In biblical contexts, the term "overhang" is not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the concept can be related to various architectural and metaphorical elements found throughout the Bible. An overhang typically refers to a part of a structure that extends beyond the main support, providing shelter or protection. This idea can be seen in several biblical passages and themes.

Architectural Overhangs

1. Tabernacle and Temple Structures: The construction of sacred spaces in the Bible, such as the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, involved detailed architectural designs that may have included overhanging elements. While the Bible does not specifically mention "overhangs," the intricate descriptions of these holy places suggest the use of protective and ornamental features. For instance, the Tabernacle was covered with layers of curtains and skins, providing a form of overhang that shielded the sacred space (Exodus 26).

2. Booths and Shelters: During the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), the Israelites were commanded to dwell in temporary shelters or booths (Leviticus 23:42-43). These structures, often made with branches and leaves, would have naturally included overhanging elements to provide shade and protection, symbolizing God's provision and care during their wilderness journey.

Metaphorical Overhangs

1. Divine Protection: The concept of an overhang can metaphorically represent God's protective covering over His people. In Psalm 91:4, it is written, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This imagery of being under God's wings suggests an overhanging protection that offers safety and security.

2. Spiritual Shelter: The idea of seeking refuge under God's overhang is echoed in various Psalms, where God is described as a rock, fortress, and shelter. Psalm 61:4 states, "Let me dwell in Your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of Your wings." Here, the overhang is a metaphor for the spiritual shelter and comfort found in God's presence.

3. Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs often speaks of wisdom as a protective and guiding force. Proverbs 2:6-7 says, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity." Wisdom, like an overhang, provides guidance and protection from life's challenges.

Symbolism in Prophecy

1. Messianic Imagery: In prophetic literature, the Messiah is often depicted as a sheltering presence. Isaiah 4:6 speaks of a future time when "there will be a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain." This prophecy points to the Messianic age, where Christ provides ultimate protection and peace.

2. Eschatological Visions: The Book of Revelation contains imagery of God's ultimate protection over His people. Revelation 7:15-17 describes a scene where those who have come out of the great tribulation are sheltered by God's presence, "He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them." This divine overhang signifies eternal security and comfort.

In summary, while the term "overhang" is not directly used in the Bible, its concept is woven throughout Scripture in both literal and metaphorical forms, illustrating God's provision, protection, and presence in the lives of His people.1. (n.) A portion of a building which projects or hangs over as a covering.

2. (v. t.) To hang over; to jut or project over.

3. (v. i.) To jut over.

4. (n.) In a general sense, that which just out or projects; a projection; also, the measure of the projection; as, the overhang is five feet.

5. (n.) Specifically: The projection of an upper part (as a roof, an upper story, or other part) of a building beyond the lower part; as, the overhang of a roof, of the eaves, etc.

6. (n.) The portion of the bow or stem of a vessel that projects over the water beyond the water line.

7. (n.) The projection of a part beyond another part that is directly below it, or beyond a part by which it is supported; as, the overhang of a shaft; i. e., its projection beyond its bearing.

8259. shaqaph -- to overhang, look out or down
... 8258, 8259. shaqaph. 8260 . to overhang, look out or down. Transliteration:
shaqaph Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-kaf') Short Definition: down. Word Origin a prim ...
/hebrew/8259.htm - 6k

The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... been built. Many of these rocks are left in their natural position, and
overhang the houses which have been built among them. The ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iii the city of the.htm

Summary of the First Part of the Foregoing System.
... It clearly seems free from the stupendous cloud of difficulties that overhang that
view of the moral universe which supposes its entire constitution and ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter i summary of the.htm

The Lord of Demons
... He lives up in the rock-hewn tombs which overhang the beach; for all that belongs
to corruption and death is congenial to the subjects of that dark kingdom of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the lord of demons.htm

Footnotes
... that He led them out 'as far as to Bethany,' the secluded hills (that especially
to which Tobler assigns the name of Djebel Sajach) which overhang that village ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/footnotes.htm

The Littleness of the Human Mind a Ground of Hope.
... Let this be blown away, and the darkness which seems to overhang the moral government
of the world will disappear like the mists of the morning. ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/section iv the littleness of.htm

God's Exhaustive Knowledge of Man.
... Is it not one of those mysteries which overhang human existence, and from which
that of the brute is wholly free, that man can live his life, and act his agency ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/gods exhaustive knowledge of man.htm

The Alchemy of Influence
... All my conceptions of the progress of grace in the soul; all the steps by which
divine life is evolved; all the ideals that overhang the blessed sphere which ...
/.../the alchemy of influence.htm

The Sufferings of Christ Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
... of the atonement were stricken from the scheme of Christianity, the injustice which
is supposed to attend it would still continue to overhang and cloud the ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter iii the sufferings of.htm

The Sinfulness of Original Sin.
... The conscience is still perturbed, the forebodings still overhang the soul like
a black cloud, and the heart is as throbbing and restless as ever. ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sinfulness of original sin.htm

Kumaon.
... hill ponies are, as a rule, quiet and sure-footed; and they require to be, as the
roads are narrow, in some places very narrow, and overhang precipices, down ...
/.../kennedy/life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xx kumaon.htm

Overhang (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) In a general sense, that which just out or projects; a projection; also,
the measure of the projection; as, the overhang is five feet. ...
/o/overhang.htm - 7k

Overhanging (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Overhang. Multi-Version
Concordance Overhanging (6 Occurrences). Exodus 26:12 The ...
/o/overhanging.htm - 8k

Overgrown (5 Occurrences)

/o/overgrown.htm - 8k

Eaves (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n. pl.) The edges or lower borders of the roof of a building, which overhang
the walls, and cast off the water that falls on the roof. ...
/e/eaves.htm - 6k

Ebal (8 Occurrences)
... These two mountains overhang the pass through which runs the main artery of intercourse
between East and West, the city of Nablus lying in the throat of the ...
/e/ebal.htm - 14k

Bend (29 Occurrences)
... anchor. 6. (vi) To be moved or strained out of a straight line; to crook
or be curving; to bow. 7. (vi) To jut over; to overhang. 8 ...
/b/bend.htm - 16k

Beetle (7 Occurrences)
... See Coleoptera. 6. (vi) To extend over and beyond the base or support; to
overhang; to jut. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEETLE. ...
/b/beetle.htm - 10k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... These two mountains overhang the pass through which runs the main artery of intercourse
between East and West, the city of Nablus lying in the throat of the ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Overhang: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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