Definition and Etymology:
The term "Nave" is not directly found in the Bible but is often used in biblical encyclopedias and topical Bibles to refer to the central part of a church building, intended to accommodate most of the congregation. The word is derived from the Latin "navis," meaning "ship," which reflects the architectural design resembling an inverted ship's hull.

Biblical Context and Symbolism:
While the specific term "Nave" does not appear in the biblical text, the concept of a central gathering place for worship is deeply rooted in Scripture. The design and function of the nave in church architecture can be seen as a continuation of the biblical tradition of communal worship spaces, such as the Tabernacle and the Temple in Jerusalem.

The Tabernacle, described in the Book of Exodus, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a central place for worship and sacrifice. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."

Similarly, the Temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem was a permanent structure that served as the focal point of Jewish worship. In 1 Kings 6:2 , the dimensions and grandeur of the Temple are described: "The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high."

Theological Significance:
The nave, as part of church architecture, symbolizes the gathering of the faithful, the body of Christ, in a communal act of worship. It reflects the unity and fellowship of believers, as emphasized in the New Testament. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to gather together: "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The architectural design of the nave, often resembling a ship, can also symbolize the Church as the "ark of salvation," guiding believers through the turbulent waters of life. This imagery is reminiscent of Noah's Ark, which provided refuge and salvation from the flood, as described in Genesis 6-9.

Historical Development:
The development of the nave in church architecture can be traced back to the early Christian basilicas, which were modeled after Roman public buildings. As Christianity became more established, the architectural design evolved to accommodate larger congregations and to enhance the liturgical experience.

Throughout history, the nave has been a place where the faithful gather to hear the Word of God, participate in the sacraments, and engage in communal prayer and worship. It serves as a physical representation of the Church's mission to be a beacon of faith and a place of refuge for believers.

Conclusion:
The concept of the nave, while not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition of communal worship and the architectural heritage of the Church. It serves as a powerful symbol of the unity and fellowship of believers, reflecting the Church's role as the body of Christ in the world.Nave

(Heb. gao), anything convex or arched, as the boss of a shield, (Job 15:26) the eyebrows, (Leviticus 14:9) an eminent place. (Ezekiel 16:31) It is rendered once only in the plural, "naves," (1 Kings 7:33) meaning the centres of the wheels in which the spokes are inserted i.e. the hubs. In (Ezekiel 1:18) it is rendered twice "rings," and margin "strakes," an old word apparently used for the nave (hub) of a wheel and also more probably for the felloe or the tire, as making the streak or stroke upon the ground.

1. (n.) The block in the center of a wheel, from which the spokes radiate, and through which the axle passes; -- called also hub or hob.

2. (n.) The navel.

3. (n.) The middle or body of a church, extending from the transepts to the principal entrances, or, if there are no transepts, from the choir to the principal entrance, but not including the aisles.

NAVE (1)

nav (1 Kings 7:33).

See SEA, THE MOLTEN.

NAVE (2)

na'-ve (Naue): Greek form of the Hebrew proper name "Nun" (so the Revised Version (British and American)), found only in the King James Version of Sirach 46:1.

2840. chishshur -- a nave, hub (of a wheel)
... chishshur or chishshur. 2841 . a nave, hub (of a wheel). Transliteration: chishshur
or chishshur Phonetic Spelling: (khish-shoor') Short Definition: hubs. ...
/hebrew/2840.htm - 6k

1354. gab -- a back
... back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye)brows, nave, ring. see HEBREW gev.
see HEBREW guwph. 1353, 1354. gab. 1355 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1354.htm - 6k

1964. hekal -- a palace, temple
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition a palace, temple NASB Word Usage court (1),
nave (14), palace (7), palaces (4), temple (53), temples (1). palace, temple. ...
/hebrew/1964.htm - 6k

