Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, builders are individuals or groups involved in the construction of physical structures, such as cities, towers, altars, and temples. The concept of building extends beyond the physical to include the spiritual edification of God's people. Builders are often seen as instruments of God's will, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of His covenant community.Old Testament The earliest mention of builders is found in Genesis 4:17, where Cain is described as building a city named after his son, Enoch. This act of building signifies the beginning of human civilization and the development of societal structures. In Genesis 11:3-4, the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to make a name for themselves by constructing a tower that reached the heavens. This endeavor, however, was thwarted by God, who confused their language and scattered them across the earth. The Israelites' experience in Egypt involved forced labor as builders. Exodus 1:11 states, "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. And they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh." This period of bondage highlights the oppressive use of building for the purposes of a foreign power. The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem represents a significant aspect of Israelite worship and identity. In Exodus 31:1-6, God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with the Spirit of God, to oversee the building of the Tabernacle. This divine appointment underscores the sacred nature of their work. Similarly, Solomon's Temple, described in 1 Kings 6, was a monumental project that symbolized God's dwelling among His people. New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of building takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ is referred to as the cornerstone, the foundation upon which the Church is built. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." This statement emphasizes the enduring and divine nature of the Church's foundation. The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of building to describe the growth and edification of the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 3:9-11, Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Here, Paul highlights the responsibility of believers to build upon the foundation of Christ with care and integrity. Symbolism and Themes Builders in the Bible often symbolize human endeavor, creativity, and the potential for both obedience and rebellion against God. The act of building can reflect a desire to honor God, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and Temple, or a pursuit of self-glorification, as demonstrated by the Tower of Babel. The role of builders also points to the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes. The construction of sacred spaces required the collective effort and skill of many individuals, each contributing their unique talents to the project. In a spiritual sense, believers are called to be builders of God's kingdom, working together to edify the Church and spread the Gospel. This involves not only constructing physical spaces for worship but also nurturing the spiritual growth of the community through teaching, fellowship, and service. Greek 3620b. oikodomos -- a builder ... a builder. Transliteration: oikodomos Short Definition: builders. Word Origin from oikos and the same as doma Definition a builder NASB Word Usage builders (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3620b.htm - 5k 3618. oikodomeo -- to build a house Strong's Hebrew 7968. Shallun -- one of the postexilic wall builders... 7967, 7968. Shallun. 7969 . one of the postexilic wall builders. Transliteration: Shallun Phonetic Spelling: (shal-loon') Short Definition: Shallum. ... /hebrew/7968.htm - 6k 6764. Tsalaph -- father of one of the builders of the Jer. wall 1129. banah -- to build 1121. ben -- son Library The Builders December the Seventh Chosen as Builders The Builders on the Wall November the Twenty-First the Early Builders How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ... The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ... Of God's Coming Down to Confound the Languages of the Builders of ... Of the Two Sons who were Commanded by their Father to Go into his ... The Church Triumphant Discouragements and Courage Thesaurus Builders (24 Occurrences)...Builders (24 Occurrences). ... Mark 12:10 Haven't you even read this Scripture:'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. ... /b/builders.htm - 13k Wall-builders (2 Occurrences) Capstone (7 Occurrences) Cornerstone (13 Occurrences) Woodworkers (6 Occurrences) Carpenters (11 Occurrences) Timber (32 Occurrences) Rejected (96 Occurrences) Writings (111 Occurrences) Corner (60 Occurrences) Resources Why is Jesus called the stumbling stone in Matthew 21:43-44? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Sumerians? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Builders (24 Occurrences)Matthew 21:42 Mark 12:10 Luke 20:17 Acts 4:11 1 Peter 2:7 Numbers 32:34 Numbers 32:37 Ruth 4:11 1 Kings 5:18 2 Kings 12:11 2 Kings 22:6 2 Chronicles 34:11 Ezra 3:10 Nehemiah 3:3 Nehemiah 4:5 Nehemiah 4:17 Nehemiah 4:18 Psalms 118:22 Psalms 127:1 Isaiah 49:17 Isaiah 54:13 Isaiah 62:5 Ezekiel 27:4 Zechariah 6:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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