The term "arched" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of arches and their architectural significance can be inferred from various descriptions of structures and buildings mentioned in the Scriptures. Arches, as architectural elements, are curved structures designed to span an opening and support weight from above. They are often associated with strength, stability, and beauty, reflecting the grandeur and durability of ancient constructions.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

In biblical times, architecture played a significant role in the cultural and religious life of the people. While the Bible does not specifically mention arches, it does describe various structures that likely incorporated arched designs, given the architectural practices of the ancient Near East. For instance, the construction of Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6, showcases the grandeur and intricate design that would have included advanced architectural techniques, possibly including arches.

The use of arches in ancient architecture often symbolized strength and permanence. This symbolism aligns with biblical themes of God's enduring presence and the eternal nature of His promises. In Isaiah 28:16 , the prophet speaks of a "tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation," which can be metaphorically linked to the stability and support provided by an arch.

Historical and Cultural Insights

Arches were a common feature in the architecture of ancient civilizations surrounding Israel, such as the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. These cultures influenced the architectural practices of the Israelites, who would have been familiar with the use of arches in construction. The Romans, known for their engineering prowess, later perfected the use of arches, which became a staple in their buildings and infrastructure.

The presence of arches in ancient architecture is also indicative of the technological advancements of the time. The ability to construct arches required a deep understanding of geometry and engineering, reflecting the sophistication of ancient builders. This knowledge would have been passed down through generations, influencing the construction of significant biblical structures.

Spiritual Reflections

The concept of an arch, with its ability to bear weight and provide support, can serve as a metaphor for God's role in the lives of believers. Just as an arch upholds a structure, God upholds His people, offering strength and stability in times of need. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer," emphasizing the protective and sustaining nature of God, akin to the function of an arch in architecture.

In the New Testament, Jesus is referred to as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the essential element that holds the structure of the Church together. This imagery can be extended to include the arch, as both the cornerstone and the arch are foundational to the integrity and unity of a building.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention arches, the architectural and symbolic significance of arches can be gleaned from the descriptions of ancient structures and the spiritual metaphors found throughout Scripture. Arches represent strength, stability, and beauty, reflecting the enduring nature of God's presence and promises.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Arch.

2. (a.) Made with an arch or curve; covered with an arch; as, an arched door.

3553. koba -- helmet
... helmet. From an unused root meaning to be high or rounded; a helmet (as arched) --
helmet. Compare qowba'. see HEBREW qowba'. 3552, 3553. koba. 3554 . ...
/hebrew/3553.htm - 6k

1384. gibben -- crookbacked, humpbacked
... crookbacked. From an unused root meaning to be arched or contracted; hunch-backed --
crookbackt. 1383, 1384. gibben. 1385 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1384.htm - 6k

The Dream of St. Ursula
... she leads, by completely painting her little bedroom in the light of dawn, so that
you can see everything in it It is lighted by two doubly-arched windows, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ruskin/saint ursula/ii the dream of st.htm

Useful Phrases
... arbitrarily imposed. arch conspirator. arched embrasure [embrasure = flared opening
for a gun in a wall or parapet]. archeological pursuits. architectural grandeur ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

The Great Denial
... A Western house looks into the street, but an Oriental into its own interior, having
no opening to the front except a great arched gateway, shut with a heavy ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter iii the great denial.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... and a robe of different colors. There were also two wreaths of silk and
wool, and an arched crown. One of the priests himself cut ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... 8. The Beth Moked was arched, and was a great house surrounded by extensions (perhaps
terraces) of stone, and the elders of the house of their fathers slept ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Jesus Washeth his Disciples' Feet
... The general features of the chamber, with its arched ceiling and flattened dome,
its leewans (raised platform) and the entrance-passage of colored stones ...
/.../the life of jesus christ for the young/jesus washeth his disciples feet.htm

Life in the Villages
... Scarcely any bricks are required for such building, and the deep, lofty, arched
room affords the warmest shelter in our bitter Shansi winter cold, as it does ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

Index of Hymns.
... HERE, 280 BRIGHTLY BEAMS THE FATHER'S MERCY, 431 BUILD THEE MORE STATELY MANSIONS,
249 BY COOL SILOAM'S SHADY RILL, 318 BY THE RUDE BRIDGE THAT ARCHED THE FLOOD ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/index of hymns.htm

The Messenger
... His eyes were brilliant and over them arched eyebrows that were almost white. He
made a jerky obeisance. "Greeting, son of Mentu. Dost thou remember me?". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iii the messenger.htm

The Fall of Babylon.
... They both descend from heaven: the one is a mighty angel, and the other has great
power; the one is enveloped with a robe of cloud, his head is arched with the ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the fall of babylon.htm

Arched (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Arch. 2. (a.) Made with an arch or curve; covered with an arch;
as, an arched door. Multi-Version Concordance Arched (3 Occurrences). ...
/a/arched.htm - 7k

Arch (24 Occurrences)
... An arched form need not necessarily be constructed with radiating joints;
it can be corbelled as at Mycenae (Treasury of Atreus). ...
/a/arch.htm - 15k

Vault (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) An arched structure of masonry, forming
a ceiling or canopy. 2. (n.) An arched apartment; especially ...
/v/vault.htm - 9k

Vaulted (6 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Vault. 2. (a.) Arched; concave; as, a vaulted roof. ... 4. (a.) Arched
like the roof of the mouth, as the upper lip of many ringent flowers. ...
/v/vaulted.htm - 8k

Peacock
... The peacock has a bill of moderate size with an arched tip, its cheeks are bare,
the eyes not large, but very luminous, a crest of 24 feathers 2 inches long ...
/p/peacock.htm - 11k

Oven (22 Occurrences)
... (See Genesis 18:6; 1 Kings 19:6.). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) A place arched
over with brick or stonework, and used for baking, heating, or drying; hence ...
/o/oven.htm - 15k

Passover (81 Occurrences)
... described: "The city itself and the neighbourhood became more and more crowded as
the feast approached, the narrow streets and dark arched bazaars showing the ...
/p/passover.htm - 58k

Bail (1 Occurrence)
... go bail for any one. 10. (n.) The arched handle of a kettle, pail, or
similar vessel, usually movable. 11. (n.) A half hoop for ...
/b/bail.htm - 8k

Bow (248 Occurrences)
... 19. (sing. or pl.) Two pieces of wood which form the arched forward part of a
saddletree. 20. (vi) To play (music) with a bow. 21. (vi) To manage the bow. 22. ...
/b/bow.htm - 42k

Bosses (1 Occurrence)
... The projecting parts of a shield (Job 15:26). The Hebrew word thus rendered means
anything convex or arched, and hence the back, as of animals. ...
/b/bosses.htm - 7k

Arched: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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