Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, measurements of length are frequently mentioned, reflecting the ancient systems used by the Israelites and surrounding cultures. These measurements are often used in the context of construction, land division, and ritual practices. Understanding these units provides insight into the historical and cultural context of biblical narratives.
CubitThe cubit is one of the most frequently mentioned units of length in the Bible. It is generally understood as the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The cubit was used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and Solomon's Temple. For example, in the construction of Noah's Ark, God instructed Noah, "This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high" (
Genesis 6:15).
SpanA span is another unit of measurement, equivalent to the distance between the thumb and little finger when the hand is fully extended, approximately 9 inches or 23 centimeters. The span is used in descriptions of the size of Goliath's spear: "The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went before him" (
1 Samuel 17:7).
HandbreadthThe handbreadth is a smaller unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the width of four fingers, about 3 inches or 7.5 centimeters. It is used in the description of the altar in the Temple: "The altar hearth is four cubits high, and four horns project upward from the hearth. The altar hearth is square, twelve cubits long and twelve cubits wide" (
Ezekiel 43:15-16).
ReedThe reed is a larger unit of measurement, often used in the context of measuring land or large structures. It is typically considered to be about 6 cubits, or approximately 10 feet (3 meters). In Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple, the measuring reed is used: "In his hand was a measuring rod six cubits long, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth" (
Ezekiel 40:5).
FurlongThe furlong, or "stadion" in Greek, is a unit of length used in the New Testament, particularly in the context of distances. It is approximately 600 feet or 185 meters. In the Gospel of John, the distance from the shore to the disciples' boat is described: "When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea" (
John 6:19).
MileThe Roman mile, mentioned in the New Testament, is approximately 1,000 paces or about 4,800 feet (1,480 meters). Jesus refers to this measurement in His teaching on going the extra mile: "If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles" (
Matthew 5:41).
These measurements, while varying slightly in exact length due to cultural and historical differences, provide a framework for understanding the scale and scope of biblical events and structures. They reflect the practical aspects of daily life and the divine instructions given to God's people throughout the biblical narrative.
Library
Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva...
... own actions; for those that were partners with them in their rebellion joined also
with them in the war against the Romans, and went furtherlengths with them...
Heroic Faith
... about using means as well as exercising faith, and not being called upon to abandon
advantages, and not pushing a good principle to Quixoticlengths, and so on...
Ill-Temper
... Finally it vanishes into space, leavinglengths of itself unexplored, its sins unnamed,
unheeded, and unshunned. But we have no balance to weigh sins....
Difficulties and Objections
... To some of our readers it may appear that in pressing the Sovereignty of
God to thelengths we have man is reduced to a mere puppet....
Man.
... The soul is an intelligent power, and it can be made to know and understand depths
and heights andlengths and breadths, in those high, sublime, and spiritual...
The Accession of Darius.
... Otanes referred very particularly to the case of Cambyses as an example of the extreme
lengths to which the despotic insolence and cruelty of a tyrant could go...
The Time of the Evening.
... We have before proven that a day in Scripture is used to represent differentlengths
of time, sometimes the whole of the Christian era, sometimes a thousand...
The Gods of the Different Nations Varro's Gentile Class. Their...
... To whatlengths this licence of adopting gods has been pushed, the superstitious
practices of the Egyptians show us; for they worship even their native [911...
The Demons Shall be Punished More Severely than Men.
... For, as the inhuman robber is wont to overpower those like himself by daring; so
the demons, going to greatlengths in wickedness, have utterly deceived the...
The Condescension of Christ
... thyself from me? For if thou dost so, thou knowest not my love in all its
heights and depths andlengths and breadths.". And now, dear...
Thesaurus
Lengths (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Lengths (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 8:2 He struck
Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie
...Lengthens (1 Occurrence)
Lengthwise (1 Occurrence)
Weights (14 Occurrences)
... CUBIT). They seem to have employed, however, two cubits, of differentlengths,
one for commercial purposes and one for building....
Exorcism
... and Assyria, 146). In this direction the absurdities and cruelties of
superstition have carried men to extremelengths. In the case...
Exorcist (1 Occurrence)
... and Assyria, 146). In this direction the absurdities and cruelties of
superstition have carried men to extremelengths. In the case...
Measures (50 Occurrences)
... CUBIT). They seem to have employed, however, two cubits, of differentlengths,
one for commercial purposes and one for building....
Pattern (28 Occurrences)
... a house calls the builder and says he wants to build so many rooms of such and such
dimensions with, for example, a court 10 drahs (arm'slengths) wide and 15...
Bond (32 Occurrences)
... where one course consists of bricks with their ends toward the face of the wall,
called headers, and the next course of bricks with theirlengths parallel to...
Chapter
... The New Testament books were also divided into portions of variouslengths
under different names, such as titles and heads or chapters....
Resources
How does the translation process impact the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is the idea of eternal damnation so repulsive to many people? | GotQuestions.orgWhy do so many people seek after signs and wonders? | GotQuestions.orgLengths: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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