Topical Bible: House: Architecture of Porches

◄ House: Architecture of Porches ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the architecture of houses often included porches, which served as significant elements in both functional and symbolic aspects. Porches, or porticos, were common features in ancient Near Eastern architecture, including Israelite homes and public buildings. These structures provided a transitional space between the interior of a building and the outside world, offering shelter, a place for social interaction, and a setting for important activities.

Biblical References and Descriptions

The Bible provides several references to porches, particularly in the context of the Temple and royal buildings. One of the most notable examples is the porch of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:3, the Berean Standard Bible describes the porch of the temple: "The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple was twenty cubits long, extending across the width of the temple, and ten cubits deep in front of the temple." This porch, also known as the "portico of the temple," served as a grand entrance and a place for public gatherings and proclamations.

Another significant mention is the "Porch of Judgment" or the "Hall of Justice" in Solomon's palace, as described in 1 Kings 7:7 : "In addition, Solomon made a hall for the throne, the Hall of Judgment, where he would judge. It was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling." This porch was an integral part of the king's palace, emphasizing its role in governance and justice.

Function and Symbolism

Porches in biblical architecture were multifunctional. They provided shade and protection from the elements, which was essential in the hot climate of the region. They also served as places for social interaction, where people could gather, converse, and conduct business. In a spiritual context, porches were often seen as places of teaching and prayer. For instance, in the New Testament, Solomon's Porch in the Temple is mentioned as a place where Jesus walked and taught (John 10:23) and where the early Christians gathered (Acts 3:11).

Symbolically, porches represented a threshold between the sacred and the secular. They were transitional spaces that prepared individuals to enter into the presence of God or the king. The grandeur and design of porches often reflected the importance and sanctity of the building they adorned.

Architectural Features

The construction of porches in biblical times varied, but they typically featured columns or pillars, which supported a roof or an upper account. These columns were often made of stone or wood and could be ornately decorated. The use of cedar, as mentioned in the construction of Solomon's buildings, was a sign of wealth and prestige, as cedar was a valuable and durable material.

Porches could be open or partially enclosed, depending on their purpose and the architectural style of the period. In some cases, they included steps leading up to the entrance, adding to the sense of elevation and importance of the building.

Cultural and Historical Context

The architecture of porches in biblical times was influenced by the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Similar structures can be found in the architecture of neighboring cultures, such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, and Mesopotamians. These influences are evident in the design and construction techniques used in Israelite architecture.

In summary, porches were an essential feature of biblical architecture, serving practical, social, and symbolic purposes. They were integral to the design of significant buildings, such as the Temple and royal palaces, and played a vital role in the daily and spiritual life of the people.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:23
Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlor on him, and locked them.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 7:6,7
And he made a porch of pillars; the length thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof thirty cubits: and the porch was before them: and the other pillars and the thick beam were before them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Birth and Ancestors. Family Circumstances. "Fist and Skull" ...
... This was large and of the same style of architecture as the house, but what that
style was would puzzle any one to tell. These two rooms and porches, with the ...
/.../chapter i birth and ancestors.htm

Hugh the Builder
... south of this tower were two short transepts, or porches. ... It is evident from records
and architecture alike that ... Hugh to the beauty of God's house." The dying ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... with the splendours of the former house which God ... or silver, or size, or excellency
of architecture; and yet ... the gospel miracles wrought in its porches by the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... by the malicious riddles propounded to him by his adversary, advanced against him
with his hands full of stones"stones as large as a house"with which the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm