Topical Encyclopedia
Tiling, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of covering surfaces, particularly floors and roofs, with tiles. This practice is mentioned in the Scriptures, though not extensively, and it provides insight into the architectural and cultural practices of ancient times.
Biblical ReferencesOne of the notable references to tiling is found in the New Testament, in the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded: "But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus" (
Luke 5:19). This passage highlights the use of tiles in the construction of roofs during the time of Jesus. The act of removing tiles to lower the man suggests that tiling was a common method for roofing, providing both protection and accessibility.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern architecture, tiling was a practical solution for creating durable and weather-resistant surfaces. Roofs were often flat and made of materials such as clay or stone tiles, which were laid over wooden beams. This method was prevalent in regions where heavy rainfall was not common, allowing for flat roofs that could be used for various activities, including drying produce or as additional living space.
The use of tiles in biblical times also extended to flooring. In wealthier homes and public buildings, floors might be covered with decorative tiles, often made from stone or ceramic, to create intricate patterns and designs. This practice demonstrated not only the functional aspect of tiling but also its aesthetic value.
Symbolic and Theological ImplicationsWhile tiling itself is not a major theological theme in the Bible, the account in
Luke 5:19 can be seen as symbolic of the determination and faith of those who sought Jesus' healing power. The removal of the tiles to gain access to Jesus underscores the lengths to which people would go to encounter Him, reflecting the transformative power of faith and the breaking of barriers to reach the divine.
Furthermore, the concept of tiling, as part of the broader theme of building and construction in the Bible, can be related to the spiritual building of one's life on a firm foundation. Just as tiles provide a protective covering, so too does a life built on the teachings of Christ offer spiritual protection and stability.
ConclusionTiling, though a minor detail in the biblical narrative, offers a glimpse into the daily life and architectural practices of ancient times. It serves as a backdrop for significant events in the life of Jesus and provides a metaphorical lens through which to view the themes of faith, access to God, and the construction of a life grounded in spiritual truth.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tile.
2. (n.) A surface covered with tiles, or composed of tiles.
3. (n.) Tiles, collectively.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TILE; TILINGtil, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick"Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay," "a tile,"Luke 5:19).
SeeEZEKIEL, II, 1, (2);HOUSE, II, 1, (10).
Greek
2766. keramos -- a tile...tiling. Probably from the base of kerannumi (through the idea of mixing clay and
water); earthenware, ie A tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning) --
tiling.
...Library
Blasphemer, or --Who?
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through thetiling, with his...
Carried by Four
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the housetop, and let him down through thetiling with his...
Faith Rewarded.
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through thetiling with his...
1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
... sanctioned, and introduced into our churchyards at funerals. But of one
tiling I am very certain. We shall never see the bodies of...
Of the Man Sick of the Palsy to whom the Lord Said, "Thy Sins are...
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through thetiling with his...
Destruction of Idol Temples and Images Everywhere.
... Hence the entrances of their temples in the several cities were left exposed to
the weather, being stripped of their doors at his command; thetiling of others...
Fire at Kingswood School
... at the foot of the stairs with water, being able to go no further, then went through
the smoke to the door of the leads and poured it down through thetiling....
The Swelling of Jordan
... Your morality so far as it goes may be a goodtiling, but it does not reach the
standard of God, nor can it until you are safely united to Christ; and if you...
Providential Guidance
... Thetiling of an unceiled Chinese house may keep off the rain"if it happens to be
sound"but it does not afford so good a protection against snow, which...
Christ
... When they could not get in because of the crowd, they climbed up on the roof, took
off some of thetiling, and by means of ropes or corners of the mattress let...
Thesaurus
Tiling (1 Occurrence)... TILE;
TILING. til, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick" Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay,"
"a tile," Luke 5:19).
... Multi-Version Concordance
Tiling (1 Occurrence).
...Tile (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TILE;TILING. til, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick"
Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay," "a tile," Luke 5:19)....
Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences)
Til'gath-pilne'ser. Tilgath-pilneser, Til'gath-pilne'ser.Tiling . Multi-Version
Concordance... (See RSV). Tilgath-pilneser, Til'gath-pilne'ser.Tiling ....
Roof (55 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through thetiling--bed and all--into the...
Boss
... 4. (n.) A wooden vessel for the mortar used intiling or masonry, hung
by a hook from the laths, or from the rounds of a ladder....
Couch (55 Occurrences)
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the housetop, and let him down through thetiling with his...
Front (327 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through thetiling--bed and all--into the...
Till (774 Occurrences)
Crowd (166 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through thetiling--bed and all--into the...
Bed (142 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through thetiling--bed and all--into the...
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