Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "arch" is not explicitly mentioned in the context of architectural structures as we understand them today. However, arches as architectural elements were known in ancient times and may have been used in various constructions, including gates, bridges, and buildings. The concept of an arch can be symbolically related to strength, support, and the bridging of spaces, which can be seen in various biblical themes and narratives.Symbolism and Themes 1. Strength and Support: The arch, as a structural element, is known for its ability to bear weight and provide support. This can be symbolically related to the strength and support that God provides to His people. In Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." 2. Bridging and Connection: Arches often serve as bridges, connecting two separate points. This can be seen as a metaphor for the reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 , Paul writes, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them." 3. Protection and Shelter: The arch can also symbolize protection, as it often forms part of a gateway or entrance, providing shelter and security. Psalm 91:1-2 speaks of God's protection: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" Architectural Context in the Bible While the Bible does not specifically mention arches, it does describe various architectural features of ancient structures, such as gates, walls, and temples. The construction of Solomon's Temple, for example, involved intricate architectural design, as detailed in 1 Kings 6. Although arches are not explicitly mentioned, the grandeur and complexity of the temple's design suggest the use of advanced building techniques. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, arches were used in various forms of construction. The Romans, who occupied Judea during the New Testament period, were particularly known for their use of arches in aqueducts, bridges, and buildings. This architectural influence would have been present in the regions where biblical events took place, providing a cultural backdrop to the biblical narrative. Conclusion While the Bible does not directly reference arches, the symbolic themes associated with arches—such as strength, support, and connection—are deeply embedded in the biblical message. These themes reflect the nature of God's relationship with His people and the redemptive work of Christ, bridging the gap between the divine and the human. Easton's Bible Dictionary An architectural term found only in Ezek. 40:16, 21, 22, 26, 29. There is no absolute proof that the Israelites employed arches in their buildings. The arch was employed in the building of the pyramids of Egypt. The oldest existing arch is at Thebes, and bears the date B.C. 1350. There are also still found the remains of an arch, known as Robinson's Arch, of the bridge connecting Zion and Moriah. (see TYROPOEON VALLEY.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Any part of a curved line.2. (n.) Usually a curved member made up of separate wedge-shaped solids, with the joints between them disposed in the direction of the radii of the curve; used to support the wall or other weight above an opening. In this sense arches are segmental, round (i. e., semicircular), or pointed. 3. (n.) A flat arch is a member constructed of stones cut into wedges or other shapes so as to support each other without rising in a curve. 4. (n.) Any place covered by an arch; an archway; as, to pass into the arch of a bridge. 5. (n.) Any curvature in the form of an arch; as, the arch of the aorta. 6. (v. t.) To cover with an arch or arches. 7. (v. t.) To form or bend into the shape of an arch. 8. (v. i.) To form into an arch; to curve. 9. (a.) Chief; eminent; greatest; principal. 10. (a.) Cunning or sly; sportively mischievous; roguish; as, an arch look, word, lad. 11. (n.) A chief. 12. (n.) A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler). International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARCHarch ('ayil; Septuagint ta ailam, in sense of "posts" or "colonnade"): Referred to repeatedly in Ezekiel 40:16, but translation is an error for "porch" or "portico." the Revised Version (British and American) gives in marg, "or, colonnade. The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain." The principle of arch construction was known to the Jews and examples of early Jewish rude arches have been found in Palestine. An arched form need not necessarily be constructed with radiating joints; it can be corbelled as at Mycenae (Treasury of Atreus). This type of construction has been found also in Palestine. Greek 476. antidikos -- an opponent, adversary ... adversary. From anti and dike; an opponent (in a lawsuit); specially, Satan (as the arch-enemy) -- adversary. see GREEK anti. see GREEK dike. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/476.htm - 8k Strong's Hebrew 361. elam -- a porch... arch. Or (shortened);elam {ay-lawm'}; or (feminine) ielammah {ay-lam-maw'}; probably from 'ayil; a pillar-space (or colonnade), ie A pale (or portico) -- arch. ... /hebrew/361.htm - 6k 8382. taam -- to be double 92. aguddah -- a band 7198. qesheth -- a bow 8561. timorah -- palm (tree) figure 7549. raqia -- an extended surface, expanse 8064. shamayim -- heaven, sky 8121. shemesh -- sun 1610. gaph -- body, self, height, elevation 2588. chanuth -- a cell, vault Library Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk. Transactions of that Period, and Progress of Christian Doctrine ... Athanasius Again Reinstated by the Letter of Constantius, and ... The Life of Mr. Patrick Hamilton. The Life of David Hackston of Rathillet. The Life of Robert Ker of Kersland, Esq. The Life of Mr. Robert Bailey. Concerning Jonathan, one of the Sicarii, that Stirred up a ... The Life of Mr. Angus Macbean. The Life of Mr. James Mitchel. Thesaurus Arch (24 Occurrences)... The arch was employed in the building of the pyramids of Egypt. The oldest existing arch is at Thebes, and bears the date BC 1350. ... /a/arch.htm - 15k Cope (1 Occurrence) Vault (2 Occurrences) Tyropoeon Arched (3 Occurrences) Candlestick (34 Occurrences) Thessalonica (8 Occurrences) Gabbatha (1 Occurrence) Thrust (92 Occurrences) Barber Resources Why is edification important in the life of a Christian? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about church hierarchy? | GotQuestions.org How big is heaven? | GotQuestions.org Arch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Arch (24 Occurrences)Revelation 4:3 Revelation 10:1 Genesis 1:6 Genesis 1:7 Genesis 1:8 Genesis 1:14 Genesis 1:15 Genesis 1:17 Genesis 1:20 1 Kings 6:31 Job 22:14 Psalms 19:1 Psalms 104:3 Proverbs 8:27 Isaiah 40:22 Ezekiel 1:22 Ezekiel 1:23 Ezekiel 1:25 Ezekiel 1:26 Ezekiel 10:1 Ezekiel 16:24 Ezekiel 16:31 Ezekiel 16:39 Amos 9:6 Subtopics Related Terms |