In biblical contexts, the term "pedestal" is not frequently encountered as a specific term; however, the concept of a base or foundation upon which something stands is prevalent throughout Scripture. The idea of a pedestal can be understood as a support or a firm foundation, often symbolizing strength, stability, and honor.

Symbolism and Usage

1. Foundation and Stability: The concept of a pedestal as a foundation is echoed in various biblical passages that emphasize the importance of a strong and secure base. For instance, in the construction of the Temple, the importance of a solid foundation is underscored. While the term "pedestal" itself may not be used, the underlying principle is evident in the meticulous care given to the Temple's construction, ensuring it was built on a firm foundation (1 Kings 5-6).

2. Symbol of Honor: In a metaphorical sense, a pedestal can represent a position of honor or elevation. This is seen in the way God elevates His people or His chosen leaders. For example, God promises to make Israel "a praise and a name" among the nations (Jeremiah 33:9), suggesting a form of elevation akin to being placed on a pedestal for others to see and respect.

3. Idolatry and False Worship: Conversely, the concept of a pedestal can also be associated with idolatry, where idols are often placed on pedestals as objects of worship. The Bible frequently warns against the worship of idols, which are often set up on high places or pedestals, as seen in the practices of surrounding nations (Isaiah 2:8). This serves as a caution against elevating anything above God.

4. Christ as the Cornerstone: In the New Testament, the imagery of a foundation is central to understanding Christ's role in the Church. Jesus is described as the "chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20), the essential foundation upon which the Church is built. While not a pedestal in the literal sense, this cornerstone is the ultimate support and source of stability for believers.

Related Concepts

· Altar: In biblical times, altars often served as platforms or pedestals for sacrifices and offerings to God. They were places of worship and communion with God, symbolizing His presence and the people's devotion (Exodus 20:24-26).

· Throne: The throne of God is another related concept, representing divine authority and sovereignty. While not a pedestal per se, it is a place of elevation and honor, signifying God's supreme rule (Revelation 4:2).

· Pillars: Pillars in the Bible often serve as supports for structures, similar to pedestals. They symbolize strength and permanence, as seen in the pillars of the Temple (1 Kings 7:21).

In summary, while the specific term "pedestal" may not be prevalent in Scripture, the underlying themes of foundation, elevation, and support are integral to biblical teachings. These concepts are woven throughout the narrative of God's relationship with His people, emphasizing the importance of a firm foundation in faith and the dangers of misplaced elevation in idolatry.1. (n.) The base or foot of a column, statue, vase, lamp, or the like; the part on which an upright work stands. It consists of three parts, the base, the die or dado, and the cornice or surface molding.

2. (n.) A casting secured to the frame of a truck and forming a jaw for holding a journal box.

3. (n.) A pillow block; a low housing.

4. (n.) An iron socket, or support, for the foot of a brace at the end of a truss where it rests on a pier.

PEDESTAL

ped'-es-tal (ken): In two places (1 Kings 7:29, 31) the Revised Version (British and American) gives this word for the King James Version "base" (in Solomon's "Sea").

3653b. ken -- a base, pedestal, office
... 3653a, 3653b. ken. 3654 . a base, pedestal, office. Transliteration:
ken Short Definition: stand. Word Origin from an unused word ...
/hebrew/3653b.htm - 5k

134. eden -- a base, pedestal
... 133, 134. eden. 135 . a base, pedestal. Transliteration: eden Phonetic
Spelling: (eh'-den) Short Definition: sockets. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/134.htm - 6k

4350. mekonah -- a fixed resting place, base
... Word Origin fem. of makon Definition a fixed resting place, base NASB Word Usage
foundation (1), pedestal (1), stand (7), stands (15). base. ...
/hebrew/4350.htm - 6k

3653. ken -- right, veritable, honest
... base, estate, foot, office, place, well The same as ken, used as a noun; a stand,
ie Pedestal or station -- base, estate, foot, office, place, well. ...
/hebrew/3653.htm - 5k

The Statue which the Woman with an Issue of Blood Erected.
... This is commonly translated "at his feet, upon the pedestal"; but, as Heinichen
remarks, in the excursus referred to just above, the plant can hardly have ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter xviii the statue which the.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... The pedestal was yet in rough block. Rachel inspected it, wondering. ... Let me make
haste to carve the pedestal that I may know how low to do obeisance to wisdom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xv the gods of.htm

That Evening Vergilius Went to Feast with the Young Herodian ...
... They could see her reeling, and suddenly she fell headlong to the rug beneath
her pedestal. Antipater rose quickly with angry eyes. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 4 that evening vergilius.htm

Index.
... Agrippa, M., 79, 82, 99; edifices due to, 176. Agrippina, fate of her pedestal once
in the ustrinum, 183, 184 (cut); her death, 183. Aius Locutius, 72. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lanciani/pagan and christian rome/index 2.htm

Sermon.
... But whoever he may have been he was certainly an admirer of David. That illustrious
king stood on a pedestal of his own before all the nation. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

The Dawn of Mind
... of phenomena, Matter, Life, Mind, each higher than that before it, each totally
and forever different, yet each using that beneath it as the pedestal for its ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter iv the dawn of.htm

Kate Lee's Secret
... day that Simon the sorcerer offered Peter money in exchange for miracle-working
power, the exercise of which would have placed him upon a pedestal above his ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/xiii kate lees secret.htm

Our Reception at Hwochow
... The fact that you have come several thousands of miles in order to preach the Gospel,
is not sufficient to place you unquestionably on a pedestal. ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter vi our reception at.htm

Seventeenth Day. Humility.
... bending over us. His example may well speak in silent impressiveness,
bringing us down from our pedestal of pride. There surely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/seventeenth day humility.htm

Tee Advice of Hotep
... In the half-night of the vast interior, at the foot of the sumptuous pedestal
of Athor, he distinguished another supplicant, kneeling. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvi tee advice of.htm

Pedestal (4 Occurrences)
... a pier. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. PEDESTAL. ped'-es ... Solomon's "Sea").
Multi-Version Concordance Pedestal (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings ...
/p/pedestal.htm - 8k

Panels (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/p/panels.htm - 9k

Candlestick (34 Occurrences)
... It consisted of a pedestal or base, of a central stem (the name "candlestick" is
specially given to this), of six curving branches-three on each side-and of ...
/c/candlestick.htm - 27k

Uprights (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/u/uprights.htm - 12k

Urn (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A vessel of various forms, usually a vase furnished with a foot or pedestal,
employed for different purposes, as for holding liquids, for ornamental ...
/u/urn.htm - 7k

Undersetter
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, undersets or supports; a
prop; a support; a pedestal. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. UNDERSETTER. ...
/u/undersetter.htm - 6k

Office (64 Occurrences)
... But the word is also used as a rendering of different Hebrew words, eg ken, "pedestal,"
"place" (Genesis 40:13, the King James Version "place"; Genesis 41:13 ...
/o/office.htm - 30k

Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A notch or opening. 6. (n.) A notched or forked part, adapted for holding
an object in place; as, the jaw of a railway-car pedestal. See Axle guard. ...
/j/jaw.htm - 11k

Lions (50 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/l/lions.htm - 26k

Ledges (7 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and
cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions ...
/l/ledges.htm - 8k

What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.org

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Pedestal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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