctuary and measured the side pillars, six cubits wide on each side was the width of the side pillar." The repeated emphasis on breadth in these chapters underscores the perfection and holiness of the divine architecture.
3.
Land Allotments: Breadth is also used in the context of land distribution among the tribes of Israel. In
Joshua 18:12, the boundaries of the land are described: "On the north side their border began at the Jordan, went up to the slope of Jericho on the north, and continued into the hill country westward; and it ended at the wilderness of Beth Aven." The breadth of the land signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding the inheritance of his descendants.
New Testament Symbolism1.
Spiritual Dimensions: While the New Testament does not frequently use the term "breadth" in a literal sense, it often conveys the idea of spiritual vastness and inclusivity.
Ephesians 3:18-19 speaks to this spiritual dimension: "that you may have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Here, breadth is part of a metaphorical description of the boundless love of Christ.
2.
The Church as a Spiritual Temple: The New Testament presents the Church as a spiritual temple, with Christ as the cornerstone. The breadth of this spiritual temple is inclusive of all believers, Jew and Gentile alike, as seen in
Ephesians 2:14-22. The unity and diversity within the body of Christ reflect the expansive nature of God's kingdom.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of "breadths" in the Bible highlights God's attention to detail and order, as well as His expansive grace and love. The precise measurements of sacred spaces in the Old Testament reflect God's holiness and the importance of obedience to His commands. In the New Testament, the concept of breadth expands to encompass the spiritual dimensions of God's love and the inclusivity of the Gospel message. The breadth of God's creation and His redemptive plan serves as a reminder of His sovereignty and the vastness of His mercy and grace.
Strong's Hebrew
6446. pas -- flat (of the hand or foot)... pac); by implication (plural) a long and sleeved tunic (perhaps simply a wide one;
from the original sense of the root, ie Of many
breadths) -- (divers) colours
...Library
Chel. The Court of the Women.
... The same also did Chel, or the Ante-murale. "That space was ten cubits broad, divided
from the Court of the Gentiles by a fence, ten hand-breadths high; in...
Man.
... The soul is an intelligent power, and it can be made to know and understand depths
and heights and lengths andbreadths, in those high, sublime, and spiritual...
The Condescension of Christ
... thyself from me? For if thou dost so, thou knowest not my love in all its
heights and depths and lengths andbreadths.". And now, dear...
Man's Ruin and God's Remedy
... As many of you well remember, not long ago I preached upon that subject, and
endeavored to expound it in all its lengths andbreadths....
The Humble Enlightened, and Carnal Reason Humbled; Or, the...
... 2 "I thank thy sovereign power and love, "That crowns my doctrine with success;
"And makes the babes in knowledge learn "The heights, andbreadths, and lengths...
The Humble Enlightened, and Carnal Reason Humbled. Luke 10:21,22.
... And makes the babes in knowledge learn. The heights, andbreadths, and lengths of
grace. "But all this glory lies concealed. From men of prudence and of wit;...
Lions Lacking --But the Children Satisfied
... No; he seeks now to know more of him; he seeks to understand more of the heights
and depths, and lengths, andbreadths of the love of Christ, which passeth...
Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... The sea, death, and hell, will give up their dead, which will rise up on thebreadths
of the earth, out of the city, a great company like the sand of the sea...
Fellowship with God
... We have preached what we do know, we have testified what we have seen, and if we
cannot go to all the heights, and depths, and lengths, andbreadths, as yet...
Christ's Marvellous Giving
... God hath gained nought, except the manifestation of a love beyond an angel's dream;
a grace, the heights, and depths, and lengths, andbreadths of which...
Thesaurus
Breadths (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Breadths (1 Occurrence). Job 38:18 Hath thine understanding
compassed the
breadths of the earth? Declare if thou knowest it all.
...Hand-breadths (1 Occurrence)
Hand-breadths. Handbreadths, Hand-breadths. Handed . Multi-Version
Concordance Hand-breadths (1 Occurrence). Psalms...
Esdraelon
... brick in the sun. When winter sets in it quickly absorbs the rain, great
breadths being turned to soft mud. This probably happened...
Plain (113 Occurrences)
... brick in the sun. When winter sets in it quickly absorbs the rain, great
breadths being turned to soft mud. This probably happened...
Edomites (22 Occurrences)
... gorges. But there are alsobreadths of fertile land where wheat, grapes,
figs, pomegranates and olives are grown to advantage. The...
Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... From Carmel to Gilboa, Little Hermon and Tabor, roll the fruitfulbreadths of Esdraelon:
the uplands of Galilee, with Nazareth showing on the brow above the...
Bread-yeast (1 Occurrence)
Bread-yeast.Breadths, Bread-yeast. Break . Multi-Version Concordance
Bread-yeast (1 Occurrence).... (WEY).Breadths, Bread-yeast. Break . Reference
Carpet (1 Occurrence)
... a floor covering made inbreadths to be sewed together and nailed to the floor,
as distinguished from a rug or mat; originally, also, a wrought cover for tables...
Sharon (9 Occurrences)
... the luxuriant oak forests. As in ancient times, greatbreadths are given
up to the pasturing of cattle. Over David's herds that...
Trachonitis (1 Occurrence)
... which may be freely rendered: "Than the Arabs of el-Leja' greater rascals do not
exist." Until comparatively recent years there were greatbreadths of oak and...
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