In biblical terminology, the term "bays" is often associated with bodies of water, specifically referring to inlets or recesses along a coastline. The concept of bays is not extensively detailed in the Bible, but it is relevant in understanding the geographical and historical context of certain biblical narratives.

Geographical Context

Bays, as natural formations, are significant in the geography of the ancient Near East, where much of the biblical narrative unfolds. The Mediterranean Sea, with its numerous bays and inlets, played a crucial role in the trade, travel, and cultural exchange of ancient civilizations, including those mentioned in the Bible. The coastal regions of Israel, such as those near the cities of Tyre and Sidon, would have been familiar with such geographical features.

Biblical References

While the specific term "bays" is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, the concept can be inferred in passages describing coastal regions and maritime activities. For example, the Berean Standard Bible may not directly mention "bays," but it does describe coastal areas and the significance of the sea in various narratives.

In the Old Testament, the sea is often a symbol of chaos and mystery, yet it is also a source of sustenance and a means of transportation. The Israelites, though not primarily a seafaring people, had interactions with maritime cultures and occasionally engaged in naval activities. The construction of ships and the use of ports would have necessitated an understanding of bays and other coastal features.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Bays and coastal regions were vital for trade and communication in the ancient world. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring prowess, utilized bays for their harbors, facilitating trade across the Mediterranean. This interaction with maritime cultures influenced the Israelites, as seen in the alliances and exchanges with Tyre and Sidon.

In the New Testament, the spread of the Gospel often involved travel by sea. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, for instance, frequently included voyages across the Mediterranean, where bays and harbors would have been essential for docking and resupplying. Acts 27 provides a detailed account of one such journey, highlighting the challenges and reliance on maritime routes.

Symbolic Interpretations

From a symbolic perspective, bays can represent places of refuge and safety amidst the vast and often tumultuous sea. In a spiritual sense, they may be seen as havens provided by God, offering protection and rest. This imagery aligns with the biblical theme of God as a refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Overall, while the term "bays" may not be explicitly mentioned in the Bible, understanding its geographical and cultural implications enriches the study of biblical narratives and the historical context in which they occurred.(n.) Alt. of Bayze.

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... thy abominations and idolatries"thy cruelty, thy cowardice and miserable pride;
I will look on whilst thy navies are burnt in my many bays, and thy armies ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

The Review of the Troops at Doriscus.
... of march was, however, laid at some distance from the shore, partly for the sake
of avoiding the indentations made in the land by gulfs and bays, and partly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter vi the review of.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... Northward, the chalk may be followed as far as Yorkshire; on the south coast it
appears abruptly in the picturesque western bays of Dorset, and breaks into the ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

Alexander.
... Mountain lands, small islets, and peninsulas broken into by deep bays and gulfs,
rise to the northward of the east end of the Mediterranean, and were known to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xv alexander.htm

Death of Archdeacon Bridge
... But the expedition contemplated by the Bishop was more particularly designed to
open Sandwich and Esquimaux Bays to the much-needed Missionary. ...
/.../murray/kalli the esquimaux christian /death of archdeacon bridge.htm

Concerning the Waters.
... These collections contain [1749] various seas and mountains, and islands, and
promontories, and harbours, and surround various bays and beaches, and coastlands ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter ix concerning the waters.htm

How the Britons, Being Ravaged by the Scots and Picts, Sought ...
... Nevertheless, they carried it for many miles between the two bays or inlets of the
sea of which we have spoken;^ to the end that where the protection of the ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xii how the britons.htm

The Macedonians Hold a Synod at Lampsacus, During a Period of Both ...
... This Synod, I think, was the cause of the increase of the Macedonians in the Hellespont;
for Lampsacus is situated in one of the narrow bays of the Hellespont. ...
/.../chapter iv the macedonians hold a.htm

The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign.
... East and south is the lake, in almost continuous succession of lovely small bays,
of which more than seventeen may be counted within six miles, and in one of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the cleansing of.htm

The Fifth Miracle in John's Gospel
... Summer sailing in fair weather, amidst land-locked bays, in blue seas, and
under calm skies, may be all very well for triflers, but. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the fifth miracle in johns.htm

Bays (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Alt. of Bayze. Multi-Version Concordance Bays (1 Occurrence). Judges 5:17 Gilead
abode beyond the Jordan: And Dan, why did he remain in ships? ...
/b/bays.htm - 6k

Phoenicians
... Cassius on the North to Gaza or beyond on the South, a distance of some 380 miles,
or about 400 miles if we include the sweep of indentations and bays and the ...
/p/phoenicians.htm - 38k

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
... Cassius on the North to Gaza or beyond on the South, a distance of some 380 miles,
or about 400 miles if we include the sweep of indentations and bays and the ...
/p/phoenicia.htm - 40k

Minor (2 Occurrences)
... valley, is deeply indented: there is a total coast line of four times the length
of a line drawn from North to South The numerous land-locked bays and harbors ...
/m/minor.htm - 62k

Asia (22 Occurrences)
... valley, is deeply indented: there is a total coast line of four times the length
of a line drawn from North to South The numerous land-locked bays and harbors ...
/a/asia.htm - 71k

Fresh (41 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The mingling of fresh water with salt in rivers or bays, as by means
of a flood of fresh water flowing toward or into the sea. 11. ...
/f/fresh.htm - 21k

Retire (6 Occurrences)
... 7. (vi) To recede; to fall or bend back; as, the shore of the sea retires in bays
and gulfs. 8. (vi) To go to bed; as, he usually retires early. ...
/r/retire.htm - 9k

Baz (2 Occurrences)

/b/baz.htm - 6k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... The coast line of the land of Israel from Carmel southward had no bays and no estuaries
or river-mouths to offer shelter from storm or to be havens of ships. ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Bayith (1 Occurrence)

/b/bayith.htm - 7k

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