A balustrade is an architectural feature that consists of a row of small columns topped by a rail. While the term "balustrade" itself does not appear in the Bible, the concept of protective barriers or railings is present in biblical architecture and law, reflecting the importance of safety and order in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical Context

The closest biblical reference to a balustrade can be found in the instructions given for building a house in Deuteronomy 22:8: "When you build a new house, you are to construct a parapet around your roof, so that you do not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from it." . This parapet, or low protective wall, served a similar purpose to a balustrade, providing safety for those on the flat roofs common in ancient Near Eastern architecture.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In ancient Israel, roofs were often used as additional living space, especially in the evenings when the cooler air provided relief from the heat of the day. The construction of a parapet was a practical measure to prevent accidents, demonstrating a concern for the well-being of others and adherence to God's commandments regarding the sanctity of life.

The requirement for a parapet reflects broader biblical principles of responsibility and care for one's neighbor. It underscores the importance of taking proactive steps to prevent harm, aligning with the moral and ethical teachings found throughout Scripture.

Symbolic Interpretation

From a symbolic perspective, the concept of a balustrade or parapet can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual and moral boundaries. Just as a physical barrier protects individuals from physical harm, spiritual and moral guidelines protect believers from spiritual danger and moral failings. The Bible frequently emphasizes the need for vigilance and the establishment of boundaries to maintain a righteous and holy life.

Architectural Influence

While the specific term "balustrade" is not used in biblical texts, the principle of constructing protective barriers has influenced Christian architecture throughout history. Churches and cathedrals often incorporate balustrades in their design, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. These structures not only ensure safety but also contribute to the beauty and grandeur of sacred spaces, reflecting the order and harmony inherent in God's creation.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention balustrades, the concept is present in the form of parapets, highlighting the importance of safety, responsibility, and moral boundaries in the life of a believer.(n.) A row of balusters topped by a rail, serving as an open parapet, as along the edge of a balcony, terrace, bridge, staircase, or the eaves of a building.4552. misad -- support
... Word Origin from saad Definition support NASB Word Usage supports (1). pillar. From
ca'ad; a balustrade (for stairs) -- pillar. see HEBREW ca'ad. 4551b, 4552 ...
/hebrew/4552.htm - 6k

The Sweetness of Tears
... They had in the basilicas, even as the consecrated virgins, a place of honour,
divided from that of the other matrons by a balustrade. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv the sweetness of tears.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... Alijah 40 cubits, and 1 cubit scroll-work, and 2 cubits the place for the dropping,
and 1 cubit covering, and 1 cubit pavement, and 3 cubits balustrade, and 1 ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

The Next Day, and the Next after That, were Passed by the Cardinal ...
... at the great bell known as the "Bourdon de Notre Dame";"and here they found a little
wizened old man sitting carelessly on the edge of a balustrade, in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/x the next day and.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... On the other side of the balustrade which separates them from the crowd, are the
widows and consecrated virgins, wrapped in their veils black or purple. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Concerning the Forgiveness of Sins - the ...
... which had hard beaten earth or rubble underneath it, was paved with brick, stone,
or any other hard substance, and surrounded by a balustrade which, according ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi the return to.htm

Jewish Homes
... The roof is paved with brick, stone, or other hard substance, and surrounded by
a balustrade, which, according to Jewish law, must be at least two cubits ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 6 jewish homes.htm

In Sanctuary
... The cheek of Eutyches was bleeding with the soldier's blow, and Philip and David
had climbed up the balustrade, their faces aflame with the very enthusiasm of ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... Its facade was approached by an inclined plane, or by a flight of low steps, and
the summit, which was surrounded by a low balustrade, was paved with enormous ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... Farewell, ye lovers of my discourses, in your eagerness and concourse, ye pencils
seen and unseen, and thou balustrade, pressed upon by those who thrust ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4. <. ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Balustrade (1 Occurrence)
... of a building. Multi-Version Concordance Balustrade (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings
10:12 And the king made of the sandal-wood a balustrade...
/b/balustrade.htm - 7k

Wall (227 Occurrences)
... these similes he refers to an actual wall in the temple at Jerusalem, beyond which
no one was allowed to pass unless he were a Jew, the balustrade or barrier ...
/w/wall.htm - 49k

Middle (169 Occurrences)
... these similes he refers to an actual wall in the temple at Jerusalem, beyond which
no one was allowed to pass unless he were a Jew, the balustrade or barrier ...
/m/middle.htm - 45k

Partition (4 Occurrences)
... these similes he refers to an actual wall in the temple at Jerusalem, beyond which
no one was allowed to pass unless he were a Jew, the balustrade or barrier ...
/p/partition.htm - 14k

Lattice (6 Occurrences)
... 2:9). (3.) Hebrews sebakhah, the latticed balustrade before a window or balcony
(2 Kings 1:2). The lattice window is frequently used in Eastern countries. ...
/l/lattice.htm - 9k

Lutes (16 Occurrences)
... (DBY). 1 Kings 10:12 And the king made of the sandal-wood a balustrade for the house
of Jehovah, and for the king's house, and harps and lutes for the singers. ...
/l/lutes.htm - 11k

Baltasar

/b/baltasar.htm - 7k

Bamah (1 Occurrence)

/b/bamah.htm - 8k

Battlement (2 Occurrences)
... A parapet wall or balustrade surrounding the flat roofs of the houses, required
to be built by a special law (Deuteronomy 22:8). In Jeremiah 5:10, it denotes ...
/b/battlement.htm - 8k

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