Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the term "canopy" is often associated with protection, covering, and divine presence. The concept of a canopy appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing both physical and spiritual shelter.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Hebrew word often translated as "canopy" is "chuppah," which can denote a bridal chamber or a protective covering. In
Isaiah 4:5-6, the prophet speaks of a canopy as a symbol of God's protection over His people: "Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain" . Here, the canopy represents God's presence and His safeguarding of Jerusalem, reminiscent of the pillar of cloud and fire that guided the Israelites in the wilderness (
Exodus 13:21-22).
The imagery of a canopy is also present in the context of marriage. In ancient Jewish tradition, a chuppah is a wedding canopy under which a couple stands during their marriage ceremony, symbolizing the home they will build together. This tradition finds its roots in biblical times, reflecting the intimate and covenantal relationship between God and His people, often depicted as a marriage (
Hosea 2:19-20).
New Testament ImplicationsWhile the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "canopy," the concept of divine protection and covering is evident. In the person of Jesus Christ, believers find their ultimate refuge and shelter. The Apostle Paul writes in
Ephesians 1:13-14 about the Holy Spirit as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance, providing a spiritual covering and assurance of God's promises.
The imagery of a canopy can also be seen in the eschatological hope of the New Jerusalem, where God's presence will dwell with His people eternally.
Revelation 21:3 states, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This ultimate fulfillment of God's protective presence is akin to a divine canopy over His redeemed creation.
Symbolism and Theological SignificanceTheologically, the canopy serves as a powerful symbol of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It signifies His commitment to protect, guide, and dwell among them. The canopy is a reminder of the divine shelter provided to believers, both in their earthly journey and in the eternal promise of God's kingdom.
In a broader sense, the canopy reflects the overarching theme of God's sovereignty and care. Just as a physical canopy offers shade and protection, God's presence provides spiritual security and peace. This imagery encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to seek refuge under His divine covering, assured of His faithfulness and love.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
CanopyJudith 10:21; 13:9; 16:19. The canopy of Holofernes is the only one mentioned.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A covering fixed over a bed, dais, or the like, or carried on poles over an exalted personage or a sacred object, etc. chiefly as a mark of honor.
2. (n.) An ornamental projection, over a door, window, niche, etc.
3. (n.) Also, a rooflike covering, supported on pillars over an altar, a statue, a fountain, etc.
4. (v. t.) To cover with, or as with, a canopy.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CANOPYkan'-o-pi (chuppah, from a root meaning "to enclose" or "cover"):Isaiah 4:5 the King James Version has "defence," the English Revised Version "canopy," the American Standard Revised Version "covering," the last being best, though "canopy" has much in its favor. InPsalm 19:5 (Hebrew 19:6) chuppah is used of the bridegroom's chamber and inJoel 2:16 of the bride's. Among the Hebrews the chuppah was originally the chamber in which the bride awaited the groom for the marital union. In Judith 10:21; 13:9, 15; 16:19 the word canopy occurs as the English equivalent of the Greek konopeion, which was primarily a mosquito-net and then a canopy over a bed, whether for useful or for decorative purposes.
John Richard Sampey
Strong's Hebrew
8237. shaphrur -- perhaps splendor, pavilion,canopy... shaphrur or shaphrir. 8238 . perhaps splendor, pavilion,
canopy. Transliteration:
shaphrur or shaphrir Phonetic Spelling: (shaf-roor') Short Definition:
canopy...2646. chuppah -- acanopy, chamber
... acanopy, chamber. Transliteration: chuppah Phonetic Spelling: (khoop-paw') Short
Definition: chamber.... From chaphah; acanopy -- chamber, closet, defence....
6632. tsab -- a litter
... From an unused root meaning to establish; a palanquin orcanopy (as a fixture);
also a species of lizard (probably as clinging fast) -- covered, litter...
5521. sukkah -- a thicket, booth
... Word Origin from sakak Definition a thicket, booth NASB Word Usage booth (1), Booths
(9), booths (8), canopies (1),canopy (1), hut (1), lair (1), pavilion (1...