Of the Old Testament, Therefore, First of all There have Been ...
... therefore, first of all there have been handed down five books of Moses, Genesis,
Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy; Then Jesus Nave, (Joshua the son of ...
/.../37 of the old testament.htm

Symbolism of the Church Building
... Some chancels of old churches were even built with a slight deflection from the
line of direction of the nave, thus representing the inclination of our ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolism of the church building.htm

Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church
... 1. The Bema; 2. The Altar; 3. The Prothesis; 4. The Diaconicon; 5. The Iconostasis;
6. Doors; 7. The Ambon; 8. The Nave; 9. The Narthex. ... (3) The Nave. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the holy eastern church/iv.htm

Christian Worship,
... this description with the plan of a church, you will see that the broad middle part
of the basilica answers to what is called the "body" or "nave" of the church ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

Excursus on the Public Discipline or Exomologesis of the Early ...
... The second division, or main body of the church, was called the Naos or
Nave. This was separated from the Narthex by rails of wood ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the public discipline.htm

Next There Follows, "And in Christ Jesus, his Only Son, Our Lord. ...
... For we read in the Books of Moses, that Auses, the son of Nave, when he was chosen
to lead the people, had his name changed from "Auses" to "Jesus," to shew ...
/.../6 next there follows and.htm

The Cross of Christ Frequently Announced in the Old Testament.
... [1620] What, again, says Moses to Jesus (Joshua) the son of Nave, when he gave him
[1621] this name, as being a prophet, with this view only, that all the ...
/.../barnabas/the epistle of barnabas /chapter xii the cross of christ.htm

In Sanctuary
... Eutropius rushed into it down the private passage from the Palace which led into
the Emperor's gallery, and down the staircase from the gallery into the nave. ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

Prediction About the Christians in Zechariah the Malignant Way ...
... [2385] But I now say, that as [Scripture] said that the Son of Nave (Nun) by the
name Jesus (Joshua) wrought powerful works and exploits which proclaimed ...
/.../chapter cxv prediction about the christians.htm

That Christ Also is Called a Stone.
... are seven eyes." [4041] Also in Deuteronomy: "And thou shalt write upon the stone
all this law, very plainly." [4042] Also in Jesus the son of Nave: "And he ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/16 that christ also is.htm

Nave (19 Occurrences)
... including the aisles. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NAVE (1). nav
(1 Kings 7:33). See SEA, THE MOLTEN. NAVE (2). na'-ve (Naue ...
/n/nave.htm - 12k

Navel (4 Occurrences)

/n/navel.htm - 9k

Nun (31 Occurrences)
... meaning "fecundity"): Father of Joshua (referred to thus 29 t) (Exodus 33:11 Numbers
11:28, etc.; 1 Chronicles 7:27, margin "Non"; Sirach 46:1, margin "Nave"). ...
/n/nun.htm - 18k

Nauseated (1 Occurrence)

/n/nauseated.htm - 6k

Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... circular frame turning about an axis; a rotating disk, whether solid, or a frame
composed of an outer rim, spokes or radii, and a central hub or nave, in which ...
/w/wheel.htm - 18k

Bushel (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A large indefinite quantity. 5. (n.) The iron lining in the nave of a wheel.
[Eng.] In the United States it is called a box. See 4th Bush. Int. ...
/b/bushel.htm - 9k

Clerestory (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The upper story of the nave of a church, containing
windows, and rising above the aisle roofs. 2. (n.) Same as Clearstory. ...
/c/clerestory.htm - 6k

Spoke (799 Occurrences)
... of Speak. 4. (n.) The radius or ray of a wheel; one of the small bars which are
inserted in the hub, or nave, and which serve to support the rim or felly. ...
/s/spoke.htm - 33k

Machpelah (6 Occurrences)
... The southern end of the great enclosure is occupied by a church-probably a building
entirely of the crusading period-with a nave and two aisles. ...
/m/machpelah.htm - 19k

What was Solomon's Porch? | GotQuestions.org

Nave: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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