In biblical times, the term "couches" refers to various types of furniture used for reclining, resting, or dining. The concept of a couch in the Bible is often associated with comfort, rest, and sometimes indulgence. The Hebrew and Greek terms translated as "couch" can also refer to beds or reclining places, indicating their multifunctional use in ancient households.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, couches are mentioned in several contexts, often highlighting the lifestyle and customs of the people. For instance, in Amos 6:4 , the prophet Amos criticizes the complacency and indulgence of the Israelites, saying, "You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves." Here, couches symbolize luxury and excess, reflecting the moral and spiritual decline of the people.

The Song of Solomon also makes mention of couches in a more intimate and personal setting. In Song of Solomon 1:16 , the beloved says, "How handsome you are, my beloved! Oh, how charming! Our bed is verdant." The term "bed" here can be understood as a couch or a place of rest, symbolizing the beauty and intimacy of the marital relationship.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, couches are often associated with dining practices. During the time of Jesus, it was customary to recline on couches while eating, a practice that is evident in several Gospel accounts. For example, in Mark 2:15 , it is recorded, "While Jesus was dining at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Him and His disciples, for there were many who followed Him." The act of reclining on couches during meals was a sign of fellowship and acceptance, illustrating Jesus' willingness to associate with all people, regardless of their social status.

Additionally, in the parable of the Great Banquet, Jesus uses the imagery of couches to convey the inclusivity of God's kingdom. In Luke 14:10 , He advises, "But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests." Here, couches serve as a metaphor for humility and the reversal of social expectations in the kingdom of God.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Couches in biblical times were not merely functional pieces of furniture but also carried cultural and symbolic significance. They were often associated with social status and hospitality. The presence of couches in a home indicated a level of wealth and the ability to host guests comfortably. In some instances, couches were adorned with luxurious materials, such as ivory or fine fabrics, reflecting the owner's prosperity.

Symbolically, couches can represent rest and relaxation, as well as the spiritual state of an individual or community. In prophetic literature, the imagery of couches is sometimes used to critique complacency and moral laxity, as seen in the writings of Amos. Conversely, in the context of Jesus' ministry, couches become a symbol of inclusivity and the breaking down of social barriers.

Overall, the concept of couches in the Bible provides insight into the daily life, social customs, and spiritual teachings of the biblical world. Through various references, couches illustrate themes of hospitality, humility, and the call to live a life aligned with God's values.755. architriklinos -- the superintendent of a banquet
... Word Origin from archo and triklinos (a dining room with three couches) Definition
the superintendent of a banquet NASB Word Usage headwaiter (3). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/755.htm - 6k3766. kara -- to bow down
... root Definition to bow down NASB Word Usage bow (3), bow down (2), bowed (4), bowed
down (9), bring him low (1), brought me very low (1), couches (2), crouch (1 ...
/hebrew/3766.htm - 6k

4296. mittah -- a couch, bed
... Word Origin from natah Definition a couch, bed NASB Word Usage bed (21), bedroom*
(2), beds (1), bier (1), couch (3), couches (1). bedchamber, bier. ...
/hebrew/4296.htm - 6k

6210. eres -- a couch, divan
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a couch, divan NASB Word Usage bed (1),
bed* (1), bedstead (2), couch (4), couches (1), sickbed* (1). ...
/hebrew/6210.htm - 6k

Your Gods, it is Recorded, Dine on Celestial Couches...
... Book IV. 33 Your gods, it is recorded, dine on celestial couches? Your
gods, it is recorded, dine on celestial couches, and in ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/33 your gods it is.htm

On Sleep.
... worked with gold, and long fine robes of purple, and costly fleecy cloaks, and
manufactured rugs of purple, and mantles of thick pile, and couches softer than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap ix on sleep.htm

And Then the Future Captivity under an Oppressive King is ...
... come near to the seat of oppression." Then are subjoined the evils of luxury: "ye
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches; that eat ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 18 and then the.htm

And all the Methods I have Mentioned are Constantly Used by Nearly ...
... come near to the seat of oppression." Then are subjoined the evils of luxury: "ye
that lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch yourselves upon couches; that eat ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 7 and all the.htm

On Costly Vessels.
... And silver couches, and pans and vinegar-saucers, and trenchers and bowls; and besides
these, vessels of silver and gold, some for serving food, and others for ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

This is the Reason, Then, Why Christians are Counted Public ...
... It is, forsooth, a notable homage to bring fires and couches out before the public,
to have feasting from street to street, to turn the city into one great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xxxv this is the.htm

A Glance at the Disciples of Jesus on Holy Saturday.
... compartments spoken of above: they fastened long veils over their heads, seated
themselves sorrowfully on the floor, and leaned upon the couches which were ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lviii a glance at.htm

Mary of Magdala.
... court. Beyond the court was a banqueting room with couches on which guests
sat leaning upon the tables in the Eastern fashion. There ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xix mary of magdala.htm

And Yet, O Ye who Laugh Because we Worship one who Died an ...
... in pieces by the hands of a hundred senators, do you not call Quirinus Martius,
and do you not honour him with priests and with gorgeous couches, [3317] and do ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/41 and yet o ye.htm

How Constantine Entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of his ...
... fear into the innermost of the imperial apartments, in which some were the emperor's
own companions at table, while others reclined on couches arranged on ...
/.../the life of constantine/chapter xv how constantine entertained the.htm

Couches (15 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Couches (15 Occurrences). Matthew 23:6 they love also
the chief couches in the supper, and the chief seats in the synagogues, (YLT). ...
/c/couches.htm - 10k

Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. The couches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water. ...
/i/interpretation.htm - 57k

Meals (8 Occurrences)
... in the time of our Lord, and perhaps even from the days of Amos (6:4, 7), the foreign
custom had been largely introduced of having broad couches, forming three ...
/m/meals.htm - 27k

Baptist (16 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. The couches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water. ...
/b/baptist.htm - 56k

Beds (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them
on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might ...
/b/beds.htm - 13k

Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat ...
/b/bedstead.htm - 18k

Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat ...
/b/bedchamber.htm - 20k

Bed (142 Occurrences)
... the silken cushions of a bed" (Amos 3:12); and of certain children of luxury "that
lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat ...
/b/bed.htm - 52k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... VIII. Furniture, Pottery and Embroidery. The furniture even of the palace was scanty,
consisting mainly of couches, chairs, stools, tables, rugs and curtains. ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

Yellow (6 Occurrences)
... marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red,
white, yellow, and black marble. (WEB ASV BBE). Psalms ...
/y/yellow.htm - 9k

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