6210. eres -- a couch, divan
... bedstead, couch. From an unused root meaning perhaps to arch; a couch (properly,
with acanopy) -- bed(-stead), couch. 6209, 6210. eres. 6211 ....
Library
The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... of the person; the bottom thereof is of gold. Thecanopy on the top, is
a covering of purple. Since to lie on gold would be very...
The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
... away the filth of the daughters of Zion, it is added: "beyond all this glory there
shall be the Chuppah": ie, the marriage or bridalcanopy mentioned elsewhere...
The Dream of St. Ursula
... The bed is a broad four-poster, the posts being beautifully wrought golden or gilded
rods, variously wreathed and branched, carrying acanopy of warm red....
The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... He did not pitch thatcanopy, nor fix those lights, nor hang those curtains by whose
silent closing and withdrawing the light is heightened or dimmed....
All Mankind Guilty; Or, Every Man Knows More than He Practises.
... When Napoleon was returning from his campaign in Egypt and Syria, he was seated
one night upon the deck of the vessel, under the opencanopy of the heavens...
The Adventure of the Three Sons of Saint George.
... no houses or habitations were to be found; they rested, therefore, at night in the
woods or on the open downs, having only the starry firmament for theircanopy...
The Early Life of St. Joseph
... [Please refer to Figure 6.] I saw sculptures in this colonnade like the heads of
old men. On one side of the court was a fountain under a stonecanopy....
One of Paul's Prayers
... For, as Paul kneels on his prison floor, its dark roof becomes acanopy of light:
and its walls of iron become crystal till Paul sees the whole family in...
The Good Samaritan
... "Gives not the hawthorn bush a sweeter shade To shepherds, looking on their silly
sheep, Than doth a rich embroider'dcanopy To kings, that fear their...
There are Certain Moments in Life which Seem Weighted with the...
... On this occasion the Pope was enthroned in a kind of semi- state, on a gilded chair
covered with crimson velvet; and a richcanopy of the same material...
Thesaurus
Canopy (8 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) Also, a rooflike covering, supported on pillars over an altar, a statue,
a fountain, etc. 4. (vt) To cover with, or as with, a
canopy. Int.
...CANOPY.
...Vault (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An arched structure of masonry, forming a ceiling
orcanopy.... 3. (n.) Thecanopy of heaven; the sky. 4. (n.) A leap or bound....
Tester (5 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A headpiece; a helmet. 2. (n.) A flatcanopy, as over a pulpit or tomb.
3. (n.) Acanopy over a bed, supported by the bedposts....
Pavilion (11 Occurrences)
... A tent or tabernacle (2 Samuel 22:12; 1 Kings 20:12-16), or enclosure (Psalm
18:11; 27:5). In Jeremiah 43:10 it probably denotes thecanopy suspended over the...
State (51 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Appearance of grandeur or dignity; pomp. 5. (n.) A chair with acanopy above
it, often standing on a dais; a seat of dignity; also, thecanopy itself....
Glow (3 Occurrences)
... of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining
of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be acanopy....
Tilt (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The cloth covering of a cart or a wagon. 3. (n.) A cloth cover of a boat;
a smallcanopy or awning extended over the sternsheets of a boat....
Throne (181 Occurrences)
... (Hebrews kiss'e), a royal chair or seat of dignity (Deuteronomy 17:18; 2 Samuel
7:13; Psalm 45:6); an elevated seat with acanopy and hangings, which cover it....
Dais (3 Occurrences)
... the chief guests. 3. (n.) Acanopy over the seat of a person of dignity.
Multi-Version Concordance Dais (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings...
Bonnet (1 Occurrence)
... 6. (n.) A metalliccanopy, or projection, over an opening, as a fireplace,
or a cowl or hood to increase the draught of a chimney, etc....
Resources
What is the canopy theory? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the firmament in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the people in Genesis live such long lives? | GotQuestions.orgCanopy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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