Topical Encyclopedia
In the Bible, shapes are often used symbolically and are integral to the descriptions of various objects, structures, and visions. While the Bible does not explicitly focus on geometric shapes as a primary subject, their presence is significant in conveying deeper spiritual truths and divine instructions.
CircleThe circle is a shape that appears in the Bible, often symbolizing eternity and the divine nature of God. In
Isaiah 40:22 , it is written, "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." This verse highlights God's sovereignty and the encompassing nature of His creation.
SquareThe square is another shape that holds symbolic meaning, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the New Jerusalem. In the construction of the Tabernacle, the altar of burnt offering was square, as described in
Exodus 27:1 : "You are to construct the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar is to be square, and three cubits high." The square shape here signifies stability and perfection in the worship of God.
In
Revelation 21:16 , the New Jerusalem is described as having a square shape: "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with the rod: 12,000 stadia in length and width and height are equal." This perfect square represents the completeness and perfection of God's eternal kingdom.
TriangleWhile the triangle is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its symbolic representation can be inferred through the concept of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three distinct persons yet one God, often symbolized by a triangle to represent unity and equality within the Godhead.
RectangleRectangular shapes are seen in the dimensions of various sacred objects and structures. For instance, the Ark of the Covenant was a rectangular box, as described in
Exodus 25:10 : "They are to construct an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high." The rectangle here signifies the covenantal relationship between God and His people, providing a tangible representation of His promises.
OvalThe oval shape is not directly mentioned in the Bible, but its symbolism can be associated with the concept of continuity and life. The egg, an oval shape, is often used in Christian symbolism to represent new life and resurrection, reflecting the hope found in Christ's resurrection.
Symbolic Use of Shapes in VisionsShapes also play a crucial role in the prophetic visions found in the Bible. In Ezekiel's vision of the wheels within wheels (
Ezekiel 1:16), the complex shapes symbolize the omnipresence and omniscience of God: "The appearance of the wheels and their workmanship was like the gleam of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. Their appearance and workmanship were like a wheel within a wheel."
In Daniel's vision of the statue (
Daniel 2:31-35), the different parts of the statue, made of various materials, represent successive kingdoms. The shape and composition of each part convey the transient nature of earthly powers compared to the eternal kingdom of God.
ConclusionShapes in the Bible, while not always explicitly detailed, carry profound symbolic meanings that enhance the understanding of God's nature, His creation, and His divine plan. Through the use of shapes, the Scriptures communicate themes of eternity, perfection, unity, and divine order, inviting believers to reflect on the deeper spiritual truths they represent.
Greek
1752. heneka -- on account of, because of... 1752 () introduces the () which
shapes (determines) the end-outcome of the
verbal idea. because, for sake, wherefore, by reason of
...Strong's Hebrew
2796. charash -- engraver, artificer... 1), carpenters (4), carpenters* (4), craftsman (7), craftsmen (10), engraver (2),
jeweler* (1), manufacturers (1), masons (1), masons* (1),
shapes (2), skilled
...Library
How Many Forms andShapes Vainglory Takes.
... Prolegomena. Chapter III. How many forms andshapes vainglory takes. For
our other faults and passions may be said to be simpler...
Celsus Next Relates Other Fables, to the Effect that "Certain...
... Chapter XXXIII. Celsus next relates other fables, to the effect that
"certain persons return to theshapes? Celsus next relates...
Concerning Great, Small, Same, Different, Similar, Dissimilar...
... and as the same, when the Oracles declare "thou art the same"; and as different,
when He is depicted, by the same Oracles, as of manyshapes and many forms...
section v.
... Pilgrimages and transformations into the parts of Minerals, Plants, Animals, Elements,
shall at the Voice of God return into their primitiveshapes, and joyn...
That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even...
... For any one might say that the cause why forms are naturally attributed to the formless,
andshapes to the shapeless, is not alone our capacity which is unable...
A Cultivated Conservative Friend of Mine once Exhibited Great...
... that when once one begins to think of man as a shifting and alterable thing, it
is always easy for the strong and crafty to twist him into newshapes for all...
How Man's Activity Should be Purely in the Intellect and not in...
... So eliminate from your mind all fantasies, objects, images andshapes of all things
other than God, so that, with just naked understanding, intent and will...
The Young Titus
... yellow haze, rolling nearer, they saw now the glittering Roman standards emerge,
one by one; saw the spiky level of shouldered spears; saw theshapes of horses...
Making Friends of Mammon
... uses and his hands grow soiled as he works; but it is not for him to reject it because
it is not clean, but for him to work out through it theshapes of beauty...
The Land of Rest
... Revelation 21:5. Wanderer, rest thy weary feet;Shapes and sounds forgotten now"....
Loves and joys that were of old,.Shapes to which the spirit clings"....
Thesaurus
Shapes (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Shapes (4 Occurrences). Revelation 9:7 The
shapes of the
locusts were like horses prepared for war.
... He
shapes it with planes.
...Gnosticism
... "The infinitely variedshapes assumed by the systems render it almost impossible
to classify them, or even to give an account of their leading ideas, which...
Reside (17 Occurrences)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house. (WEB)....
Planes (1 Occurrence)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Plane (5 Occurrences)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Pencil (1 Occurrence)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Compasses (1 Occurrence)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Carpenter (4 Occurrences)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Marks (25 Occurrences)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house. (WEB RSV NIV)....
Figure (19 Occurrences)
... Heshapes it with planes. He marks it out with compasses, andshapes it like the
figure of a man, with the beauty of a man, to reside in a house....
Resources
Are we all related? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome the pain of past abuse? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about crop circles? | GotQuestions.orgShapes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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