The term "architrave" refers to the main beam or lintel that rests on the capitals of columns, forming the lowest part of an entablature in classical architecture. While the specific term "architrave" does not appear in the Bible, the concept and its architectural significance can be inferred from descriptions of ancient structures, particularly those related to the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and other significant buildings mentioned in the Scriptures.

Biblical Context and Significance

In the context of biblical architecture, the architrave would have been a crucial element in the construction of grand edifices, such as Solomon's Temple. The Temple, described in detail in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3, was a masterpiece of ancient engineering and craftsmanship. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention the architrave, the detailed descriptions of the Temple's construction imply the use of such architectural elements.

1 Kings 6:36 states, "He built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams." This passage highlights the use of beams, which would have included structural elements like the architrave to support the weight of the roof and upper structures.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

The use of an architrave in biblical architecture can be seen as a symbol of strength and support, reflecting the theological themes of God's steadfastness and the stability of His covenant with Israel. Just as the architrave supports the weight of the structure above, God's promises provide a foundation for the faith and life of His people.

In the New Testament, the concept of Christ as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone") can be related to the architectural imagery of the architrave. While the cornerstone is foundational, the architrave serves as a critical support, illustrating how Christ upholds the Church and believers.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, monumental architecture was a testament to the power and glory of a kingdom. The use of an architrave in such structures would have been a common practice, reflecting the influence of surrounding cultures, such as the Egyptians and Phoenicians, known for their architectural advancements. The Israelites, under Solomon's reign, would have adopted and adapted these techniques to glorify God through the construction of the Temple.

The architrave, as part of the entablature, would have been ornately decorated, often with carvings or inscriptions, to convey religious and cultural messages. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on beauty and craftsmanship in the service of worship, as seen in the detailed descriptions of the Temple's adornments (1 Kings 6:29: "On all the walls around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers").

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the architrave, its architectural and symbolic significance can be inferred from the descriptions of biblical structures. The architrave serves as a metaphor for divine support and strength, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant and the foundational role of Christ in the life of believers.1. (n.) The lower division of an entablature, or that part which rests immediately on the column, esp. in classical architecture. See Column.

2. (n.) The group of moldings, or other architectural member, above and on both sides of a door or other opening, especially if square in form.

5646. ab -- perhaps a landing
... Or sob {obe}; from an unused root meaning to cover; properly, equivalent to ab;
but used only as an architectural term, an architrave (as shading the pillars ...
/hebrew/5646.htm - 6k

The History and Life of the Reverend Doctor John Tauler
... O'er broad fa??ade and lofty pediment,. O'er architrave, and frieze, and sainted
niche,. Up the stone lace-work chiselled by the wise. ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/title page.htm

The Prodigal and his Brother.
... antiquarian, standing amidst the fragments of an ancient temple surrounded by dust
and moss, broken pillar, and defaced architrave, with magnificent projects ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xx the prodigal and his.htm

The Love of Rameses
... colored lights. From every architrave and cornice depended garlands and
draperies, and tinted banners waved unseen in the dark. The ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxv the love of.htm

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... Atticus, by his second wife, Vibullia Alcia,[4] while on the other side of the road,
near S. Sebastiano, a mausoleum has been found, on the architrave of which ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

The False Prophet
... A great bonfire had been kindled and above the multitude, on a colossal architrave
fallen at one end from the giant columns that had supported it, stood a ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

The Procession of Amen
... rolled writings. The light from a high slit under the architrave sifted down
on the floor strewn with carpets of Damascene weave. Two ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

The Travelers
... He came upon it, a solid square building of stone with an Egyptic facade and an
architrave carved with a great stone flower set in an olive wreath. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter iv the travelers.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... of the oratory of Pope Damasus and the cemetery of Generosa took place, as already
stated, in the spring of 1867, when a fragment of the architrave of the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Byzantine Empresses Theodora ii. , Theophano, Zoe, Theodora iii.
... flat walls rarely had a real projecting entablature; the ends of joists were simulated
by cornices resting on consoles or modillions; the architrave and the ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/xiii byzantine empresses theodora ii.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... In the background, on the right, may be seen a column which for several centuries
has been retained in a half-fallen position by the weight of its architrave. ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Architrave (1 Occurrence)
...Architrave (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 7:5 And all the doors and posts were square,
with an architrave; and window was against window in three ranks. (DBY). ...
/a/architrave.htm - 7k

Archives (3 Occurrences)

/a/archives.htm - 8k

Trim (4 Occurrences)
... 12. (n.) The lighter woodwork in the interior of a building; especially, that used
around openings, generally in the form of a molded architrave, to protect ...
/t/trim.htm - 9k

Archites (1 Occurrence)

/a/archites.htm - 7k

Architecture
... Greek Ionic capitals are used, with wreath enrichments painted on the architrave
over the capital, and a deep frieze of painted animals, surmounted by a ...
/a/architecture.htm - 28k

Architrave: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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