Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "circumference" is not directly mentioned; however, it is related to the concept of measurement and geometry, which appear in various passages. The most notable reference to a circular measurement is found in the description of Solomon's Temple, specifically the construction of the bronze basin, also known as the "Sea."
Biblical Reference:1.
1 Kings 7:23 : "He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim and five cubits high. It took a line of thirty cubits to measure around it."
This passage describes the dimensions of the Sea, a large basin used for ceremonial washing in the Temple. The measurement given, "a line of thirty cubits to measure around it," implies a circumference, which is the distance around a circular object. The description of the Sea's dimensions has been a topic of discussion among scholars, particularly regarding the mathematical relationship between the diameter and circumference, known as pi (π). The biblical text provides a simplified approximation, which was common in ancient times.
Historical and Cultural Context:In ancient Israel, as in other ancient cultures, precise mathematical calculations were not as developed as they are today. The use of whole numbers and approximations was typical in architectural and construction practices. The description of the Sea's dimensions reflects this practical approach to measurement.
The Sea itself was an important fixture in the Temple, symbolizing purity and the cleansing necessary for the priests to perform their duties. Its construction from cast metal and its impressive size underscore the grandeur and significance of Solomon's Temple as a place of worship and divine presence.
Theological Implications:The use of circular measurements in the construction of the Temple's furnishings can be seen as a reflection of the order and harmony inherent in God's creation. The circle, with its endless line, can symbolize eternity and perfection, attributes often associated with the divine nature of God.
While the Bible does not delve into mathematical theories, the inclusion of such measurements highlights the integration of practical craftsmanship and divine instruction in the building of sacred spaces. The Temple, as a dwelling place for God's presence, was constructed with both spiritual and physical precision, demonstrating the importance of both aspects in the worship of God.
Related Concepts:·
Geometry in the Bible: Other instances of geometric and architectural descriptions can be found in the construction of Noah's Ark (
Genesis 6:14-16) and the dimensions of the New Jerusalem (
Revelation 21:15-17).
·
Symbolism of the Circle: In biblical symbolism, the circle can represent completeness, unity, and the infinite nature of God, as seen in various theological interpretations.
The concept of circumference, while not explicitly named, plays a role in understanding the biblical text's approach to measurement and the symbolic significance of circular forms in the context of worship and divine order.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The boundary that goes encompasses a circular figure; a periphery.
2. (n.) A circle; anything circular.
3. (n.) The external surface of a sphere, or of any orbicular body.
4. (v. t.) To include in a circular space; to bound.
Greek
4042. perioche --circumference, a portion circumscribed...circumference, a portion circumscribed. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
perioche Phonetic Spelling: (per-ee-okh-ay') Short Definition: a passage
...Strong's Hebrew
5437. sabab -- to turn about, go around, surround... around (2), brought about (1), change (1), changed (5), circle around (2), circled
(2), circled around (1), circling (1), circuit (1),
circumference* (3), come
...6961a. qaveh -- a line
... a line. Transliteration: qaveh Short Definition:circumference. Word Origin from
qavah Definition a line NASB Word Usagecircumference* (1). 6961, 6961a....
5439. sabib -- circuit, round about
... around about (1), all sides (3), all* (2), altogether* (1), around (114), around
about (1), around* (1), circular courses (1),circumference* (2), completely (1...
2339. chut -- thread, cord, line
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition thread, cord, line NASB Word Usage
circumference* (1), cord (1), line (1), thread (4). cord, fillet, line, thread....
6957b. qav -- a line
... a line. Transliteration: qav Short Definition: line. Word Origin from qavah Definition
a line NASB Word Usagecircumference* (1), line (16), measuring line (3)....
Library
The Doctrine of Mathematicians not Wholly to be Despised, when...
... For they say that thecircumference of the world is likened to the turnings
of a well-rounded globe, the earth having a central point....
Explanation of Ungenerate,' and a Study' of Eternity.
... Those who draw a circular figure in plane geometry from a centre to the distance
of the line ofcircumference tell us there is no definite beginning to their...
That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian...
... to the top of Mount Tabor, whether we estimate it by winding and gradual, or by
the perpendicular altitude, and of twenty-six furlongs'circumference upon the...
The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's...
... We speak of infernal and supernal, because we are bounded by the definitecircumference
of the body, and are confined within the limits of the region...
The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... name. The city proper or citadel is about one mile incircumference.... extensive.
Itscircumference, I suppose, is about six miles....
The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... The beginning of thecircumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose,
was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which...
A Description of the Roman Armies and Roman Camps and of Other...
... 2. As for what is within the camp, it is set apart for tents, but the outward
circumference hath the resemblance to a wall, and is adorned with towers at equal...
But Since the Human Being is a Twofold Creature...
... the contour of its full bulk unless there entered in at the top something else to
fill up the vacuum; and thus a person, seeing thecircumference of this...
Explanatory Notes to the American Edition
... However, while until Christ it proceeded fromcircumference to center, after Christ
it proceeds in ever-widening circles from center tocircumference....
"All Thing that is Done, it is Well Done: for Our Lord God Doeth...
... And this is when it contains a point which is equally distant from every part of
itscircumference" In the Vita Nuova Love appearing, says -- "I am as the...
Thesaurus
Circumference (4 Occurrences)... orbicular body. 4. (vt) To include in a circular space; to bound.
Multi-Version Concordance
Circumference (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings
...Girdle (44 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That which girds, encircles, or encloses; acircumference; a belt; esp.,
a belt, sash, or article of dress encircling the body usually at the waist; a...
Round (664 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Having every portion of the surface or of thecircumference equally distant
from the center; spherical; circular; having a form approaching a spherical...
Circle (32 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A plane figure, bounded by a single curve line called itscircumference,
every part of which is equally distant from a point within it, called the...
Achmetha (1 Occurrence)
... in his time, he can hardly find words to express his admiration for it, especially
for the magnificent royal palace, nearly 7 stadia incircumference, built of...
Zion (169 Occurrences)
... excavation that the great walls of Gezer, which must have been contemporaneous with
the Jebusite Jerusalem, measured approximately 4,500 feet incircumference....
Circuit (27 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Thecircumference of, or distance round, any space; the measure of a line
round an area. 3. (n.) That which encircles anything, as a ring or crown....
Jachin (8 Occurrences)
... Each was eighteen cubits high and twelve incircumference (Jeremiah 52:21, 23;
1 Kings 7:17-21). They had doubtless a symbolical import. Int....
Function (4 Occurrences)
... former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the
circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If...
Fillets (11 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 52:21 the rendering of a different word, hut, meaning a "thread," and
designating a measuring-line of 12 cubits in length for thecircumference of the...
Resources
Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are Jachin and Boaz? | GotQuestions.orgCircumference: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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