Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of "centre" can be understood both literally and metaphorically, often representing a focal point of spiritual, moral, or communal significance. While the term "centre" itself is not frequently used in the Bible, the idea is woven throughout Scripture in various forms.Geographical and Physical Centres 1. Jerusalem as the Spiritual Centre: Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is often seen as the spiritual heart of Israel and the focal point of God's covenant with His people. In 2 Chronicles 6:6, God declares, "But I have chosen Jerusalem that My Name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel." This establishes Jerusalem as the centre of worship and divine presence. 2. The Tabernacle and the Temple: The Tabernacle in the wilderness and later the Temple in Jerusalem served as the physical centre of worship for the Israelites. The Holy of Holies, the innermost part of these structures, was considered the dwelling place of God's presence on earth. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you." Metaphorical and Theological Centres 1. Christ as the Centre: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the central figure of the Christian faith. Colossians 1:17-18 emphasizes His preeminence: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence." Christ is the centre of God's redemptive plan and the focal point of Christian life and worship. 2. The Heart as the Moral Centre: Biblically, the heart is often seen as the centre of human will, emotion, and moral decision-making. Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life." This underscores the heart's central role in guiding one's actions and spiritual health. 3. The Church as the Community Centre: The early Christian church functioned as a communal centre for believers, providing a place for worship, teaching, and fellowship. Acts 2:42 describes the early church's activities: "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The church remains a central gathering place for Christians to grow in faith and community. Symbolic Centres 1. The Cross as the Centre of Salvation: The cross of Christ is the central symbol of Christian salvation. It represents the pivotal moment in history where Jesus' sacrificial death provided atonement for sin. Galatians 6:14 states, "But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." 2. The Kingdom of God as the Centre of God's Plan: The Kingdom of God is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, representing God's sovereign rule and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. Matthew 6:33 instructs, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." The Kingdom is the central focus of a believer's life and mission. In summary, while the term "centre" may not be explicitly used, the concept is integral to understanding the structure and focus of biblical theology, emphasizing the importance of God, Christ, and the community of believers as central to faith and life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To be placed in a center; to be central.2. (v. i.) To be collected to a point; to be concentrated; to rest on, or gather about, as a center. 3. (v. t.) To place or fix in the center or on a central point. 4. (v. t.) To collect to a point; to concentrate. 5. (v. t.) To form a recess or indentation for the reception of a center. Greek 2759. kentron -- a sharp point ... prick, sting. From kenteo (to prick); a point ("centre"), ie A sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse) -- prick, sting. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2759.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart... A form of lebab; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything ... /hebrew/3820.htm - 7k 8270. shor -- umbilical cord 8432. tavek -- midst Library Christ and his Cross the Centre of the Universe Israel's Hope; Or, the Centre of the Target God the Centre or Heart of the Universe. Go Forth, O Ye Daughters of Zion, and Behold King Solomon with the ... Second Tractate. The Heavenly Circuit. Reaching Out for a World. The British Collapse, 1760-1801. Third Tractate. Are the Stars Causes? Blessed Trust On Dissipation Thesaurus Centre (8 Occurrences)... 6. (n. & v.) See Center. Multi-Version Concordance Centre (8 Occurrences). ... They made her stand in the centre of the court, and they put the case to Him. (WEY). ... /c/centre.htm - 9k Ur (5 Occurrences) Center (30 Occurrences) Ephraim (168 Occurrences) Temple (614 Occurrences) Stand (542 Occurrences) Court (172 Occurrences) Zoheleth (1 Occurrence) No (18543 Occurrences) Nahum (3 Occurrences) Resources Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.orgWhy should I believe in Christ's resurrection? | GotQuestions.org Centre: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Centre (8 Occurrences)John 8:3 John 8:9 Acts 4:7 Acts 17:22 Proverbs 16:33 Ezekiel 43:13 Ezekiel 43:14 Ezekiel 43:17 Subtopics Related Terms |