In biblical times, the concept of a "basement" as understood in modern architecture did not exist. However, the Bible does reference underground or lower-level structures that served various purposes, which can be considered analogous to basements. These structures were often used for storage, protection, or as part of the foundation of a building.

Biblical References and Context

1. Storage and Protection: In ancient Israel, underground spaces were often used for storing grain, wine, and other provisions. These storage areas were essential for preserving food and resources, especially during times of famine or siege. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "basements," it does refer to storage facilities. For example, in the account of Joseph, grain was stored in large quantities during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine (Genesis 41:48-49).

2. Foundations and Construction: The Bible frequently mentions the importance of strong foundations in construction, both literally and metaphorically. In Luke 6:48, Jesus speaks of a man building a house who "dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock." While this passage does not describe a basement, it emphasizes the importance of a solid, secure base for a structure, akin to the role a basement might play in modern buildings.

3. Caves and Underground Dwellings: Caves and other natural underground spaces were sometimes used as dwellings or places of refuge. For instance, Lot and his daughters lived in a cave after fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:30). Similarly, David hid in the cave of Adullam when fleeing from King Saul (1 Samuel 22:1). These examples illustrate the use of subterranean spaces for safety and shelter.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor: The Bible often uses architectural imagery to convey spiritual truths. While basements are not directly mentioned, the concept of depth and foundation is significant. For example, in Ephesians 3:17, Paul prays that believers may be "rooted and grounded in love," using construction language to describe spiritual stability and depth.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient Near East, the construction of buildings often included lower levels or cellars, which served practical purposes similar to modern basements. These spaces were integral to the daily life and survival of the people, providing storage and protection from the elements and enemies.

Theological Implications

The idea of a basement, while not explicitly biblical, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual depth and foundation. Just as a physical basement supports and stabilizes a building, a strong spiritual foundation supports and stabilizes a believer's life. This concept is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of being firmly rooted in faith and truth.

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention basements, it does reference underground spaces and foundational concepts that align with the purposes and symbolism of basements in modern understanding.(n.) The outer wall of the ground story of a building, or of a part of that story, when treated as a distinct substructure. ( See Base, n., 3 (a).) Hence: The rooms of a ground floor, collectively.

The World Turned Upside Down
... a class of men who are deeply studied"not quite so skilled as the former, but still
exceeding wise,"who look down at those who stand at the basement of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

Mr. ...
... hounds and horsemen. The mound had been cast up to give a good basement-
advantage over the neighbouring heights and woods. There was ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 35 mr .htm

Regeneration
... It is the very groundwork of our hopes for heaven; and as we ought to be very careful
of the basement of our structure, so should we be very diligent to take ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/regeneration.htm

The Holy Look of virginity is Precious Indeed in the Judgment of ...
... In the business of this lower world words certainly act as a basement, and the skill
of praise does impart a look of magnificence; so much so, that mankind are ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter i the holy look.htm

February the Ninteenth the Thought Afar Off
... I cannot wrap my jealousy up in flattery and keep it unknown. "Thou God seest me."
He knows the bottom thought that creeps in the basement of my being. ...
/.../february the ninteenth the thought.htm

That the Ark which Noah was Ordered to Make Figures in Every ...
... lower, but also on the upper stories, which were called "third stories," that there
might be a habitable space on the third floor from the basement, some one ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 26 that the ark which.htm

The Teen Boy and Missions
... embrace China. A group of boys, some time ago, were playing games in a church
basement, and the time began to lag just a little. A ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvi the teen boy and.htm

Letter xv. --To Adelphius the Lawyer .
... The portico was raised up aloft to a great height over a deep pool: the basement
supporting the portico of triangular shape, like a gateway leading to the ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xv to adelphius the lawyer.htm

Preaching for the Poor
... If we would fire a building, it is best to light it at the basement; so our Saviour,
when he would save a world, and convert men of all classes, and all ranks ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/preaching for the poor.htm

Building for Community Service
... In most sections of the country it is recommended that recreation rooms be erected
on the same level as the church instead of in the basement, as has been the ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter v building for community.htm

Basement (1 Occurrence)
... ( See Base, n., 3 (a).) Hence: The rooms of a ground floor, collectively.
Multi-Version Concordance Basement (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
/b/basement.htm - 6k

Baser (1 Occurrence)

/b/baser.htm - 6k

Bas'emath (7 Occurrences)
Bas'emath. Basemath, Bas'emath. Basement . Multi-Version Concordance Bas'emath
(7 Occurrences). ... Basemath, Bas'emath. Basement . Reference Bible.
/b/bas'emath.htm - 8k

Calah (2 Occurrences)
... A long vault occupies the basement-stage of this structure, and caused Sir AH Layard,
its discoverer, to regard it as the probable traditional tomb of Ninus ...
/c/calah.htm - 14k

Area (66 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The enclosed space on which a building stands. 3. (n.) The sunken space
or court, giving ingress and affording light to the basement of a building. ...
/a/area.htm - 26k

Side-chambers (10 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:8 I saw also that the house had a raised basement round about: the
foundations of the side-chambers were a full reed of six great cubits. ...
/s/side-chambers.htm - 9k

Base (127 Occurrences)
... 4:7, 18, 25, 30, 34; Leviticus 5:9; Leviticus 8:15; Leviticus 9:9). (e) (gabh):
the Revised Version (British and American) "elevation," ie basement of altar ...
/b/base.htm - 45k

Athens (5 Occurrences)
... added a splendid Stoa to theater and Antiochus Epiphanes began the Olympeium (15
columns of which are still standing), the massive sub-basement of which had ...
/a/athens.htm - 15k

Joining (43 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Ezekiel 41:8 I saw also that the house had a raised basement round about:
the foundations of the side-chambers were a full reed of six great cubits. ...
/j/joining.htm - 19k

Height (109 Occurrences)
... other hand, for "height" in the King James Version, the Revised Version (British
and American) has "stature" (Ezekiel 31:5, 10), "raised basement" (Ezekiel 41:8 ...
/h/height.htm - 41k

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