Masonry, in the context of the Bible, refers to the craft and skill of building with stone, a practice that holds significant historical and theological importance throughout the Scriptures. The art of masonry is often associated with the construction of altars, temples, and city walls, serving as a testament to human ingenuity and divine instruction.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Construction of Altars and Monuments: The earliest references to masonry in the Bible involve the construction of altars and monuments. In Genesis 28:18, Jacob sets up a stone pillar at Bethel as a memorial to his encounter with God: "Early the next morning, Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head, and he set it up as a pillar. He poured oil on top of it." This act of setting up a stone pillar signifies the use of masonry in creating sacred spaces and memorials.

2. The Building of the Temple: One of the most significant examples of masonry in the Bible is the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:7, the text describes the precision and care involved in the temple's construction: "The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built." This passage highlights the skill and reverence associated with masonry in the service of God.

3. Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls: The book of Nehemiah provides a detailed account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, showcasing the communal effort and dedication to restoring the city. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." The rebuilding process involved skilled masons and laborers working together to achieve a common goal, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor: Masonry also serves as a powerful metaphor in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house: "you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." This metaphor underscores the idea of believers being intricately and purposefully placed within the body of Christ, much like stones in a structure.

5. Warnings Against Idolatry: While masonry is often associated with sacred construction, the Bible also warns against the misuse of this craft in the creation of idols. In Deuteronomy 27:5-6, the Israelites are instructed to build an altar to the Lord using uncut stones: "Build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. Build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God." This command serves as a reminder to maintain purity in worship and avoid the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations.

Cultural and Historical Context

Masonry in biblical times was a highly respected trade, requiring skill and precision. Masons were responsible for constructing not only religious edifices but also fortifications, palaces, and public works. The use of stone as a building material was prevalent due to its durability and availability in the region. The craft of masonry was often passed down through generations, with families and guilds preserving the techniques and knowledge necessary for this essential work.

In summary, masonry in the Bible is depicted as both a literal and metaphorical practice, integral to the construction of sacred spaces and the spiritual formation of God's people. The skill and dedication of masons are celebrated, while the potential for misuse in idolatry is cautioned against, reflecting the broader biblical themes of worship, community, and faithfulness.John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Topicalbible.org

1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) Construction using stone or brick.

2. (n.) The work or performance of a mason; as, good or bad masonry; skillful masonry.

3. (n.) That which is built by a mason; anything constructed of the materials used by masons, such as stone, brick, tiles, or the like. Dry masonry is applied to structures made without mortar.

4. (n.) The craft, institution, or mysteries of Freemasons; freemasonry.

Letter xvi. --To Amphilochius.
... In the blocks of masonry formed by the angles there will be an equal number of pillars,
at once for ornament and for strength, and these again will carry ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xvi to amphilochius.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... They used for all this masonry a cement made from a species of bitumen, which was
found in great quantities floating down one of the rivers which flowed into ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Hiram, the Inspired Artificer
... There were temples on a larger scale, and of more massive construction, but the
enormous masses of masonry of the oldest nations were not comparable with the ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/hiram the inspired artificer.htm

The Memphite Empire
... pyramid of considerable dimensions could have disappeared without leaving any traces
behind, especially when we see the enormous masses of masonry which still ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

The Shepherd, the Stone of Israel
... where a hundred generations in succession have made their fortresses, one may see
stones with the bevel that tells of early Jewish masonry, and above them ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the shepherd the stone of.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... Thus the chalk is no unimportant element in the masonry of the earth's crust, and
it impresses a peculiar stamp, varying with the conditions to which it is ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

The Pride of Amaryllis
... "Enough will happen here in time to divert you," he said. She made a motion with
her hand that swept the round of masonry about her. "Not until this falls.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xiv the pride of.htm

At the Well
... with rough limestone. Moss grew in the crevices of the masonry and about
it had been a sod of velvet grass. Black beetles slipped ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

That God May be Glorified
... work he does. The master mason has a wider range of thought: his aim is
that all the masonry shall be true and good. The contractor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxxi that god may be.htm

John's Doubts of Jesus, and Jesus' Praise of John
... The halls of luxurious vice and the walls of defence are gone; but the dungeons
are there still, with the holes in the masonry into which the bars were fixed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/johns doubts of jesus and.htm

Masonry (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The work or performance of a mason; as, good or bad masonry; skillful masonry. ...
Dry masonry is applied to structures made without mortar. ...
/m/masonry.htm - 7k

Building (249 Occurrences)
... 2. Masonry: In stone localities buildings were of stone, but the class
of building was only that of the rude stone waller. Random ...
/b/building.htm - 47k

Build (242 Occurrences)
... 2. Masonry: In stone localities buildings were of stone, but the class
of building was only that of the rude stone waller. Random ...
/b/build.htm - 45k

Fortified (79 Occurrences)
... shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells 2. Sites 3. Primitive
Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7. Masonry 8. Gates ...
/f/fortified.htm - 63k

Fort (8 Occurrences)
... shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells 2. Sites 3. Primitive
Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7. Masonry 8. Gates ...
/f/fort.htm - 41k

Fortress (75 Occurrences)
... shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells 2. Sites 3. Primitive
Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7. Masonry 8. Gates ...
/f/fortress.htm - 60k

Fortification (5 Occurrences)
... shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells 2. Sites 3. Primitive
Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7. Masonry 8. Gates ...
/f/fortification.htm - 40k

Machpelah (6 Occurrences)
... akin to marble. The walls which are between 8 and 9 ft thick are of solid
masonry throughout. At the height of 15 ft. from the ground ...
/m/machpelah.htm - 19k

Gather (251 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To bring together, or nearer together, in masonry, as where the width of
a fireplace is rapidly diminished to the width of the flue, or the like. ...
/g/gather.htm - 47k

Tyropoeon
... cloister rose to the height of about 50 feet, "so that this section of the wall
would originally present to view a stupendous mass of masonry scarcely to be ...
/t/tyropoeon.htm - 7k

What is Free Masonry and what do Free Masons believe? | GotQuestions.org

What is the all-seeing eye? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.org

Masonry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus