Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "beam" is often used to describe a large piece of timber or wood, typically used in construction. The word appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, both literally and metaphorically, illustrating its significance in ancient architecture and its symbolic meaning in spiritual teachings.Literal Usage In the construction of buildings, beams were essential structural components. They were used to support roofs, floors, and other parts of a building. The Bible provides several instances where beams are mentioned in the context of construction. For example, in the building of Solomon's Temple, beams of cedar were used extensively. 1 Kings 6:9 states, "So he built the temple and finished it, and he covered the temple with beams and planks of cedar." The use of beams in construction is also noted in the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 2:8 , Nehemiah requests timber from the king for beams: "And may I have a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the house I will occupy." Metaphorical Usage The term "beam" is also used metaphorically in the Bible, most notably in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the imagery of a beam to teach about judgment and hypocrisy. Matthew 7:3-5 records Jesus saying, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." This metaphor highlights the importance of self-examination and humility. The "beam" represents a significant fault or sin in one's own life, which must be addressed before one can rightly help others with their smaller issues, symbolized by the "speck." Symbolic Significance In a broader symbolic sense, the beam can represent the weight and burden of sin or moral failing. The imagery of a beam, being large and cumbersome, underscores the seriousness of personal sin and the need for repentance and correction. This symbolism is consistent with the biblical theme of personal accountability and the call to live a life of integrity and righteousness. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern architecture, beams were typically made from strong, durable wood, such as cedar, which was highly valued for its quality and resistance to decay. The use of cedar beams in significant structures, like temples and palaces, reflects the importance of these buildings and the desire for them to endure. The mention of beams in the Bible not only provides insight into the construction practices of the time but also serves as a vehicle for conveying deeper spiritual truths. Through both literal and metaphorical uses, the concept of the beam remains a powerful tool for teaching and reflection within the biblical narrative. Easton's Bible Dictionary Occurs in the Authorized Version as the rendering of various Hebrew words. In 1 Samuel 17:7, it means a weaver's frame or principal beam; in Habakkuk 2:11, a crossbeam or girder; 2 Kings 6:2, 5, a cross-piece or rafter of a house; 1 Kings 7:6, an architectural ornament as a projecting step or moulding; Ezek. 41:25, a thick plank. In the New Testament the word occurs only in Matthew 7:3, 4, 5, and Luke 6:41, 42, where it means (Gr. dokos) a large piece of wood used for building purposes, as contrasted with "mote" (Gr. karphos), a small piece or mere splinter. "Mote" and "beam" became proverbial for little and great faults. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use.2. (n.) One of the principal horizontal timbers of a building or ship. 3. (n.) The width of a vessel; as, one vessel is said to have more beam than another. 4. (n.) The bar of a balance, from the ends of which the scales are suspended. 5. (n.) The principal stem or horn of a stag or other deer, which bears the antlers, or branches. 6. (n.) The pole of a carriage. 7. (n.) A cylinder of wood, making part of a loom, on which weavers wind the warp before weaving; also, the cylinder on which the cloth is rolled, as it is woven; one being called the fore beam, the other the back beam. 8. (n.) The straight part or shank of an anchor. 9. (n.) The main part of a plow, to which the handles and colter are secured, and to the end of which are attached the oxen or horses that draw it. 10. (n.) A heavy iron lever having an oscillating motion on a central axis, one end of which is connected with the piston rod from which it receives motion, and the other with the crank of the wheel shaft; -- called also working beam or walking beam. 11. (n.) A ray or collection of parallel rays emitted from the sun or other luminous body; as, a beam of light, or of heat. 12. (n.) Fig.: A ray; a gleam; as, a beam of comfort. 13. (n.) One of the long feathers in the wing of a hawk; -- called also beam feather. 14. (v. t.) To send forth; to emit; -- followed ordinarily by forth; as, to beam forth light. 15. (v. i.) To emit beams of light. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEAMbem: The word is used to translate various Old Testament terms: Greek 1385. dokos -- a beam of timber ... a beam of timber. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: dokos Phonetic Spelling: (dok-os') Short Definition: a beam Definition: a beam or spar of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1385.htm - 7k 4716. stauros -- an upright stake, hence a cross (the Rom. ... 826. augazo -- to shine forth 2218. zugos -- a yoke 2595. karphos -- a small dry stalk 2989. lampo -- to shine Strong's Hebrew 6982. qorah -- a rafter, beam... 6981, 6982. qorah. 6983 . a rafter, beam. Transliteration: qorah Phonetic Spelling: (ko-raw') Short Definition: beam. Word Origin ... /hebrew/6982.htm - 6k 4500. manor -- a (weaver's) beam 3773. karuthah -- beam 5102b. nahar -- to shine, beam 1356b. geb -- a beam, rafter 4746. meqareh -- beam work 1356. geb -- a pit, trench, ditch 6763. tsela -- rib, side 708. ereg -- a loom 5646. ab -- perhaps a landing Library Triple Beam of Glory Triple Beam of Glory Beam on us Brightly, Blessed Day, November 22. "Cast the Beam Out of Thine Own Eye" (Matt. vii. 5). The Mote and the Beam On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ... How Crassus came into Judea, and Pillaged the Temple; and Then ... Three Condensed Parables Chapter xix. Judging, Asking, and Giving Thesaurus Beam (17 Occurrences)... In 1 Samuel 17:7, it means a weaver's frame or principal beam; in Habakkuk 2:11, a crossbeam or girder; 2 Kings 6:2, 5, a cross-piece or rafter of a house; 1 ... /b/beam.htm - 17k Jasho'beam (1 Occurrence) Log (12 Occurrences) Mote (6 Occurrences) Plank (5 Occurrences) Splinter (5 Occurrences) Speck (6 Occurrences) Weaving (4 Occurrences) Weavers (4 Occurrences) Elhanan (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jesus crucified on a cross, pole, or stake? | GotQuestions.org Who was Athenagoras of Athens? | GotQuestions.org Beam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Beam (17 Occurrences)Matthew 7:3 Matthew 7:4 Matthew 7:5 Luke 6:41 Luke 6:42 Judges 16:14 1 Samuel 17:7 2 Samuel 21:19 1 Kings 7:6 2 Kings 6:2 2 Kings 6:5 1 Chronicles 11:23 Ezra 6:11 Psalms 104:3 Proverbs 16:11 Ecclesiastes 8:1 Habakkuk 2:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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