In biblical terminology, the term "appurtenance" refers to something that belongs to or is associated with a more significant entity, often enhancing or completing it. This concept is primarily found in the context of property, possessions, or items that are considered part of a larger whole. The term itself is not frequently used in modern translations of the Bible, but the concept is evident in various passages that describe the belongings or accessories associated with a primary object or entity.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of appurtenances is often related to the tabernacle, the temple, and the priestly garments, where specific items are designated as part of the sacred service. For example, in the construction of the tabernacle, various items such as utensils, furnishings, and tools are considered appurtenances of the tabernacle itself. These items are integral to the function and sanctity of the worship space.

In the book of Numbers, the Levites are given specific responsibilities concerning the care and transport of the tabernacle and its appurtenances. Numbers 3:36-37 states, "The duties assigned to the sons of Merari included the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the work related to these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes."

Legal and Property Context

The concept of appurtenance also appears in the context of property and inheritance laws. In ancient Israel, land and property were often passed down through generations, and the appurtenances of a property—such as wells, trees, and other fixtures—were considered part of the inheritance. This understanding ensured that the land retained its value and utility for future generations.

Symbolic and Spiritual Implications

From a symbolic perspective, appurtenances can represent the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision. Just as the tabernacle and temple were equipped with all necessary appurtenances for worship, believers are equipped with spiritual gifts and resources necessary for their spiritual journey and service to God. The completeness of God's provision is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God provides not only the primary needs but also the supplementary resources required for His purposes.

New Testament Considerations

While the New Testament does not explicitly use the term "appurtenance," the concept can be seen in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles regarding the body of Christ and the spiritual gifts given to believers. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as a body with many parts, each with its function and purpose, contributing to the whole. This imagery reflects the idea of appurtenances, where each part is essential to the functioning and health of the body.

In summary, the concept of appurtenance in the Bible underscores the importance of completeness and the interconnectedness of various elements within God's creation and His divine plan. Whether in the context of worship, property, or spiritual gifts, appurtenances serve to enhance and fulfill the purposes for which they are intended.(n.) That which belongs to something else; an adjunct; an appendage; an accessory; something annexed to another thing more worthy; in common parlance and legal acceptation, something belonging to another thing as principal, and which passes as incident to it, as a right of way, or other easement to land; a right of common to pasture, an outhouse, barn, garden, or orchard, to a house or messuage. In a strict legal sense, land can never pass as an appurtenance to land.

Of the Incomparable Love which the Mother of God, Our Blessed Lady ...
... with a thousand sweetnesses, but also because it was the living source of Our Saviour's,
and belonged so strictly to him, by an incomparable appurtenance. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter viii of the incomparable.htm

section iv.
... Men that look no farther than their outsides, think health an appurtenance unto
life, and quarrel with their constitutions for being sick; but I, that have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section iv.htm

Seventh Tractate. How the Multiplicity of the Ideal-Forms came ...
The Six Enneads. <. ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/seventh tractate how the multiplicity.htm

Appurtenance (1 Occurrence)
... In a strict legal sense, land can never pass as an appurtenance to land.
Multi-Version Concordance Appurtenance (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/appurtenance.htm - 7k

Apron (1 Occurrence)

/a/apron.htm - 10k

Pertain (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (vi) To belong; to have connection with, or dependence on, something, as an
appurtenance, attribute, etc.; to appertain; as, saltiness pertains to the ocean ...
/p/pertain.htm - 9k

Belonging (90 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That which is connected with a principal or greater thing; an appendage;
an appurtenance. 4. (n.) Family; relations; household. ...
/b/belonging.htm - 34k

Approving (2 Occurrences)

/a/approving.htm - 7k

Ascribe (13 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To attribute, as a quality, or an appurtenance; to consider or allege
to belong. Multi-Version Concordance Ascribe (13 Occurrences). ...
/a/ascribe.htm - 10k

Assign (22 Occurrences)
... for the benefit of creditors. 4. (n.) A thing pertaining or belonging to
something else; an appurtenance. 5. (n.) A person to whom ...
/a/assign.htm - 14k

Courtyard (59 Occurrences)
... Numbers 4:32 and the pillars of the court round about, and their sockets, and their
pins, and their cords, even all their appurtenance, and all that pertaineth ...
/c/courtyard.htm - 24k

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