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 hinge, though not frequently mentioned, plays a significant role in understanding the construction and function of doors and gates, which are often symbolic in Scripture. A hinge allows a door to swing open or closed, serving as a pivotal point that facilitates movement and access. This mechanical function can be seen metaphorically in various biblical passages, where doors and gates represent opportunities, protection, or judgment.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 26:14 : "As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed." This verse uses the imagery of a door on its hinges to illustrate the laziness of a sluggard. Just as a door swings back and forth without progressing, a sluggard remains in bed, lacking productivity and purpose. The hinge here symbolizes the potential for movement and change, which the sluggard fails to utilize. 2. 1 Kings 7:50 : "the cups, snuffers, bowls, dishes, and censers of pure gold; and the sockets of gold for the doors of the inner temple, the Most Holy Place, and for the doors of the main hall of the temple." While this verse does not explicitly mention hinges, it describes the opulence and craftsmanship involved in the construction of the temple, including the doors. The presence of doors implies the use of hinges, which would have been essential for their function and operation. Symbolic Significance: In the Bible, doors and gates often carry deep symbolic meanings. They can represent the threshold between the sacred and the profane, the entrance to divine presence, or the boundary between safety and danger. The hinge, as a crucial component of a door, can thus be seen as a symbol of transition and decision-making. It allows for the opening to new possibilities or the closing off of paths, reflecting the choices individuals must make in their spiritual journeys. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern architecture, doors were typically made of wood and reinforced with metal. Hinges would have been crafted from materials like bronze or iron, designed to withstand the weight and frequent use of the doors they supported. The construction of hinges required skill and precision, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in biblical times. Theological Implications: The hinge, though a small and often overlooked component, serves as a reminder of the importance of seemingly minor elements in the grand design of God's creation. Just as a hinge supports the function of a door, small acts of faith and obedience can have significant impacts in the life of a believer. The hinge's role in facilitating movement and access can also be seen as a metaphor for the believer's relationship with God, where faith acts as the hinge that opens the door to divine grace and guidance. In summary, while the hinge is not a prominent feature in biblical texts, its function and symbolism offer rich insights into the themes of movement, transition, and the choices that define one's spiritual path. Smith's Bible Dictionary HingeBoth ancient Egyptian and modern Oriental doors were and are hung by means of pivots turning in sockets on both the upper and lower sides. (1 Kings 7:50) In Syria, and especially the Hauran, there are many ancient doors consisting of stone slabs with pivots carved out of the same piece, inserted in sockets above and below, and fixed during the building of the house. The allusion in (Proverbs 26:14) is thus clearly explained. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews tsir), that on which a door revolves. "Doors in the East turn rather on pivots than on what we term hinges. In Syria, and especially in the Hauran, there are many ancient doors, consisting of stone slabs with pivots carved out of the same piece inserted in sockets above and below, and fixed during the building of the house" (Proverbs 26:14). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The hook with its eye, or the joint, on which a door, gate, lid, etc., turns or swings; a flexible piece, as a strip of leather, which serves as a joint to turn on.2. (n.) That on which anything turns or depends; a governing principle; a cardinal point or rule; as, this argument was the hinge on which the question turned. 3. (n.) One of the four cardinal points, east, west, north, or south. 4. (v. t.) To attach by, or furnish with, hinges. 5. (v. t.) To bend. 6. (v. i.) To stand, depend, hang, or turn, as on a hinge; to depend chiefly for a result or decision or for force and validity; -- usually with on or upon; as, the argument hinges on this point. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HINGEhinj (poth): Hinges of Jewish sacred buildings in Scripture are mentioned only in connection with Solomon's temple. Here those for the doors, both of the oracle and of the outer temple, are said to have been of gold (1 Kings 7:50). By this is probably to be understood that the pivots upon which the doors swung, and which turned in the sockets of the threshold and the lintel, were cased in gold. The proverb, "As the door turneth upon its hinges, so doth the sluggard upon his bed" (Proverbs 26:14), describes the ancient mode of ingress and egress into important edifices. In the British Museum are many examples of stone sockets taken from Babylonian and Assyrian palaces and temples, engraved with the name and titles of the royal builder; while in the Hauran doors of a single slab of stone with stone pivots are still found in situ. Hinges, as we understand the word, were unknown in the ancient world. Greek 1582. ekkremannumi -- to hang from, hang upon (the lips of a ... ... 1582 (from 1537 , " and " and 2910 , "to hang, hinge") -- properly, out from (one's own perspective) and to (the new focus), ie with the of being totally ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1582.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 6596. poth -- perhaps a hinge... poth. 6597 . perhaps a hinge. Transliteration: poth Phonetic Spelling: (pohth) Short Definition: foreheads. ... hinge, secret participle. Or pothah (Ezek. ... /hebrew/6596.htm - 6k 6735b. tsir -- a pivot, hinge 6735. tsiyr -- an envoy, messenger 6336. Puthi -- a family in Judah Library Which of the Gods Can the Romans Suppose Presided Over the ... The Sum and Substance of all Theology Christ's Priestly Office The Missing Factor in Current Theories The Lame Man at the Temple Gate. Entire Sanctification as Taught by John. Gregory Disallows any Attainment of the virtues on his Part. Piety ... The Joint Heirs and their Divine Portion Concerning Festivals in Honour of Emperors, victories, and the ... Theological Systems Devised to Harmonize the Dogmas of Grace and ... Thesaurus Hinge (1 Occurrence)... 2. (n.) That on which anything turns or depends; a governing principle; a cardinal point or rule; as, this argument was the hinge on which the question turned. ... /h/hinge.htm - 9k But (42052 Occurrences) Hinds (7 Occurrences) Joint (12 Occurrences) Turn (963 Occurrences) House (20110 Occurrences) Pan (26 Occurrences) Beak (2 Occurrences) Summit (7 Occurrences) Hinged (1 Occurrence) Resources What was the purpose of Stonehenge? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is simulation theory? Is all of reality actually a simulation? | GotQuestions.org Hinge: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hinge (1 Occurrence)Proverbs 26:14 Subtopics Related Terms |
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