In biblical architecture, cornices are an important element, often serving both functional and decorative purposes. A cornice is a horizontal molded projection that crowns or completes a building or wall. In ancient times, cornices were used to direct rainwater away from the walls, thus protecting the structure from water damage. They also added an aesthetic dimension to buildings, reflecting the architectural styles of the period.

Biblical References and Context

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "cornices" by name, the concept can be inferred from descriptions of ancient structures, particularly in the context of Solomon's Temple and other significant buildings. The detailed descriptions of the Temple's construction in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles suggest the use of elaborate architectural elements, which likely included cornices.

1 Kings 6:29-30 describes the intricate carvings and decorations within Solomon's Temple: "On all the walls around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers. He also overlaid the temple floor with gold in both the inner and outer rooms." While cornices are not specifically mentioned, the detailed craftsmanship implies the presence of ornate architectural features, possibly including cornices.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In the ancient Near East, cornices were a common feature in both sacred and secular architecture. They were often made from stone or wood and could be intricately carved or adorned with precious metals. The use of cornices in biblical times reflects the influence of surrounding cultures, such as the Egyptians and the Mesopotamians, who also employed similar architectural elements.

The presence of cornices in biblical architecture underscores the importance of beauty and order in the construction of sacred spaces. The Israelites, under divine instruction, sought to create a dwelling place for God that was not only functional but also reflected His glory and majesty. The use of cornices and other decorative elements served to elevate the spiritual atmosphere of these spaces, drawing the worshippers' attention upward and symbolizing the transcendence of God.

Symbolic Interpretation

From a symbolic perspective, cornices can be seen as representing the idea of protection and completion. Just as a cornice protects a building from the elements, God's commandments and His presence offer protection to His people. The completion aspect of a cornice can also symbolize the fulfillment of God's promises and the perfection of His creation.

In summary, while cornices are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, their presence in ancient architecture is implied through the detailed descriptions of sacred buildings. They serve as a testament to the Israelites' dedication to creating spaces that honor God, reflecting both His beauty and His protective nature.

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... merely for lintels, uprights, thresholds, for hinges on which to hang their doors,
for dressings in some of their state apartments, in cornices or sculptured ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

'The God of the Amen'
... All other bridges across the great abysses which we have to traverse or be lost
in them, are like those snow-cornices upon some Alp, which may break when the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the god of the amen.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... that Synagogue, of which, strangely enough, now after eighteen centuries, the remains,
[2598] in their rich and elaborate carvings of cornices and entablatures ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... Canon Williams thus writes: "In what spirit the large-hearted Roman soldier had
made his offering, the rich and elaborate carvings of cornices and entablatures ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... When I was sacristan, I used all on a sudden to feel myself ravished in spirit,
and ascend to the highest parts of the church, on to cornices, projecting parts ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

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

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... with woodwork of fragrant cedar and cypress overlaid with gold and silver, panellings
of sculptured marble and alabaster, and friezes and cornices in glazed ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... The naos rose sheer above the waters of the Nile, indeed its cornices projected
over the river, and a staircase at the south side allowed the priests and ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Cornices (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cornices (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 41:6 And the
side-chambers were in three stories, one over another, and ...
/c/cornices.htm - 6k

Corn-measure (1 Occurrence)
Corn-measure. Cornices, Corn-measure. Corn-money . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Cornices, Corn-measure. Corn-money . Reference Bible.
/c/corn-measure.htm - 6k

Corn-floor (1 Occurrence)
Corn-floor. Cornfloor, Corn-floor. Cornices . Multi-Version Concordance ... (DBY
JPS WBS). Cornfloor, Corn-floor. Cornices . Reference Bible.
/c/corn-floor.htm - 6k

Side-chamber (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:6 And the side-chambers were one over another, three and thirty times;
and there were cornices in the wall which belonged to the house for the side ...
/s/side-chamber.htm - 7k

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