Topical Encyclopedia
Columns, also referred to as pillars, are significant architectural and symbolic elements found throughout the Bible. They serve both practical and spiritual purposes, often representing strength, stability, and the presence of God. In biblical times, columns were integral to the construction of temples, palaces, and other important structures.
Architectural SignificanceColumns were a common feature in ancient Near Eastern architecture, including Israelite structures. They provided essential support for buildings, allowing for larger and more open spaces. The most notable biblical example of columns is found in the construction of Solomon's Temple. According to
1 Kings 7:15-22, Solomon erected two bronze columns at the entrance of the temple, named Jachin and Boaz. These columns were not only functional but also richly adorned, symbolizing the strength and permanence of God's dwelling place among His people.
Symbolic MeaningColumns in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent God's steadfastness and faithfulness. For instance, in
Genesis 28:18-22, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven. This pillar serves as a memorial of God's promise to him and a symbol of divine presence.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of columns to describe the church and its leaders. In
Galatians 2:9, he refers to James, Cephas (Peter), and John as "pillars" of the church, indicating their foundational role in upholding the truth of the Gospel.
Divine Encounters and CovenantsColumns also appear in contexts of divine encounters and covenants. In
Exodus 13:21-22, God leads the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, signifying His guidance and protection. This imagery underscores God's constant presence with His people.
Furthermore, in the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai, Moses builds an altar and sets up twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel (
Exodus 24:4). These pillars serve as a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people.
Judgment and JusticeColumns can also symbolize judgment and justice. In
Judges 16:25-30, Samson, a judge of Israel, brings down the Philistine temple by pushing against its supporting pillars, resulting in the destruction of the temple and the death of many Philistines. This act of judgment demonstrates God's power to deliver His people from oppression.
Heavenly ImageryIn the book of Revelation, columns appear in the context of heavenly imagery.
Revelation 3:12 promises that the one who overcomes will be made a pillar in the temple of God, signifying eternal stability and honor in God's presence. This promise reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the believer's secure place in His kingdom.
ConclusionColumns in the Bible are rich in both architectural and symbolic significance. They illustrate God's strength, faithfulness, and presence, serving as reminders of His covenant promises and His role as the foundation of truth and justice. Through the imagery of columns, Scripture communicates profound theological truths about God's relationship with His people and His eternal purposes.
Strong's Hebrew
8490. timarah -- (palm-like) column... 8489, 8490. timarah. 8491 . (palm-like) column. Transliteration: timarah
Phonetic Spelling: (tee-maw-raw') Short Definition:
columns.
...5982. ammud -- a pillar, column
... Word Origin from amad Definition a pillar, column NASB Word Usage column (1),columns
(2), pillar (29), pillars (77), posts (1). apiece, pillar....
1817. deleth -- a door
... Word Origin from dalah Definition a door NASB Word Usagecolumns (1), door (21),
door and leaves (1), doors (45), doors had leaves (1), gates (11), gateway (1...
Library
The Church of Notre Dame De Lorette in Paris with Its Yellow...
... XIII. The Church of Notre Dame de Lorette in Paris with its yellow stucco
columns? The Church of Notre Dame de Lorette in Paris...
That the Building Should Surpass all the Churches in the World in...
... Book III. Chapter XXXI."That the Building should surpass all the Churches in
the World in the Beauty of its Walls, itsColumns, and Marbles....
Description of the Hemisphere, the TwelveColumns, and their Bowls...
... Book III. Chapter XXXVIII."Description of the Hemisphere, the TwelveColumns,
and their Bowls. Opposite these gates the crowning...
Chapter four
... Norman laid this letter down thoughtfully, and then after a moment he took up
a copy of his paper and looked through the advertisingcolumns....
What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... The shafts of thecolumns, and the pilasters of the peristyle, barked by time,
seem as scaly and full of sap as the trunks of palm-trees....
Of Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea, and the Idols' Temples Destroyed...
... rested. [893] Thecolumns were of great bulk, commensurate with the temple,
each being sixteen cubits in circumference. The quality...
How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ.
... When the external walls were completed, machines were brought to raise
up thecolumns, and fix them upon their pedestals. It is...
I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... Certain inscribed stone tablets, capitals and shafts ofcolumns, a stone with an
inscription which belonged to a Catholic church"that is all which has been...
Description of Pilate's Palace and the Adjacent Buildings.
... From the top of the marble steps of Pilate's palace, a person could see across the
court as far as the forum, at the entrance of which a fewcolumns and stone...
List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings...
... in all works where the page and column (col.) are mentioned) the quotation is often -
in these volumes, mostly - made by page and column (twocolumns being on...
Thesaurus
Columns (17 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Columns (17 Occurrences).
... 2 Kings 10:26 and brought forth
the
columns out of the house of Baal, and burned them; (DBY).
...Corner-columns (1 Occurrence)
Corner-columns. Corner, Corner-columns. Corner-gate . Multi-Version
Concordance Corner-columns (1 Occurrence). Psalms...
Asherahs (23 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Kings 14:23 And they also built for themselves high places, andcolumns,
and Asherahs on every high hill and under every green tree; (DBY)....
Shushan (19 Occurrences)
... 8:2). The great hall of this palace (Esther 1) "consisted of several magnificent
groups ofcolumns, together with a frontage of 343 feet 9 inches, and a depth...
Code (6 Occurrences)
... This stone had a relief (see below) and 44columns of ancient Babylonian cuneiform
writing graven upon it.... The reverse side contains 28columns of text....
Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... They are usually written in twocolumns to the page, one being the Targum or
interpretation and this is sometimes in Aramaic and sometimes in Arabic....
Asherah (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 14:23 And they also built for themselves high places, andcolumns, and Asherahs
on every high hill and under every green tree; (Root in DBY NIV)....
Hammurabi
... This stone had a relief (see below) and 44columns of ancient Babylonian cuneiform
writing graven upon it.... The reverse side contains 28columns of text....
Text (5 Occurrences)
... The marks of many correctors are found in the text. It is written on 147 1/2 leaves
of very thin vellum in four narrowcolumns of 48 lines each....
Leaf (20 Occurrences)
... (2) To a book (deleth), Jeremiah 36:23 (margin "columns"; see 36:2); as the parchment
was gradually unfolded the successivecolumns could be read....
Resources
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