Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "courtyard" refers to an enclosed area adjacent to a building, often associated with the tabernacle or temple, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The courtyard is a significant element in the architectural and spiritual landscape of ancient Israelite worship, as described in various passages of the Bible.Old Testament Context The concept of the courtyard is prominently featured in the descriptions of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In the wilderness, the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle as a portable dwelling place for God. The courtyard of the Tabernacle was a designated area surrounding the sacred tent, as detailed in Exodus 27:9-19. The Berean Standard Bible describes the courtyard as being 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide, enclosed by curtains of fine twisted linen, with pillars and bronze bases. The courtyard served as a transitional space between the secular and the sacred, where the Israelites could bring their offerings and sacrifices. It was here that the altar of burnt offering was located, as well as the bronze basin for ceremonial washing (Exodus 30:18). The courtyard was accessible to all Israelites, symbolizing a communal approach to worship and sacrifice. In the construction of Solomon's Temple, the courtyard continued to play a vital role. 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 4 provide detailed accounts of the Temple's design, including the inner and outer courtyards. The outer courtyard was accessible to the general populace, while the inner courtyard was reserved for priests and Levites, reflecting a hierarchy in worship practices. New Testament Context In the New Testament, courtyards are mentioned in the context of the Second Temple, particularly in the Gospels. The Temple in Jerusalem had several courtyards, including the Court of the Gentiles, the Court of Women, and the Court of Israel. These areas facilitated different levels of access for worshippers, with the Court of the Gentiles being the most inclusive, allowing non-Jews to come and pray. The cleansing of the Temple by Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 21:12-13 , took place in the Temple's courtyard. Jesus drove out the money changers and merchants, declaring, "My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." This act underscored the importance of the courtyard as a place of genuine worship and prayer, free from commercial exploitation. Symbolic Significance The courtyard holds rich symbolic meaning in biblical theology. It represents a space of preparation and purification, where worshippers transition from the ordinary to the divine presence. The physical separation of the courtyard from the inner sanctum of the Tabernacle or Temple mirrors the spiritual journey of drawing closer to God. Moreover, the courtyard's accessibility to all Israelites, and later to Gentiles in the Second Temple, highlights the inclusive nature of God's covenant with His people. It serves as a reminder of the communal aspect of worship and the call to holiness for all who approach the divine presence. In summary, the courtyard in biblical times was not merely an architectural feature but a vital component of Israelite worship, reflecting both the communal and hierarchical aspects of approaching God. Its presence in both the Tabernacle and Temple underscores its enduring significance in the spiritual life of God's people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A court or inclosure attached to a house.Greek 833. aule -- a courtyard, a court ... a courtyard, a court. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: aule Phonetic Spelling: (ow-lay') Short Definition: court-yard, fore-court, palace, house ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/833.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 2682. chatsir -- green grass, herbage... grass, hay, herb, leek. Perhaps originally the same as chatsiyr, from the greenness of a courtyard; grass; also a leek (collectively) -- grass, hay, herb, leek. ... /hebrew/2682.htm - 6k 2691a. chatser -- enclosure, court Library Roots Life in the Villages The Great Denial The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the ... The Right to Privacy Letter xiii. --The Use of Trials Continued. Missed Ends Women's Bible Training School The Great Furnace for a Great Soul What do we Count them Worth? Thesaurus Courtyard (59 Occurrences)...Courtyard (59 Occurrences). ... (See NAS RSV NIV). Mark 14:66 As Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maids of the high priest came, (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ... /c/courtyard.htm - 24k Court (172 Occurrences) Nineveh (23 Occurrences) Yard (8 Occurrences) Kindled (83 Occurrences) Tanner (3 Occurrences) Erech (2 Occurrences) Dwellings (54 Occurrences) Maids (28 Occurrences) Baalhazor (1 Occurrence) Resources What was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org Courtyard: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Courtyard (59 Occurrences)Matthew 26:58 Matthew 26:69 Mark 14:54 Mark 14:66 Luke 22:55 John 18:15 Exodus 27:12 Exodus 27:13 Exodus 27:16 Exodus 27:17 Exodus 27:19 Exodus 35:17 Exodus 35:18 Exodus 38:15 Exodus 38:16 Exodus 38:17 Exodus 38:18 Exodus 38:20 Exodus 38:31 Exodus 39:40 Exodus 40:8 Exodus 40:33 Leviticus 6:16 Leviticus 6:26 Numbers 3:26 Numbers 3:37 Numbers 4:26 Numbers 4:32 2 Samuel 17:18 1 Kings 6:36 1 Kings 7:9 1 Kings 7:12 1 Kings 8:64 2 Chronicles 7:7 2 Chronicles 20:5 2 Chronicles 24:21 2 Chronicles 29:16 Esther 2:11 Jeremiah 26:2 Jeremiah 32:2 Jeremiah 32:8 Jeremiah 32:12 Jeremiah 33:1 Jeremiah 36:10 Jeremiah 36:20 Jeremiah 37:21 Jeremiah 38:6 Jeremiah 38:13 Jeremiah 38:28 Jeremiah 39:14 Jeremiah 39:15 Ezekiel 40:14 Ezekiel 41:12 Ezekiel 41:13 Ezekiel 41:14 Ezekiel 41:15 Ezekiel 42:1 Ezekiel 42:10 Ezekiel 42:13 Subtopics Related Terms |