Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "castle" as understood in the medieval European sense did not exist. However, the term is often used in English translations of the Bible to describe fortified structures or strongholds that served as places of defense and refuge. These structures were integral to the military and social landscapes of ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Israelites.Hebrew and Greek Terms The Hebrew word often translated as "castle" is "מִבְצָר" (mivtsar), which more accurately refers to a fortress or stronghold. This term is used to describe fortified cities or defensive structures that provided protection against enemy attacks. In the Greek New Testament, the concept of a stronghold is captured by the word "ὀχύρωμα" (ochyrōma), though it is not directly translated as "castle." Biblical References 1. Judges 9:46-49: In this passage, the term "stronghold" is used to describe the tower of Shechem, where the leaders of the city sought refuge from Abimelech. The Berean Standard Bible states: "When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about this, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith." 2. 1 Chronicles 11:7: David's capture of the fortress of Zion, which became the City of David, is a significant event. The BSB records: "David took up residence in the fortress; that is why it was called the City of David." 3. 2 Samuel 22:2-3: Here, David uses the imagery of a fortress to describe God's protection: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior—You save me from violence." Symbolic Meaning In the Bible, castles or fortresses often symbolize strength, protection, and divine refuge. They are metaphors for God's protection over His people. The imagery of God as a fortress is prevalent in the Psalms, where the psalmists frequently describe God as a place of safety and security in times of trouble. Historical Context Fortified cities and strongholds were common in the ancient Near East due to the constant threat of warfare and invasion. These structures were typically built on elevated ground and surrounded by thick walls. They served not only as military defenses but also as administrative centers and places of refuge for the local population during sieges. Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous fortified sites throughout Israel and surrounding regions, providing insight into the construction and strategic importance of these structures. Notable examples include the ancient cities of Jericho, Lachish, and Hazor, which featured massive walls and defensive towers. Theological Implications The use of fortress imagery in Scripture underscores the theme of divine protection and the believer's reliance on God as a source of strength. It reflects the biblical worldview that ultimate security is found not in human fortifications but in the Lord, who is the true stronghold for His people. Smith's Bible Dictionary Castle[FENCED CITIES CITIES] Easton's Bible Dictionary A military fortress (1 Chronicles 11:7), also probably a kind of tower used by the priests for making known anything discovered at a distance (1 Chronicles 6:54). Castles are also mentioned (Genesis 25:16) as a kind of watch-tower, from which shepherds kept watch over their flocks by night. The "castle" into which the chief captain commanded Paul to be brought was the quarters of the Roman soldiers in the fortress of Antonia (so called by Herod after his patron Mark Antony), which was close to the north-west corner of the temple (Acts 21:34), which it commanded. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A fortified residence, especially that of a prince or nobleman; a fortress.2. (n.) Any strong, imposing, and stately mansion. 3. (n.) A small tower, as on a ship, or an elephant's back. 4. (n.) A piece, made to represent a castle, used in the game of chess; a rook. 5. (v. i.) To move the castle to the square next to king, and then the king around the castle to the square next beyond it, for the purpose of covering the king. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CASTLEkas'-'-l. Greek 3925. parembole -- to put in beside or between, interpose ... parembole Phonetic Spelling: (par-em-bol-ay') Short Definition: a camp, barracks, army in battle array Definition: a camp, fort, castle, barracks, army in ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3925.htm - 6k 3794. ochuroma -- a stronghold, fortress 4444. purgos -- a tower Strong's Hebrew 1002. birah -- a castle, palace... birah. 1003 . a castle, palace. Transliteration: birah Phonetic Spelling: (bee-raw') Short Definition: citadel. ... Of foreign origin; a castle or palace -- palace ... /hebrew/1002.htm - 5k 1003b. biretha -- a castle 759. armon -- a citadel 4686. matsuwd -- net, prey 1003. biyraniyth -- a fortress, fortified place 2918. tirah -- encampment, battlement 4026. migdal -- a tower 4679. metsad -- fastness, a stronghold 2038. Harmon -- a place name 4013. mibtsar -- fortification Library The Interior Castle, or The Mansions At Dover Castle The Interior Castle or the Mansions by St. Teresa Ihs Preaches in Oxford Castle Wesley at Corfe Castle The Earl of Desmond's Castle Among the Orderlies at the Castle was one David... Knox in St. Andrews Castle: the Galleys: 1547-1549 July 19. "Nevertheless, David Took the Castle of Zion" (I. Chron. ... The Interior Castle, or The Mansions Thesaurus Castle (26 Occurrences)... The "castle" into which the chief captain commanded Paul to be brought was the quarters of the Roman soldiers in the fortress of Antonia (so called by Herod ... /c/castle.htm - 15k Lysias (3 Occurrences) Thyatira (4 Occurrences) Moab (162 Occurrences) Claudius (3 Occurrences) Kir (11 Occurrences) Keep (4573 Occurrences) Salchah (1 Occurrence) Salcah (4 Occurrences) Salecah (4 Occurrences) Resources What was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Society of Jesus? Who are the Jesuits, and what do they believe? | GotQuestions.org How can demonic strongholds be overcome? | GotQuestions.org Castle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Castle (26 Occurrences)Luke 11:21 Acts 21:34 Acts 21:37 Acts 22:24 Acts 23:16 Acts 23:32 1 Kings 16:18 2 Kings 15:25 1 Chronicles 11:5 1 Chronicles 11:7 Nehemiah 1:1 Nehemiah 2:8 Nehemiah 7:2 Esther 1:2 Esther 1:5 Esther 2:3 Esther 2:5 Esther 2:8 Esther 3:15 Esther 8:14 Esther 9:6 Esther 9:11 Esther 9:12 Proverbs 18:19 Isaiah 25:2 Daniel 8:2 Subtopics Castle for the Doctrine, "The House is My Castle" Related Terms |
    |