A buttress is an architectural structure built against or projecting from a wall, which serves to support or reinforce the wall. In biblical times, buttresses were essential in the construction of large buildings, particularly in ancient Near Eastern architecture, where they provided stability and strength to structures such as temples, palaces, and city walls.

Biblical References:

While the term "buttress" itself is not explicitly mentioned in most English translations of the Bible, the concept of structural support and reinforcement is evident in various passages that describe the construction and fortification of buildings. The Berean Standard Bible does not specifically use the term "buttress," but the idea can be inferred from descriptions of ancient architecture.

For example, in the construction of Solomon's Temple, the Bible provides detailed accounts of the materials and methods used to ensure the building's stability and grandeur. In 1 Kings 6:36, it is noted: "He built the inner courtyard with three rows of dressed stone and a row of trimmed cedar beams." This description highlights the use of strong materials and techniques that would have included supportive elements akin to buttresses to maintain the structure's integrity.

Similarly, the fortification of cities often involved the use of buttresses or similar supports. In 2 Chronicles 32:5, King Hezekiah's efforts to strengthen Jerusalem's defenses are described: "Then he worked hard to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and erected towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David." The "supporting terraces" can be understood as structural reinforcements similar to buttresses, designed to bolster the city's defenses.

Symbolic Significance:

In a metaphorical sense, the concept of a buttress can be applied to the spiritual life of believers. Just as a buttress provides support and stability to a physical structure, faith and adherence to God's Word serve as spiritual buttresses for Christians, offering strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the importance of being "rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith" (Colossians 2:7), which can be likened to the role of a buttress in providing foundational support.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, buttresses were a common feature in the construction of monumental architecture. Archaeological discoveries have revealed the use of buttresses in various ancient cities, including those mentioned in the Bible. These structures were not only functional but also often carried symbolic meanings, representing strength, protection, and permanence.

Conclusion:

While the Bible does not explicitly mention buttresses, the concept is integral to understanding the architectural practices of biblical times. The use of buttresses in ancient construction reflects the importance of stability and support, both physically and spiritually, in the lives of God's people.1. (n.) Anything which supports, props up or strengthens.

2. (v. t.) To support with a buttress; to prop; to brace firmly.

3. (n.) A projecting mass of masonry, used for resisting the thrust of an arch, or for ornament and symmetry.

4741. sterizo -- to make fast, establish
... stay-rid'-zo) Short Definition: I fix firmly, strengthen Definition: (a) I fix firmly,
direct myself towards, (b) generally met: I buttress, prop, support; I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4741.htm - 7k4740. miqtsoa -- a corner buttress
... 4741 . a corner buttress. Transliteration: miqtsoa or miqtsoa or miqtsoah
Phonetic Spelling: (mak-tso'-ah) Short Definition: corners. ...
/hebrew/4740.htm - 6k

806b. asheyah -- a buttress
... asheyah. 807 . a buttress. Transliteration: asheyah Short Definition: pillars.
Word Origin from an unused word Definition a buttress NASB Word Usage pillars ( ...
/hebrew/806b.htm - 5k

How a Prop of the Church on which Bishop Aidan was Leaning when He ...
... they set up a tent for him against the wall at the west end of the church, and so
it happened that he breathed his last, leaning against a buttress that was on ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvii how a prop.htm

Letter i. My Dear Friend, I Employed the Compelled and Most ...
... sense of infirmity and manifold imperfection, feels the want, the necessity, of
religious support; who cannot afford to lose any the smallest buttress, but who ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter i my dear friend.htm

God's Workmanship and Our Works
... We are His workmanship, created unto good works'; and the fact that we are is one
great reason for the assertion which he brings it in to buttress, that we are ...
/.../gods workmanship and our works.htm

What Lasts
... The part omitted is but a buttress of what has been stated in the former of our
two verses; and when we thus unite them there is disclosed plainly the ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/what lasts.htm

Conclusion
... unquestioned. But we had no desire to buttress our position by human
authority even of the most ancient and honorable kind. Let ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/conclusion .htm

Faith is Buttressed by the Resurrection and Ascension of Christ ...
... 14. The belief of the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, and of His ascension
into heaven, has strengthened our faith by adding a great buttress of hope. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 15 faith is buttressed by.htm

The Belief of the Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead...
... 14. The belief of the resurrection of our Lord from the dead, and of His ascension
into heaven, has strengthened our faith by adding a great buttress of hope. ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 14 the belief of.htm

On Christian Doctrine. Index of Subjects.
... Scripture, [1960]549. Holy life, power of, in a teacher, [1961]595. Hope, a
buttress of faith, [1962]526. See Faith. Human institutions ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /on christian doctrine index of.htm

Letter xxv. To Athanasius, Bishop of Ancyra.
... But it does seem to me alarming and distressing that you, who, as I have trusted,
are preserved for the comfort of the churches, a buttress of the truth where ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter xxv to athanasius bishop.htm

Letter Lxxxi. To Bishop Innocent.
... How can I, so far removed as I am, undertake so great a charge? As long as the Church
possesses you, it rests as it were on its proper buttress. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter lxxxi to bishop innocent.htm

Buttress (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) Anything which supports, props up or strengthens. 2. (vt) To support with
a buttress; to prop; to brace firmly. ...Buttress (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/buttress.htm - 7k

Buttons (7 Occurrences)

/b/buttons.htm - 8k

Pinnacle (2 Occurrences)
... the peak of a structure or mountain; an architectural member, upright, and generally
ending in a small spire, -- used to finish a buttress, to constitute a ...
/p/pinnacle.htm - 8k

Buttresses (1 Occurrence)

/b/buttresses.htm - 6k

Spur (3 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) A brace strengthening a post and some connected part, as a rafter or crossbeam;
a strut. 11. (n.) The short wooden buttress of a post. 12. ...
/s/spur.htm - 9k

Lying (203 Occurrences)
... of His followers, makes us shudder to think that it is possible for a follower of
Christ so far to forget himself as not only to lie, but buttress lying with ...
/l/lying.htm - 44k

Lie (291 Occurrences)
... of His followers, makes us shudder to think that it is possible for a follower of
Christ so far to forget himself as not only to lie, but buttress lying with ...
/l/lie.htm - 48k

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