Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terminology, the concept of "coupling" often refers to the joining or linking together of objects, people, or ideas. This term can be understood in various contexts within the Scriptures, including architectural, relational, and symbolic dimensions.
Architectural ContextIn the construction of the Tabernacle, the term "coupling" is used to describe the method by which different parts of the structure were joined together. In
Exodus 26:6, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle will be a unit." Here, the coupling of the curtains with gold clasps signifies the unity and completeness of the sacred space, emphasizing the importance of cohesion in the dwelling place of God among His people.
Similarly, in the construction of Solomon's Temple, the concept of coupling is evident. The precise joining of materials and the intricate design reflect the divine order and beauty intended for the house of worship. The coupling of beams, stones, and other materials symbolizes the harmony and strength required in the service of God.
Relational ContextIn a relational sense, coupling can refer to the union between individuals, particularly in the context of marriage.
Genesis 2:24 states, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This verse highlights the divine institution of marriage as a sacred coupling, where two individuals are joined together to form a unified and inseparable bond. The marital union is a reflection of God's covenant relationship with His people, characterized by love, fidelity, and mutual support.
The New Testament further elaborates on this concept in
Ephesians 5:31-32 , where the apostle Paul writes, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." Here, the coupling of husband and wife serves as a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and the Church, illustrating the depth of commitment and unity expected in both relationships.
Symbolic ContextSymbolically, coupling can represent the joining of spiritual truths or the alignment of one's life with God's will. In
2 Corinthians 6:14 , Paul warns believers, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" This admonition against unequal coupling underscores the importance of spiritual harmony and the dangers of aligning oneself with opposing values or beliefs.
The concept of coupling also appears in the prophetic literature, where it can signify the union of disparate elements to achieve God's purposes. For example, in
Ezekiel 37:17 , the prophet is instructed to join two sticks together as a sign of the reunification of Israel and Judah: "Then join them together into one stick, so that they become one in your hand." This act of coupling symbolizes the restoration and unity of God's people under His sovereign plan.
In summary, the biblical concept of coupling encompasses a range of meanings, from the physical joining of materials in sacred architecture to the spiritual and relational unions that reflect God's design for His creation. Through these various contexts, coupling serves as a powerful symbol of unity, strength, and divine purpose.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Couple.
2. (n.) The act of bringing or coming together; connection; sexual union.
3. (n.) A device or contrivance which serves to couple or connect adjacent parts or objects; as, a belt coupling, which connects the ends of a belt; a car coupling, which connects the cars in a train; a shaft coupling, which connects the ends of shafts.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
COUPLINGkup'ling: Is the FV rendering of machbereth. This Hebrew word means joining, or the place where one thing is joined to another, as of the curtains of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:4, 5), and of the different parts of the ephod (Exodus 28:27;Exodus 39:20).
It is also the English Versions of the Bible rendering of mechabberoth, and this refers more to the thing that joins the two objects, as beams of wood (2 Chronicles 34:11), or hooks of iron (1 Chronicles 22:3).
Greek
2218. zugos -- a yoke... From the root of zeugnumi (to join, especially by a "yoke"); a
coupling, ie
(figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the
...Strong's Hebrew
4226. mechabberah -- a binder, clamp, joint...coupling, joining. From chabar; a joiner, ie Brace or cramp --
coupling, joining.
see HEBREW chabar. 4225, 4226. mechabberah. 4227 . Strong's Numbers.
4225. machbereth -- something joined, place of joining
...coupling. From chabar; a junction, ie Seam or sewed piece --coupling. see HEBREW
chabar. 4224b, 4225. machbereth. 4226 . Strong's Numbers.
2279. chobereth -- a thing that joins or is joined
... which couples,coupling. Feminine active participle of chabar; a joint -- which
coupleth,coupling. see HEBREW chabar. 2278, 2279. chobereth. 2280 ....
Library
The Deity of the Holy Spirit.
... the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Who, that had grasped the Bible
conception of God the Father, would think for a moment ofcoupling the name...
General Service to a Nun-Martyr.
... after her demise she hath flown unto heavens, carrying on her head a crown, and
calling out: Unto Thee, O my Bridegroom, I desire, andcoupling love with the...
The Profane Account Given of the Origin of Christ and the Holy...
... I should suppose thecoupling of two males to be a very shameful thing, or else
the one [6736] must be a female, and so the male is discredited [6737] by the...
A Stubborn Foe Routed.
... They had not realized where the real victory is won. They had used the word of
command to the demon, doubtlesscoupling Jesus' name with it....
The Purifying Influence of Hope
... So John, here: 'We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.' 'And'"a simple
coupling-iron for two such thoughts"'every man that hath this hope in...
The Genesis Picture.
... care of the Hebrews Paul says, "as a nursing-father bore he them in the
wilderness."[1] That word "nursing-father" is peculiar incoupling the distinctive...
The Overturning which is visible on Every Hand.
... And I will shake all nations, and the Desire of all nations shall come." Note carefully
thecoupling of these two things together"the coming of the Desire of...
The Epistles of the Captivity.
... for righteousness' sake (Matt.5:10), and "the peace of God which passeth all
understanding" (Phil.4:7). He often refers to his bonds, and thecoupling chain...
A Difficulty Removed, which Lies in the Way of what Has Just Been...
... purpose,coupling both these, to wit, what was in our memory though we were not
thinking about it, and what is formed thence by conception....
He Then Clearly and Skilfully Criticises the Doctrine of the...
... did not suppose himself to be seen, he tacks on, as if corresponding to what he
has said, things that have nothing in common with them,coupling "the operation...
Thesaurus
Coupling (8 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A device or contrivance which serves to couple or connect adjacent parts
or objects; as, a belt
coupling, which connects the ends of a belt; a car
...Loops (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the
edge in thecoupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain...
Outmost (7 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the
edge in thecoupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain...
Outermost (10 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain at
the end of thecoupling; and likewise shalt thou make them in the edge of the...
Curtain (60 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the
edge in thecoupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain...
Uttermost (48 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from
the selvedge in thecoupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost...
Edge (150 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the
edge in thecoupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain...
Fifty (131 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty
loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the secondcoupling....
Selvedge (2 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from
the selvedge in thecoupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost...
Material (61 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the
edge in thecoupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain...
Resources
What is the relationship between grace and truth? | GotQuestions.orgCoupling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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