Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "bay" can refer to a body of water or a type of tree. Each usage carries its own significance within the scriptural narrative and symbolism.Bay as a Body of Water The term "bay" is not frequently used in the Bible to describe a body of water, but when it is, it typically refers to a coastal inlet or a part of the sea that is partially enclosed by land. Bays are often mentioned in the context of maritime activities, trade, and travel, which were significant aspects of life in the ancient Near East. The Mediterranean Sea, for example, with its numerous bays and inlets, was a major route for commerce and cultural exchange during biblical times. Bay Tree The bay tree, also known as the laurel, is mentioned in the Bible and is often associated with prosperity and flourishing. In Psalm 37:35, the bay tree is used metaphorically to describe the temporary success of the wicked: "I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree." The imagery of a flourishing tree conveys the idea of outward success and strength, yet the context of the psalm reminds readers of the ultimate fate of the wicked, contrasting their temporary prosperity with the enduring righteousness of the faithful. The bay tree's evergreen nature and aromatic leaves have made it a symbol of victory and honor throughout history, often used to craft crowns for victors in ancient Greek and Roman cultures. This symbolism can be seen as a reflection of the biblical theme that true victory and honor come from God and are bestowed upon those who follow His ways. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons In biblical literature, natural elements like bays and trees often carry deeper spiritual meanings. The bay tree's symbolism of temporary prosperity serves as a caution against envying the apparent success of the wicked. Instead, believers are encouraged to trust in God's justice and timing, as emphasized in Psalm 37: "Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong" (Psalm 37:1). The imagery of water, including bays, often represents life, chaos, or divine provision, depending on the context. In the biblical narrative, bodies of water are frequently sites of God's intervention, such as the parting of the Red Sea or Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. These events underscore God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to bring order and peace out of chaos. In summary, the concept of a "bay" in the Bible, whether as a body of water or a tree, is rich with metaphorical significance. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly success and the enduring nature of divine truth and righteousness. Easton's Bible Dictionary Denotes the estuary of the Dead Sea at the mouth of the Jordan (Joshua 15:5; 18:19), also the southern extremity of the same sea (15:2). The same Hebrew word is rendered "tongue" in Isaiah 11:15, where it is used with reference to the forked mouths of the Nile.Bay in Zechariah 6:3, 7 denotes the colour of horses, but the original Hebrew means strong, and is here used rather to describe the horses as fleet or spirited. Bay tree Named only in Psalm 37:35, Authorized Version. The Hebrew word so rendered is ereh, which simply means "native born", i.e., a tree not transplanted, but growing on its native soil, and therefore luxuriantly. If the psalmist intended by this word to denote any particular tree, it may have been the evergreen bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), which is a native of Palestine. Instead of "like a green bay tree" in the Authorized Version, the Revised Version has, "like a green tree in its native soil." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Reddish brown; of the color of a chestnut; -- applied to the color of horses.2. (n.) An inlet of the sea, usually smaller than a gulf, but of the same general character. 3. (n.) A small body of water set off from the main body; as a compartment containing water for a wheel; the portion of a canal just outside of the gates of a lock, etc. 4. (n.) A recess or indentation shaped like a bay. 5. (n.) A principal compartment of the walls, roof, or other part of a building, or of the whole building, as marked off by the buttresses, vaulting, mullions of a window, etc.; one of the main divisions of any structure, as the part of a bridge between two piers. 6. (n.) A compartment in a barn, for depositing hay, or grain in the stalks. 7. (n.) A kind of mahogany obtained from Campeachy Bay. 8. (n.) A berry, particularly of the laurel. 9. (n.) The laurel tree (Laurus nobilis). Hence, in the plural, an honorary garland or crown bestowed as a prize for victory or excellence, anciently made or consisting of branches of the laurel. 10. (n.) A tract covered with bay trees. 11. (v. i.) To bark, as a dog with a deep voice does, at his game. 12. (v. t.) To bark at; hence, to follow with barking; to bring or drive to bay; as, to bay the bear. 13. (v. i.) Deep-toned, prolonged barking. 14. (n.) A state of being obliged to face an antagonist or a difficulty, when escape has become impossible. 15. (v. t.) To bathe. 16. (n.) A bank or dam to keep back water. 17. (v. t.) To dam, as water; -- with up or back. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BAY (2)ba (lashon, literally "tongue"; kolpos): The word occurs in the sense of inlet of the sea in the Old Testament only in Joshua 15:2, 5; Joshua 18:19, and in New Testament only in Acts 27:39 (of Malta, the King James Version "creek"). BAY TREE ba'-tre' (the King James Version only; Psalm 37:35; 'ezrach): The word means "native," "indigenous," and the Revised Version (British and American) translations "a green tree in its native soil." BAY (1) ba. Greek 4223. Potioloi -- Puteoli, a city on the Bay of Naples ... Puteoli, a city on the Bay of Naples. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Potioloi Phonetic Spelling: (pot-ee'-ol-oy) Short Definition: Puteoli ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4223.htm - 6k 2859. kolpos -- the bosom 968. bema -- a step, raised place, by impl. a tribunal 2861. kolumbethra -- a pool 287. amoibe -- requital, recompense. 5402. Phoibe -- Phoebe, a deaconess 2568. Kaloi Limenes -- Fair Havens, a harbor in Crete 5405. Phoinix -- a Phoenician (an inhabitant of Phoenicia) ... 4950. Surtis -- "shoal," Syrtis, the name of two large sandbanks ... 964. Bethesda -- Bethesda, a pool in Jer. Strong's Hebrew 1268. Berothah -- a place near Hamath... 1267, 1268. Berothah. 1269 . a place near Hamath. Transliteration: Berothah Phonetic Spelling: (bay-ro-thaw') Short Definition: Berothah. ... /hebrew/1268.htm - 6k 249. ezrach -- a native 554. amots -- strong 3956. lashon -- tongue 893. Bebay -- an Israelite 4343. Makbenah -- a descendant of Caleb 1275. Beri -- a descendant of Asher 8320. saroq -- perhaps sorrel 2348. choph -- shore, coast 1209. Betsay -- an Israelite name Library The Right to Regulate My Private Affairs as I Wish Sermon at the Opening Services of the General Convention, October ... A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. Trinidad The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ... The Review of the Troops at Doriscus. Voyage to China The Gentle Boy Wesley in the Fens Thesaurus Bay (8 Occurrences)...Bay in Zechariah 6:3, 7 denotes the colour of horses, but the original Hebrew means strong, and is here used rather to describe the horses as fleet or spirited ... /b/bay.htm - 12k Melita (1 Occurrence) Puteoli (1 Occurrence) Creek (1 Occurrence) Colors (12 Occurrences) Color (18 Occurrences) Acco (2 Occurrences) Bethsaida (7 Occurrences) Northern (18 Occurrences) Berytus Resources Who was Pliny the Elder? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Carmel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a Congregational Church / Congregationalism? | GotQuestions.org Bay: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bay (8 Occurrences)Acts 27:39 Joshua 15:2 Joshua 15:5 Joshua 18:19 Psalms 37:35 Zechariah 1:8 Zechariah 6:3 Zechariah 6:7 Subtopics Bay Tree: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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