Topical Encyclopedia In biblical architecture and symbolism, columns, also referred to as pillars, hold significant meaning and are mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures. They are often seen as symbols of strength, stability, and support, both in a physical and spiritual sense.Old Testament References Columns are prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, serving both functional and symbolic purposes. In the construction of the Tabernacle, columns were used to support the curtains and the structure itself. Exodus 26:32 describes the use of columns: "Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases." The most notable columns in the Old Testament are the two bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz, which stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple. These columns are described in 1 Kings 7:21: "He set up the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jachin, and the pillar to the north he named Boaz." These pillars were not only architectural features but also carried deep symbolic meaning, representing God's establishment and strength. Symbolism and Metaphor Columns are often used metaphorically in the Bible to represent individuals or groups who provide support and uphold the faith. In Galatians 2:9, the apostles James, Cephas (Peter), and John are referred to as "pillars" of the church: "And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised." The imagery of columns is also used in Revelation to describe the reward for the faithful. Revelation 3:12 states, "The one who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will never again leave it. Upon him I will write the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God (the new Jerusalem that comes down out of heaven from My God), and My new name." New Testament References While the New Testament does not focus on physical columns as much as the Old Testament, the metaphorical use continues. The church is often described as a structure supported by its members, with Christ as the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:19-22 illustrates this concept: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord." Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, columns were not only structural elements but also carried cultural and religious significance. They were often used in temples and palaces, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine. The use of columns in biblical architecture reflects this cultural context, emphasizing the sacred nature of the spaces they adorned. Columns in the Bible, therefore, serve as powerful symbols of God's presence, the strength of faith, and the support provided by the community of believers. They remind the faithful of the importance of being steadfast and supportive pillars within the body of Christ. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A kind of pillar; a cylindrical or polygonal support for a roof, ceiling, statue, etc., somewhat ornamented, and usually composed of base, shaft, and capital. See Order.2. (n.) Anything resembling, in form or position, a column in architecture; an upright body or mass; a shaft or obelisk; as, a column of air, of water, of mercury, etc.; the Column Vendome; the spinal column. 3. (n.) A body of troops formed in ranks, one behind the other; -- contradistinguished from line. Compare Ploy, and Deploy. 4. (n.) A small army. 5. (n.) A number of ships so arranged as to follow one another in single or double file or in squadrons; -- in distinction from line, where they are side by side. 6. (n.) A perpendicular set of lines, not extending across the page, and separated from other matter by a rule or blank space; as, a column in a newspaper. 7. (n.) A perpendicular line of figures. 8. (n.) The body formed by the union of the stamens in the Mallow family, or of the stamens and pistil in the orchids. Greek 4769. stulos -- a pillar ... a pillar. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: stulos Phonetic Spelling: (stoo'-los) Short Definition: a pillar Definition: a pillar, support, column ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4769.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5982. ammud -- a pillar, columnammud or ammud. 5981, 5982. ammud or ammud. 5983 . a pillar, column. Transliteration: ammud or ammud Phonetic Spelling: (am-mood') Short Definition: ... /hebrew/5982.htm - 6k 8490. timarah -- (palm-like) column 547. omnah -- pillar 4676. matstsebah -- a pillar, stump 7638. sabak -- net 3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb 2106. zavith -- a corner 134. eden -- a base, pedestal 3805. kothereth -- capital (of a pillar) 6858. tsepheth -- probably plated capital (of a pillar) Library The Broken Column List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings ... The Man About whom the Apostle is Here Treating, do Far as He Is ... How the Iberians Received the Faith of Christ. Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud Appendix (C). No Man Can Serve Two Masters; and that Because it is Necessary ... Whether Names which Imply Relation to Creatures are Predicated of ... You See by this what his Opinions are About Origen and Also About ... Accidents, not Punishments Thesaurus Column (5 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Anything resembling, in form or position, a column in architecture; an upright body or mass; a shaft or obelisk; as, a column of air, of water, of ... /c/column.htm - 9k Palm-column (1 Occurrence) Pillar (72 Occurrences) Shaft (13 Occurrences) Order (809 Occurrences) Overrun (4 Occurrences) Line (131 Occurrences) Footing (3 Occurrences) Foot (193 Occurrences) Patriarchs (6 Occurrences) Resources Is there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgHow does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.org Who was Origen of Alexandria? | GotQuestions.org Column: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Column (5 Occurrences)Judges 20:40 2 Kings 3:2 2 Kings 10:27 Song of Songs 3:6 Isaiah 9:18 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |