Topical Encyclopedia
A shrine, in biblical terms, refers to a sacred or holy place dedicated to a specific deity, person, or event. In the context of the Bible, shrines often appear as locations of worship, altars, or memorials. The concept of a shrine is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern religious practices, which influenced the cultural and religious landscape of the Israelites.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, shrines are frequently associated with altars and high places. These were often erected by the patriarchs and other significant figures as places to worship Yahweh or commemorate divine encounters. For instance, Abraham built altars at Shechem and Bethel as acts of worship and dedication to God (
Genesis 12:7-8). Similarly, Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven, marking the place as sacred (
Genesis 28:18-19).
However, the use of shrines also became problematic in Israel's history. As the Israelites settled in Canaan, they encountered the Canaanite practice of worshiping at high places, which were often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. Despite God's command to destroy these sites (
Deuteronomy 12:2-3), the Israelites frequently fell into the temptation of worshiping at these unauthorized shrines. This led to syncretism and idolatry, which were condemned by the prophets (
1 Kings 14:23;
Hosea 4:13).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of a shrine is less prominent, as the focus shifts from physical locations to the spiritual worship of God through Jesus Christ. However, the idea of sacred spaces persists in the form of the Temple in Jerusalem, which remained a central place of worship for the Jewish people during the time of Jesus. The Temple itself was considered a shrine, housing the Holy of Holies and serving as the focal point of Jewish religious life.
The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, encountered various pagan shrines dedicated to Greco-Roman deities. In
Acts 17:23 , Paul refers to an altar in Athens inscribed "To an unknown god," using it as a starting point to proclaim the Gospel to the Athenians. This highlights the prevalence of shrines in the ancient world and the early Christian effort to redirect worship towards the one true God.
Theological SignificanceFrom a theological perspective, the Bible presents a tension between the use of shrines as legitimate places of worship and the potential for idolatry. The construction of altars and memorials by the patriarchs signifies moments of genuine worship and covenantal relationship with God. Yet, the misuse of shrines and high places underscores the human tendency to deviate from true worship.
The biblical narrative ultimately points towards the fulfillment of worship in Jesus Christ, who declared, "A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem" (
John 4:21). This statement emphasizes the transition from physical shrines to a spiritual worship that transcends location, focusing on the heart and truth of the believer.
Cultural and Historical InsightsUnderstanding the role of shrines in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Shrines were not only religious centers but also social and political hubs. They often served as places of refuge, justice, and community gatherings. The biblical injunctions against idolatrous shrines reflect a broader divine mandate to maintain the purity of worship and the distinct identity of God's people amidst surrounding pagan cultures.
In summary, the concept of a shrine in the Bible encompasses both the legitimate and illegitimate expressions of worship, serving as a reminder of the importance of directing one's devotion solely to God.
ATS Bible Dictionary
ShrineSeeDIANA.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.
2. (n.) Any sacred place, as an altar, tomb, or the like.
3. (n.) A place or object hallowed from its history or associations; as, a shrine of art.
4. (v. t.) To enshrine; to place reverently, as in a shrine.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHRINEshrin (naos): InActs 19:24 small models of temples for Diana.
Greek
3485. naos -- a temple... a temple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: naos Phonetic Spelling:
(nah-os') Short Definition: a temple,
shrine Definition: a temple, a
shrine...Strong's Hebrew
430. elohim -- God, god... being (1), exceedingly (1), God (2326), god (45), God's (14), goddess (2), godly
(1), gods (204), great (2), judges (3), mighty (2), rulers (1),
shrine* (1).
...1687. debir -- perhaps (a place of) speaking (the innermost room...
... oracle. Or (shortened) dbir {deb-eer'}; from dabar (apparently in the sense of oracle);
theshrine or innermost part of the sanctuary -- oracle....
1354. gab -- a back
... from an unused word Definition a back NASB Word Usage back (1), backs (1), base
(1), defenses (2), eyebrows* (1), massive* (1), rims (3),shrine (2), shrines (1...
1004. bayith -- a house
... to hold (1), palace (22), palace and the houses (1), perfume* (1), place (2), places
(1), prison* (15), residence (1), room (6), rooms (1),shrine* (1), temple...
Library
They Say that Antiochus of Cyzicum Took from ItsShrine a Statue...
... Book VI. 21 They say that Antiochus of Cyzicum took from itsshrine a statue
of Jupiter made? They say that Antiochus of Cyzicum...
Like Silver Lamps in a DistantShrine
... VII. CAROLS Carols 548. Like silver lamps in a distantshrine. PM... William C. Dix,
1867. Like silver lamps in a distantshrine,. The stars are sparkling bright;...
Of the Inward Peace of a Monk, and of Spiritual Abstinence.
... For labour of the flesh, when joined with contrition of the spirit, will produce
a sacrifice that is most acceptable to God, and a worthyshrine of holiness in...
Though Ye Know Him Not
... "There is a centralshrine, with only one light in it. The darkness of theshrine
symbolises the darkness of the world, of life and death and being....
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... God is unrevealed after all revelation; afar off, however near; shrouded in the
utter darkness of the inmostshrine, and only approached by the priestly...
Expatriation
... Come with me!" Jambres seized his arm and, hurrying him out of the shed, went through
the ragged street to theshrine at the upper end of the village....
Ignatius Leaves his Native Land --What He did at Montserrat and at...
... His brother desired to accompany him as far as Ogna, and during the journey was
persuaded by the Saint to pass one night of watching at theshrine of Our...
The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
... In the deep heart of the man was ashrine where none but God was worthy to come.
Within him was God; without, a thousand gifts which God had showered upon him....
The Bishop at Work
... The old women had dreams about him. Miracles began. Ashrine was set up
and robber John began to develop into Saint John. Then down...
Hymn for Christmas-Day
... For though with process of the suns The ordered whole harmonious runs, Still
the Artificer Divine Leaves not the Father's inmostshrine....
Thesaurus
Shrine (34 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A place or object hallowed from its history or associations; as, a
shrine of art. 4. (vt) To enshrine; to place reverently, as in a
shrine. Int.
...SHRINE.
...Erech (2 Occurrences)
... Theshrine dedicated to Ishtar is apparently now represented by the ruin known as
Buwariyya or "reed-mats," and so called on account of the layers of matting...
Diana (5 Occurrences)
... At the centre, hidden by curtains, within a gorgeousshrine, stood the very ancient
image of the goddess, on wood or ebony reputed to have fallen from the sky....
Burneth (67 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:13 and also Maachah his mother -- he turneth her aside from being mistress,
in that she made a horrible thing for ashrine, and Asa cutteth down her...
Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:13 and also Maachah his mother -- he turneth her aside from being mistress,
in that she made a horrible thing for ashrine, and Asa cutteth down her...
Micah (54 Occurrences)
... men sent in quest of new territory by the Danites, who had failed to secure a
settlement upon their own tribal allotment, visited Micah'sshrine, and obtained...
Memphis (8 Occurrences)
... 3. The Founders and the City: The oldest center of settlement was probably theshrine
of the sacred bull, Apis or Hapy, which was in the South of the city....
Beersheba (33 Occurrences)
... And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto
this day." 2. A SacredShrine: Beersheba was a sacredshrine....
Beateth (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:6 And he bringeth out theshrine from the house of Jehovah to the outside
of Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burneth it at the brook Kidron...
Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... the hierarchy established in myth; moreover in myth the gods are treated as universal,
while the gods of worship are most closely attached, each to oneshrine....
Resources
What is the Dome of the Rock? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Artemis mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShrine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
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