Topical Encyclopedia The term "beneath" in the Bible often signifies a position of being under or lower than something else, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It is used to describe spatial relationships, as well as to convey ideas of humility, subjugation, or the foundational aspects of creation.Physical and Spatial Use: In the physical sense, "beneath" is used to describe the position of objects or people in relation to one another. For example, in Exodus 24:4, Moses builds an altar "beneath the mountain" as part of the covenant ceremony with the Israelites. This indicates a literal position at the foot of Mount Sinai, where the people gathered to receive God's law. Metaphorical and Theological Use: Metaphorically, "beneath" can imply a state of humility or submission. In Deuteronomy 28:13, the Lord promises Israel that if they obey His commandments, they will be "the head and not the tail," and they will be "above and not beneath." Here, "beneath" symbolizes a position of subordination or disadvantage, contrasting with the blessings of obedience that elevate the nation. Creation and the Natural Order: The term also appears in discussions of the natural order and creation. In the Ten Commandments, God commands the Israelites not to make idols in the form of anything "in the heavens above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below" (Exodus 20:4). This usage underscores the comprehensive nature of God's creation, encompassing all realms—heaven, earth, and sea—and the prohibition against idolatry in any form. Judgment and Protection: "Beneath" can also be associated with judgment or protection. In Numbers 16:31-33, the earth opens up and swallows Korah and his followers, and they go down alive "into Sheol," the realm beneath the earth, as a divine judgment for their rebellion. Conversely, in Deuteronomy 33:27, Moses speaks of God's eternal refuge, saying, "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Here, "beneath" conveys the idea of God's support and protection, holding His people securely. Symbolism in Prophecy: In prophetic literature, "beneath" can symbolize the depths of the earth or the underworld. Isaiah 14:9-11 describes the realm of the dead stirring to meet the fallen king of Babylon, with the dead rising from "beneath" to greet him. This imagery highlights the ultimate humiliation and downfall of those who oppose God. Overall, the use of "beneath" in the Bible serves to illustrate various aspects of God's creation, human relationships, and spiritual truths, emphasizing the importance of position, both physically and spiritually, in the divine order. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (prep.) Lower in place, with something directly over or on; under; underneath; hence, at the foot of.2. (prep.) Under, in relation to something that is superior, or that oppresses or burdens. 3. (prep.) Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. Hence: Unworthy of; unbecoming. 4. (adv.) In a lower place; underneath. 5. (adv.) Below, as opposed to heaven, or to any superior region or position; as, in earth beneath. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BENEATHbe-neth': The adverb for "under" (kato). In John 8:23, the words "ye are from beneath," suggest hell in contrast to heaven. But the succeeding clause, "ye are of this world," gives the key for the interpretation. Earth, not hell, is expressed, although "that more awful meaning surely is not excluded" (Alford). Greek 5276. hupolenion -- a vessel or trough beneath a winepress (to ... ... a vessel or trough beneath a winepress (to receive the juice). Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: hupolenion Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-ol-ay'-nee-on ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5276.htm - 6k 5270. hupokato -- below, under 2736. kato -- down, below 5218. hupakoe -- obedience 5259. hupo -- by, under Strong's Hebrew 8479. tachath -- in lieu of, as, beneath, flat, instead, same ...... tachath. 8480 . in lieu of, as, beneath, flat, instead, same place where. Transliteration: tachath Phonetic Spelling: (takh'-ath) Short Definition: as. ... /hebrew/8479.htm - 6k 4295. mattah -- downwards 8478. tachath -- underneath, below, instead of 8482. tachti -- lower, lowest 8071. simlah -- a wrapper, mantle 4480. min -- from 8460. techoth -- under 1004. bayith -- a house Library Whether the Fire of Hell is Beneath the Earth? Beneath his Banner Life of Sabbaths Here Beneath! What Men Find Beneath the Wings of God Cowper. CM Resting Beneath the Cross. Besides These Immediate Pleasures Here Beneath Beneath the Cross of Jesus How a Man May Wit when his Ghostly Work is Beneath Him or Without ... "Above the Faith is no Goodness Kept in this Life, as to My Sight ... From the Fond Caresses which the Soul Has Has with God Beneath the ... Thesaurus Beneath (73 Occurrences)... 3. (prep.) Lower in rank, dignity, or excellence than; as, brutes are beneath man; man is beneath angels in the scale of beings. ...BENEATH. ... /b/beneath.htm - 29k Below (52 Occurrences) Underneath (19 Occurrences) Graven (61 Occurrences) Bottom (33 Occurrences) Siddim (3 Occurrences) Vale (20 Occurrences) Zarethan (4 Occurrences) Kidron (11 Occurrences) Nether-world (41 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that God is transcendent? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to bear one another's burdens? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that Jesus was crucified above the tomb of Adam? | GotQuestions.org Beneath: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beneath (73 Occurrences)Matthew 22:44 Mark 12:36 Mark 14:66 John 8:23 Acts 1:9 Acts 2:19 1 Peter 5:6 Genesis 35:8 Genesis 49:25 Exodus 20:4 Exodus 26:24 Exodus 27:5 Exodus 28:27 Exodus 28:33 Exodus 32:19 Exodus 36:29 Exodus 38:4 Leviticus 26:19 Deuteronomy 4:18 Deuteronomy 4:39 Deuteronomy 5:8 Deuteronomy 28:13 Deuteronomy 28:23 Deuteronomy 33:13 Deuteronomy 33:27 Joshua 2:11 Judges 7:8 2 Samuel 22:37 2 Samuel 22:39 1 Kings 4:12 1 Kings 7:24 1 Kings 7:29 1 Kings 7:30 1 Kings 8:6 1 Kings 8:23 1 Kings 14:23 2 Kings 6:30 2 Kings 19:30 2 Chronicles 5:7 2 Chronicles 32:30 Job 9:13 Job 18:16 Job 26:5 Job 37:3 Psalms 18:36 Psalms 18:38 Psalms 45:5 Proverbs 15:24 Ecclesiastes 2:22 Song of Songs 8:5 Isaiah 14:9 Isaiah 14:11 Isaiah 37:31 Isaiah 44:23 Isaiah 51:6 Jeremiah 31:37 Jeremiah 38:11 Jeremiah 52:20 Ezekiel 10:2 Ezekiel 10:20 Ezekiel 10:21 Ezekiel 24:5 Ezekiel 31:14 Ezekiel 31:16 Ezekiel 31:18 Hosea 14:7 Joel 1:17 Amos 2:9 Amos 2:13 Jonah 2:6 Micah 1:4 Nahum 1:3 Habakkuk 3:16 Subtopics Related Terms |