Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "couches" refers to various types of furniture used for reclining, resting, or dining. The concept of a couch in the Bible is often associated with comfort, rest, and sometimes indulgence. The Hebrew and Greek terms translated as "couch" can also refer to beds or reclining places, indicating their multifunctional use in ancient households.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, couches are mentioned in several contexts, often highlighting the lifestyle and customs of the people. For instance, in
Amos 6:4 , the prophet Amos criticizes the complacency and indulgence of the Israelites, saying, "You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves." Here, couches symbolize luxury and excess, reflecting the moral and spiritual decline of the people.
The Song of Solomon also makes mention of couches in a more intimate and personal setting. In
Song of Solomon 1:16 , the beloved says, "How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! Our bed is verdant." The term "bed" here can be understood as a couch or a place of rest, symbolizing the beauty and intimacy of the marital relationship.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, couches are often associated with dining practices. During the time of Jesus, it was customary to recline on couches while eating, a practice that is evident in several Gospel accounts. For example, in
Mark 2:15 , it is recorded, "While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him." The act of reclining on couches during meals was a sign of fellowship and acceptance, illustrating Jesus' willingness to associate with all people, regardless of their social status.
Additionally, in the parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus uses the imagery of couches to convey the inclusivity of God's kingdom. In
Luke 14:10 , He advises, "But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests." Here, couches serve as a metaphor for humility and the reversal of social expectations in the kingdom of God.
Cultural and Symbolic SignificanceCouches in biblical times were not merely functional pieces of furniture but also carried cultural and symbolic significance. They were often associated with social status and hospitality. The presence of couches in a home indicated a level of wealth and the ability to host guests comfortably. In some instances, couches were adorned with luxurious materials, such as ivory or fine fabrics, reflecting the owner's prosperity.
Symbolically, couches can represent rest and relaxation, as well as the spiritual state of an individual or community. In prophetic literature, the imagery of couches is sometimes used to critique complacency and moral laxity, as seen in the writings of Amos. Conversely, in the context of Jesus' ministry, couches become a symbol of inclusivity and the breaking down of social barriers.
Overall, the concept of couches in the Bible provides insight into the daily life, social customs, and spiritual teachings of the biblical world. Through various references, couches illustrate themes of hospitality, humility, and the call to live a life aligned with God's values.
Greek
755. architriklinos -- the superintendent of a banquet... Word Origin from archo and triklinos (a dining room with three
couches) Definition
the superintendent of a banquet NASB Word Usage headwaiter (3).
...Strong's Hebrew
3766. kara -- to bow down... root Definition to bow down NASB Word Usage bow (3), bow down (2), bowed (4), bowed
down (9), bring him low (1), brought me very low (1),
couches (2), crouch (1
...4296. mittah -- a couch, bed
... Word Origin from natah Definition a couch, bed NASB Word Usage bed (21), bedroom*
(2), beds (1), bier (1), couch (3),couches (1). bedchamber, bier....
6210. eres -- a couch, divan
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a couch, divan NASB Word Usage bed (1),
bed* (1), bedstead (2), couch (4),couches (1), sickbed* (1)....
Library
Your Gods, it is Recorded, Dine on CelestialCouches...
... Book IV. 33 Your gods, it is recorded, dine on celestialcouches? Your
gods, it is recorded, dine on celestialcouches, and in...
On Sleep.
... worked with gold, and long fine robes of purple, and costly fleecy cloaks, and
manufactured rugs of purple, and mantles of thick pile, andcouches softer than...
And Then the Future Captivity under an Oppressive King is...
... come near to the seat of oppression." Then are subjoined the evils of luxury: "ye
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves uponcouches; that eat...
And all the Methods I have Mentioned are Constantly Used by Nearly...
... come near to the seat of oppression." Then are subjoined the evils of luxury: "ye
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves uponcouches; that eat...
On Costly Vessels.
... And silvercouches, and pans and vinegar-saucers, and trenchers and bowls; and besides
these, vessels of silver and gold, some for serving food, and others for...
This is the Reason, Then, Why Christians are Counted Public...
... It is, forsooth, a notable homage to bring fires andcouches out before the public,
to have feasting from street to street, to turn the city into one great...
A Glance at the Disciples of Jesus on Holy Saturday.
... compartments spoken of above: they fastened long veils over their heads, seated
themselves sorrowfully on the floor, and leaned upon thecouches which were...
Mary of Magdala.
... court. Beyond the court was a banqueting room withcouches on which guests
sat leaning upon the tables in the Eastern fashion. There...
And Yet, O Ye who Laugh Because we Worship one who Died an...
... in pieces by the hands of a hundred senators, do you not call Quirinus Martius,
and do you not honour him with priests and with gorgeouscouches, [3317] and do...
How Constantine Entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of his...
... fear into the innermost of the imperial apartments, in which some were the emperor's
own companions at table, while others reclined oncouches arranged on...
Thesaurus
Couches (15 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Couches (15 Occurrences). Matthew 23:6 they love also
the chief
couches in the supper, and the chief seats in the synagogues, (YLT).
...Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. Thecouches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water....
Meals (8 Occurrences)
... in the time of our Lord, and perhaps even from the days of Amos (6:4, 7), the foreign
custom had been largely introduced of having broadcouches, forming three...
Baptist (16 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. Thecouches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water....
Beds (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them
on beds andcouches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might...
Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon theircouches, and eat...
Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon theircouches, and eat...
Bed (142 Occurrences)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon theircouches, and eat...
Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... VIII. Furniture, Pottery and Embroidery. The furniture even of the palace was scanty,
consisting mainly ofcouches, chairs, stools, tables, rugs and curtains....
Yellow (6 Occurrences)
... marble pillars. Thecouches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red,
white, yellow, and black marble. (WEB ASV BBE). Psalms...
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