Topical Encyclopedia
The term "round-house" does not appear explicitly in the Berean Standard Bible or in most traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of a round-house can be explored through the architectural and cultural contexts of biblical times, particularly in relation to ancient Near Eastern and Israelite structures.
Architectural ContextIn ancient times, the architecture of homes and buildings varied significantly across regions and cultures. While the Bible does not specifically mention round-houses, archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East, including regions such as Canaan and Israel, indicates that circular structures were not uncommon. These structures were often simple, with walls made of mud-brick or stone, and roofs constructed from thatch or wooden beams covered with clay.
Circular buildings served various purposes, including residential, storage, and religious functions. The design of a round-house could offer practical advantages, such as stability and efficient use of materials, which were important in the resource-scarce environments of the ancient world.
Cultural and Symbolic SignificanceIn biblical times, the design and structure of a dwelling could carry cultural and symbolic meanings. The circular shape, often associated with completeness and eternity, might have held particular significance in certain contexts. While the Bible does not directly attribute symbolic meanings to round-houses, the circular form is occasionally used in biblical literature to convey ideas of wholeness and divine perfection.
For example, the circular nature of the earth is implied in
Isaiah 40:22 : "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." This passage, while not directly referencing a round-house, uses the imagery of a circle to describe God's sovereignty and the vastness of His creation.
Biblical References to DwellingsWhile the Bible does not specifically mention round-houses, it does provide insights into the types of dwellings common in ancient Israel. Houses were typically modest, with a focus on functionality and community living. The Bible often uses the imagery of a house to convey spiritual truths and moral teachings.
For instance, in
Matthew 7:24-25 , Jesus uses the metaphor of a house built on a rock to illustrate the importance of a strong foundation in faith: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock."
ConclusionWhile the specific term "round-house" is not found in the Bible, understanding the architectural and cultural context of ancient dwellings can enrich our comprehension of biblical narratives and teachings. The Bible's use of house imagery serves as a powerful tool for conveying spiritual lessons and the enduring truths of faith.
Library
Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... His father recollected Joseph's trials in theround-house and the dungeon, and
remembered his royal dignity as prince of Egypt; and now, with a full burst of...
His Name --The Counsellor
... Joseph must be sold for a slave; he must be accused wrongfully, he must be put
into the pit, and in theround-house prison he must suffer....
God's Providence
... If Joseph had not been put in the pit, he never would have been the servant of Potiphar:
if he never had been put in theround-house, he never would have...
Thesaurus
Round-house (6 Occurrences)Round-
house. Rounded,
Round-
house. Roundings . Multi-Version
Concordance
Round-
house (6 Occurrences). Genesis 39:20
...Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:20 and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto theround-house,
a place where the king's prisoners 'are' bound; and he is there in theround...
Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:22 and the chief of theround-house giveth into the hand of Joseph all
the prisoners who 'are' in theround-house, and of all that they are doing...
Prisoner (87 Occurrences)
... ner (there are various Hebrew words which are rendered "prison" in the King James
Version, among them: 1. Hebrew Words: (1) cohar, "roundhouse," "fortress" (8...
Prison (131 Occurrences)
... ner (there are various Hebrew words which are rendered "prison" in the King James
Version, among them: 1. Hebrew Words: (1) cohar, "roundhouse," "fortress" (8...
Rounded (7 Occurrences)
Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:20 and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto theround-house,
a place where the king's prisoners 'are' bound; and he is there in theround...
Roundings (1 Occurrence)
Executioners (32 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 40:3 and giveth them in charge in the house of the chief of the
executioners, unto theround-house, the place where Joseph 'is' a prisoner, (YLT)...
Stretcheth (33 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:21 And Jehovah is with Joseph, and stretcheth out kindness unto him,
and putteth his grace in the eyes of the chief of theround-house; (YLT)....
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