The term "round-house" does not appear explicitly in the Berean Standard Bible or in most traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of a round-house can be explored through the architectural and cultural contexts of biblical times, particularly in relation to ancient Near Eastern and Israelite structures.

Architectural Context

In ancient times, the architecture of homes and buildings varied significantly across regions and cultures. While the Bible does not specifically mention round-houses, archaeological evidence from the ancient Near East, including regions such as Canaan and Israel, indicates that circular structures were not uncommon. These structures were often simple, with walls made of mud-brick or stone, and roofs constructed from thatch or wooden beams covered with clay.

Circular buildings served various purposes, including residential, storage, and religious functions. The design of a round-house could offer practical advantages, such as stability and efficient use of materials, which were important in the resource-scarce environments of the ancient world.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In biblical times, the design and structure of a dwelling could carry cultural and symbolic meanings. The circular shape, often associated with completeness and eternity, might have held particular significance in certain contexts. While the Bible does not directly attribute symbolic meanings to round-houses, the circular form is occasionally used in biblical literature to convey ideas of wholeness and divine perfection.

For example, the circular nature of the earth is implied in Isaiah 40:22 : "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." This passage, while not directly referencing a round-house, uses the imagery of a circle to describe God's sovereignty and the vastness of His creation.

Biblical References to Dwellings

While the Bible does not specifically mention round-houses, it does provide insights into the types of dwellings common in ancient Israel. Houses were typically modest, with a focus on functionality and community living. The Bible often uses the imagery of a house to convey spiritual truths and moral teachings.

For instance, in Matthew 7:24-25 , Jesus uses the metaphor of a house built on a rock to illustrate the importance of a strong foundation in faith: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock."

Conclusion

While the specific term "round-house" is not found in the Bible, understanding the architectural and cultural context of ancient dwellings can enrich our comprehension of biblical narratives and teachings. The Bible's use of house imagery serves as a powerful tool for conveying spiritual lessons and the enduring truths of faith.

Joseph Attacked by the Archers
... His father recollected Joseph's trials in the round-house and the dungeon, and
remembered his royal dignity as prince of Egypt; and now, with a full burst of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/joseph attacked by the archers.htm

His Name --The Counsellor
... Joseph must be sold for a slave; he must be accused wrongfully, he must be put
into the pit, and in the round-house prison he must suffer. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/his namethe counsellor.htm

God's Providence
... If Joseph had not been put in the pit, he never would have been the servant of Potiphar:
if he never had been put in the round-house, he never would have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/gods providence.htm

Round-house (6 Occurrences)
Round-house. Rounded, Round-house. Roundings . Multi-Version
Concordance Round-house (6 Occurrences). Genesis 39:20 ...
/r/round-house.htm - 8k

Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:20 and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto the round-house,
a place where the king's prisoners 'are' bound; and he is there in the round...
/p/putteth.htm - 38k

Giveth (378 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:22 and the chief of the round-house giveth into the hand of Joseph all
the prisoners who 'are' in the round-house, and of all that they are doing ...
/g/giveth.htm - 35k

Prisoner (87 Occurrences)
... ner (there are various Hebrew words which are rendered "prison" in the King James
Version, among them: 1. Hebrew Words: (1) cohar, "roundhouse," "fortress" (8 ...
/p/prisoner.htm - 42k

Prison (131 Occurrences)
... ner (there are various Hebrew words which are rendered "prison" in the King James
Version, among them: 1. Hebrew Words: (1) cohar, "roundhouse," "fortress" (8 ...
/p/prison.htm - 52k

Rounded (7 Occurrences)

/r/rounded.htm - 8k

Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:20 and Joseph's lord taketh him, and putteth him unto the round-house,
a place where the king's prisoners 'are' bound; and he is there in the round...
/t/taketh.htm - 35k

Roundings (1 Occurrence)

/r/roundings.htm - 6k

Executioners (32 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 40:3 and giveth them in charge in the house of the chief of the
executioners, unto the round-house, the place where Joseph 'is' a prisoner, (YLT) ...
/e/executioners.htm - 16k

Stretcheth (33 Occurrences)
... Genesis 39:21 And Jehovah is with Joseph, and stretcheth out kindness unto him,
and putteth his grace in the eyes of the chief of the round-house; (YLT). ...
/s/stretcheth.htm - 16k

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