Topical Encyclopedia
The term "curved" in the context of the Bible often relates to objects or descriptions that are bent or arched in shape. While the word itself may not frequently appear in English translations, the concept is present in various forms throughout the Scriptures, often symbolizing strength, protection, or deviation from the straight path.
Symbolism and Usage1.
Bows and Weapons: One of the most prominent uses of curved objects in the Bible is the bow, a weapon of war and hunting. The bow's curved shape is essential for its function, symbolizing strength and readiness for battle. In
2 Samuel 22:35, David praises God, saying, "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze." Here, the bow represents divine empowerment and skill in warfare.
2.
Architectural Elements: Curved structures, such as arches or rounded corners, are occasionally implied in descriptions of ancient architecture. While specific references to curved architecture are rare, the design of certain elements like the cherubim's wings in the Tabernacle or Temple may suggest a curved form, symbolizing protection and the divine presence.
3.
Metaphorical Use: The concept of being "curved" or "bent" can also metaphorically describe moral or spiritual deviation. In
Isaiah 30:11, the people are admonished to "turn aside from the path; stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!" This turning aside can be seen as a metaphorical bending away from God's righteous path.
4.
Natural Imagery: Curved shapes in nature, such as the arc of a rainbow, are significant in biblical narratives. The rainbow, described in
Genesis 9:13 as a sign of God's covenant with Noah, is a curved symbol of divine promise and mercy. Its appearance after the flood serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the assurance of no future deluge to destroy the earth.
5.
Human Anatomy: The curvature of the human body is occasionally referenced in poetic and descriptive passages. In
Song of Solomon 7:1, the beauty of the beloved is extolled with imagery that may imply graceful curves, celebrating the artistry of God's creation in human form.
Theological ImplicationsThe use of curved imagery in the Bible often carries deeper theological meanings. Curved objects like bows and rainbows symbolize God's power, protection, and promises. Conversely, the metaphorical use of being bent or curved away from the path of righteousness serves as a warning against moral and spiritual deviation. These images remind believers of the importance of aligning with God's will and the assurance of His covenantal faithfulness.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Curve.
Greek
4646. skolios --curved, winding, hence crooked...curved, winding, hence crooked. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: skolios
Phonetic Spelling: (skol-ee-os') Short Definition: crooked, perverse, unfair
...43. agkale -- the bent arm
... 1). arm. From agkos (a bend, "ache"); an arm (ascurved) -- arm. (ankalas) --
1 Occurrence. 42, 43. agkale. 44 . Strong's Numbers.
Strong's Hebrew
8388a. taar -- probably to incline... probably to incline. Transliteration: taar Short Definition:
curved.
... root Definition
probably to incline NASB Word Usage
curved (3), extended (2), stretches (1).
...6763. tsela -- rib, side
... Or (feminine) tsaltah {tsal-aw'}; from tsala'; a rib (ascurved), literally (of
the body) or figuratively (of a door, ie Leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a...
7782. shophar -- a horn (for blowing)
... cornet, trumpet. Or shophar {sho-far'}; from shaphar in the original sense of incising;
a cornet (as giving a clear sound) orcurved horn -- cornet, trumpet....
Library
The Manich??ans are Reduced to the Choice of a Tortuous, orCurved...
... Fundamental. Chapter 26. "The Manich??ans are Reduced to the Choice of
a Tortuous, orCurved, or Straight Line of Junction. The...
Heraclitus' Estimate of Hesiod; Paradoxes of Heraclitus; his...
... "The way is straight andcurved of the carders of wool;" [979] and the circular
movement of an instrument in the fuller's shop called "a screw" is straight and...
This Function of the Word Described at Length.
... that by one and the same act of will He moves all things simultaneously, and not
at intervals, but all collectively, both straight andcurved, things above and...
Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History...
... Tall and erect, with curly blond locks and blue eyes and lips delicatelycurved,
there was in that hall no ancestral mask or statue so nobly favored....
The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... Their weapons consisted of pikes about five feet long, with broad bronze or copper
points, occasionally of flails, axes, daggers, shortcurved swords, and...
Andromeda
... softly their laughter; around them the wantoning dolphins Sighed as they plunged,
full of love; and the great sea-horses which bore themCurved up their crests...
The Boy Hugh
... Her lovely hair that vied with gold was partly veiled and partly strayed around
her ivory neck. Her little ear, acurved shell, bore up the golden mesh....
The Paradoxes of Christianity
... the last moment. From the grand curve of our earth it could easily be inferred
that every inch of it was thuscurved. It would seem...
On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... Were the thin soil which covers it all washed away, acurved band of white chalk,
here broader, and there narrower, might be followed diagonally across England...
All the Bells were Ringing the Angelus. ...
... the Second, husband to Catherine de Medicis and lover of the brilliant Diane de
Poitiers,"and one broad beam fell purpling aslant into thecurved and fretted...
Thesaurus
Curved (10 Occurrences)...Curved (10 Occurrences).
... (BBE). Revelation 14:17 And another angel came out from
the house of God which is in heaven, having a sharp
curved blade. (BBE).
...Blade (23 Occurrences)
... 14:14 And I saw a white cloud, and on the cloud I saw one seated, like a son of
man, having on his head a crown of gold, and in his hand a sharpcurved blade....
Tie (18 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A line, usually straight, drawn across the stems of notes, or acurved line
written over or under the notes, signifying that they are to be slurred, or...
Brace (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A verticalcurved line connecting two or more words or lines, which are
to be taken together; thus, boll, bowl; or, in music, used to connect staves....
Curve (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Bent without angles; crooked;curved; as,
a curve line; a curve surface. 2. (n.) A bending without...
Arch (24 Occurrences)
... (see TYROPOEON VALLEY.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Any part of
acurved line. 2. (n.) Usually acurved member made up of...
Horn (108 Occurrences)
... (n.) Acurved projection on the fore part of a plane.... (n.) One of thecurved ends
of a crescent; esp., an extremity or cusp of the moon when crescent-shaped....
Hill (217 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary. (1.) Hebrews gib'eah, acurved or rounded hill, such
as are common to Palestine (Psalm 65:12; 72:3; 114:4, 6)....
Yoke (79 Occurrences)
... might draw the plough, etc. (Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3). It was a
curved piece of wood called 'ol. (2.) In Jeremiah 27:2; 28...
Knife (10 Occurrences)
... sharpening pens. The pruning-knives mentioned in Isaiah 18:5 (Hebrews mizmaroth)
were probablycurved knives. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1...
Resources
Is it important to know Greek and Hebrew when studying the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho/what is Krampus and what does it have to do with Christmas? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus? | GotQuestions.orgCurved: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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Bible Encyclopedia •
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