In biblical times, architectural structures such as arches were not as prominently mentioned as other elements like altars, temples, or city walls. However, the concept of arches can be inferred from the construction techniques and architectural styles prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, which influenced the Israelites.

Historical Context

Arches, as architectural elements, were known in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, regions that had significant interactions with the Israelites. The use of arches allowed for the construction of more durable and expansive structures, as they could support greater weight and span larger spaces than simple post-and-lintel systems. While the Bible does not explicitly mention arches, the Israelites would have been familiar with such structures through their interactions with neighboring cultures.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the term "arch" is not directly used in the Bible, the concept of gateways and entrances, which may have included arches, is present. For example, city gates were significant in biblical times, serving as places of judgment, commerce, and public assembly. The strength and grandeur of these gates could have been enhanced by the use of arches.

In the spiritual sense, arches can symbolize strength, protection, and the passage from one state to another. The Bible often uses architectural imagery to convey spiritual truths. For instance, in Psalm 118:19-20 , the psalmist declares, "Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it." While not explicitly mentioning arches, the imagery of gates can evoke the idea of a grand entrance, possibly supported by an arch.

Arches in Temple and Tabernacle Imagery

The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem involved detailed architectural planning, though the specific use of arches is not detailed in the biblical text. However, the grandeur and beauty of these sacred spaces suggest that advanced architectural techniques, possibly including arches, were employed to create a sense of awe and reverence.

The Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3, was a place of immense beauty and intricate design, reflecting the glory of God. While arches are not specifically mentioned, the use of cedar, gold, and fine craftsmanship indicates a sophisticated approach to construction that could have included arched elements.

Cultural Influence and Legacy

The influence of surrounding cultures on Israelite architecture cannot be understated. The Israelites, during their periods of exile and interaction with empires such as Babylon and Persia, would have encountered and possibly adopted architectural innovations, including the use of arches. This cultural exchange is part of the broader narrative of God's people interacting with the world around them while maintaining their distinct identity.

In summary, while arches are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, their presence in the ancient world and potential use in biblical architecture reflect the broader cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative. Arches, as symbols of strength and transition, align with the biblical themes of protection, passage, and the enduring nature of God's promises.(n.) Plural of Arch.746. arche -- beginning, origin
... (archas) -- 4 Occurrences. (arche) -- 12 Occurrences. (archen) -- 7 Occurrences.
(arches) -- 26 Occurrences. 745, 746. arche. 747 . Strong's Numbers.
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/746.htm - 7k

Ater Arches, Aperanton Cento from Se Ton Aphthiton Monarchen
... HYMNS OF THE EARLY CHURCH ater arches, aperanton Cento from se ton aphthiton monarchen.
6,6,6,6,8,8 ater arches, aperanton Cento from se ton aphthiton monarchen ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the early church/ater arches aperanton cento from.htm

Letter xvi. --To Amphilochius.
... circumference), in such wise that the two pairs of sides of the octagon which are
diametrically opposed to one another, unite by means of arches the central ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xvi to amphilochius.htm

The Conquest of Babylon.
... Although called the hanging gardens, they were not suspended in any manner, as
the name might denote, but were supported upon arches and walls. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Epistole Pros Diogneton
... seauton apo panton ton prokatechonton sou ten dianoian logismon kai ten apatosan
se sunetheian aposkeuasamenos kai genomenos hosper ex arches kainos anthropos ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lake/the apostolic fathers/epistole pros diogneton.htm

Hugh the Builder
... The upper church, since then a chapter house, was built in Romanesque style, with
round arches, two rose windows, and three sanctuary windows with wide splays. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

CM "Hark! the Glad Sound, the Saviour Comes. "
... song. 2 Our glad Hosannas, Prince of Peace, Thy welcome shall proclaim;
And heaven's eternal arches ring With thy beloved name. ...
/.../a collection of gospel hymns in ojibway and english/hymn 16 c m hark.htm

Kedron
... called Kedron, bounds the mount of Olives, which lies against the city eastward."
"They built a foot-causeway, or a foot-bridge, upheld with arches, from the ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 38 kedron.htm

Jovian is Proclaimed Emperor.
... The same reading was also before Epiphanius Scholasticus and Nicephorus; but Valesius
conjecturally amends the reading tous Surous tes arches into tous horous ...
/.../chapter xxii jovian is proclaimed emperor.htm

Missed Ends
... The courtyard was rather confused; men were rushing about, putting up arches and
decorating them; servants were sweeping, and cooking, and shouting to one ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vi missed ends.htm

The Protevangelium.
... Ekeinos anthropoktonos en ap' arches, kai en te aletheia ouch hesteken. hoti ouk
estin aletheia en auto. hOtan lale to pseudos, ek ton idion lalei. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the protevangelium.htm

Arches (13 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Arches (13 Occurrences). Jeremiah 37:16 So Jeremiah came
into the hole of the prison, under the arches, and was there for a long time. ...
/a/arches.htm - 10k

Porches (13 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/p/porches.htm - 10k

Jambs (19 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/j/jambs.htm - 11k

Measurements (20 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:21 and its little chambers, three on this side, and three on that side,
and its posts and its arches have been according to the measure of the first ...
/m/measurements.htm - 12k

Projecting (17 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/p/projecting.htm - 11k

Vestibule (36 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:21 The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side; and
its posts and its arches were after the measure of the first gate: its ...
/v/vestibule.htm - 16k

Windows (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:22 The windows of it, and its arches, and the palm trees of it, were
after the measure of the gate whose prospect is toward the east; and they went ...
/w/windows.htm - 15k

Openings (27 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/o/openings.htm - 14k

Lodges (14 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/l/lodges.htm - 10k

Portico (37 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 40:16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within
the gate all around, and likewise to the arches; and windows were around inward ...
/p/portico.htm - 19k

What is the significance of the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org

What is cultural translation? Is cultural translation needed to properly understand the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What happened at the Pool of Siloam? | GotQuestions.org

Arches: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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