Topical Encyclopedia
The term "vaulted" in the context of the Bible often refers to architectural structures, particularly those that are arched or have a dome-like ceiling. This concept is significant in understanding the grandeur and majesty of certain buildings mentioned in the Scriptures, as well as the symbolic meanings associated with them.
Biblical References:1.
Isaiah 2:16 · "against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel." While the Berean Standard Bible does not use the term "vaulted" directly, the imagery of grandeur and majesty in
Isaiah 2:16 can be associated with vaulted structures, as the passage speaks against human pride and the exaltation of man-made creations.
2.
Amos 9:6 · "He builds His upper chambers in the heavens and founds His vault upon the earth; He calls for the waters of the sea and pours them over the face of the earth—the LORD is His name." In this verse, the "vault" refers to the firmament or the sky, illustrating God's sovereign creation and control over the universe. The vaulted heavens are a testament to His divine craftsmanship and authority.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In biblical literature, vaulted structures often symbolize strength, protection, and the divine order. The use of vaulted imagery can be seen as a reflection of God's majesty and the heavenly realm. The architectural design of vaults, with their ability to span large spaces and support significant weight, can be seen as a metaphor for God's omnipotence and the stability He provides.
Historical Context:In ancient Near Eastern architecture, vaulted ceilings were a common feature in significant buildings, including temples and palaces. These structures were designed to inspire awe and reverence, reflecting the power and authority of the deity or ruler associated with them. The use of vaults in construction was a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the time and served as a physical representation of the divine order.
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, the concept of a vaulted heaven as described in
Amos 9:6 emphasizes God's transcendence and immanence. The vaulted sky serves as a reminder of His omnipresence and the intricate design of His creation. It also underscores the separation between the divine and the earthly, highlighting the need for humanity to seek God and acknowledge His sovereignty.
In summary, the term "vaulted" in the Bible, while not frequently used, carries significant architectural, symbolic, and theological meanings. It reflects the grandeur of God's creation, the strength and protection He offers, and the divine order established by His sovereign will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Vault.
2. (a.) Arched; concave; as, a vaulted roof.
3. (a.) Covered with an arch, or vault.
4. (a.) Arched like the roof of the mouth, as the upper lip of many ringent flowers.
Strong's Hebrew
6898. qubbah -- a largevaulted tent... 6897, 6898. qubbah. 6899 . a large
vaulted tent. Transliteration: qubbah
Phonetic Spelling: (koob-baw') Short Definition: tent.
...92. aguddah -- a band
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a band NASB Word Usage band (1),
bands (1), bunch (1),vaulted dome (1). bunch, burden, troop....
2588. chanuth -- a cell, vault
... Short Definition: cell. Word Origin from chanah Definition a cell, vault NASB
Word Usagevaulted cell (1). cabin. From chanah; properly...
Library
The House of the Green Meadow
... houses amongst the "Brethren." No church was attached to this house, only a small
chapel; for Nicholas said he was no friend of "stone-vaulted churches," and...
What He Likewise Wrote of the Place of Our Lord's Ascension, and...
... On the very top of it, where our Lord ascended into heaven, is a large round
church, having round about it three chapels withvaulted roofs....
Saint George Releases the Six Champions.
... like a weasel; wait till she closes both, and snores." Accordingly they waited till
both Kalyb's eyes were closed, and loud snores echoed along thevaulted roof...
To the Rev. A. Brandram
... It is 220 ells in height, and is ascended not by stairs or ladders, but by avaulted
pathway, in the manner of an inclined plane; this path is by no means steep...
The Birth of Saint George.
... He blew a blast which rung through thevaulted cave, echoing away till the sounds
were lost in the distance, while it made the very earth rock and tremble....
Set at Liberty.
... chamber was specially illuminated; the tables decked with flowers and gold and silver
plate; laughter and mirth echoing through thevaulted roof from the...
Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... Enroll'd to life above. O what a sweet exalted son. Shall rend thevaulted skies,.
When, shouting, grace, the blood-wash'd throng. Shall see the Top Stone rise....
Seventh Day. Unselfishness.
... When the love of God was dethroned from the soul, selfvaulted into the vacant seat,
and there, in some one of its Proteus shapes, continues to reign....
Why the Christians do not Offer Sacrifices.
... perfect fragrance, needing nothing either within or without; but the noblest sacrifice
[738] to Him is for us to know who stretched out andvaulted the heavens...
Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church
... The Narthex is in some casesvaulted, as are also the aisles, so called, over which
are galleries for the accommodation of the female portion of the...
Thesaurus
Vaulted (6 Occurrences)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Vault. 2. (a.) Arched; concave; as, a
vaulted roof. 3. (a.) Covered
with an arch, or vault.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Vaulted (6 Occurrences).
...Lofty (44 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves avaulted place, and
have made yourselves a lofty place in every street. (WEB JPS ASV RSV NIV)....
Eminent (9 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American) in the last passage renders "lofty" (Hebrew
talul, "uplifted," "heaped up") and in the others "vaulted place" (Hebrew...
Mounds (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:31 in that you build yourvaulted place at the head of every way, and
make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in...
Shrines (40 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:31 in that you build yourvaulted place at the head of every way, and
make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in...
Shrine (34 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves avaulted place, and
have made yourselves a lofty place in every street. (See NAS NIV)....
Vault (2 Occurrences)
Chamber (73 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves
avaulted place, and have made yourselves a lofty place in every street....
Street (54 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves avaulted place, and have made
yourselves a lofty place in every street. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS)....
Square (94 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Ezekiel 16:24 that you have built for yourselves avaulted place, and have
made yourselves a lofty place in every street. (See NAS RSV NIV)....
Resources
What is the significance of Jesus eating with sinners? | GotQuestions.orgVaulted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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