Morter, also spelled "mortar," is a substance mentioned in the Bible, primarily used in construction and as a binding agent. It is a mixture of materials that, when combined with water, hardens to form a solid mass. In biblical times, morter was essential for building structures, including walls, towers, and other edifices.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 11:3 · The earliest mention of morter in the Bible is found in the account of the Tower of Babel. The people said, "Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly." They used brick instead of stone, and tar for morter. This passage highlights the use of morter as a binding agent in the construction of the tower, symbolizing human ambition and unity in defiance of God's command to fill the earth.

2. Exodus 1:14 · In the context of the Israelites' bondage in Egypt, morter is mentioned as part of the oppressive labor imposed on them. "They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and morter and with all kinds of work in the fields; in all their hard labor, the Egyptians used them ruthlessly." Here, morter signifies the harsh conditions and forced labor experienced by the Israelites, contributing to their cry for deliverance.

3. Leviticus 14:42 · Morter is also referenced in the context of cleansing a house from mildew. "Then they are to take other stones to replace these and take new clay and plaster the house." While the term "plaster" is used in the BSB, it is understood as a form of morter used to repair and purify a dwelling, symbolizing restoration and cleanliness according to the Law.

4. Ezekiel 13:10-15 · The prophet Ezekiel uses morter metaphorically to describe false prophets who "whitewash" flimsy walls with untempered morter, giving a false sense of security. "Because they lead My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash." This imagery underscores the deceit and instability of false teachings, contrasting with the solid foundation of God's truth.

Symbolism and Theological Significance:

Morter in the Bible often symbolizes human effort and ingenuity, as seen in the construction of the Tower of Babel. It represents the binding together of materials to create something strong and enduring. However, when used in contexts of oppression or deceit, as in the labor of the Israelites or the false prophets' whitewashed walls, morter takes on a negative connotation, highlighting the futility of human endeavors apart from God's will.

In a broader theological sense, morter can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual binding and unity that believers are called to in Christ. Just as morter holds bricks together to form a sturdy structure, so too are Christians called to be united in faith and purpose, building up the body of Christ on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern construction, morter was a crucial component. It was typically made from clay, lime, or bitumen, mixed with water to create a paste that would harden over time. The use of morter allowed for the construction of more durable and weather-resistant structures, which was essential in the varied climates of the biblical lands.

The use of morter in biblical narratives reflects the technological advancements of the time and provides insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by the people of the Bible. It serves as a reminder of the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation, both physically and spiritually.6083. aphar -- dry earth, dust
... From aphar; dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud -- ashes, dust,
earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. see HEBREW aphar. 6082, 6083. ...
/hebrew/6083.htm - 6kMorter (7 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Morter (7 Occurrences). Isaiah 41:25 I have raised
up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising ...
/m/morter.htm - 8k

Untempered (5 Occurrences)
... because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and
one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: (KJV ASV ...
/u/untempered.htm - 9k

Fortify (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Nahum 3:14 Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy
strong holds: go into clay, and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln. ...
/f/fortify.htm - 8k

Treadeth (25 Occurrences)
... raised up one from the north, and he shall come: from the rising of the sun shall
he call upon my name: and he shall come upon princes as upon morter, and as ...
/t/treadeth.htm - 14k

Daubed (9 Occurrences)
... because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and
one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter: (KJV WBS ...
/d/daubed.htm - 9k

Mortgage

/m/mortgage.htm - 7k

Mortar (16 Occurrences)
... BRAY. For "mortar" (the King James Version "morter"). See BITUMEN. James Orr.
Multi-Version Concordance Mortar (16 Occurrences). Genesis ...
/m/mortar.htm - 14k

Mortars (1 Occurrence)

/m/mortars.htm - 6k

Brickkiln (3 Occurrences)
... Nahum 3:14 Draw thee waters for the siege, fortify thy strong holds: go into clay,
and tread the morter, make strong the brickkiln. (KJV ASV). ...
/b/brickkiln.htm - 8k

Rend (35 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:11 Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall
fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall ...
/r/rend.htm - 18k

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