Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "cottage" refers to a small, simple dwelling, often associated with rural or pastoral settings. The concept of a cottage in the Bible is not as explicitly defined as modern interpretations might suggest, but it is used metaphorically and literally in various passages to convey simplicity, humility, and sometimes desolation.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 1:8 : "And the Daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a city besieged." In this passage, the "hut" or "cottage" is used metaphorically to describe the vulnerable and isolated state of Jerusalem after judgment. The imagery of a temporary shelter in a vineyard or field highlights the fragility and transience of the situation. 2. Isaiah 24:20 : "The earth staggers like a drunkard and sways like a hut. Its transgression weighs it down, and it falls, never to rise again." Here, the "hut" symbolizes instability and impending collapse, reflecting the consequences of sin and divine judgment upon the earth. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, cottages or huts were often temporary structures used by farmers and shepherds. These simple dwellings provided shelter during harvest times or while tending to flocks in the fields. Constructed from readily available materials such as branches, leaves, and mud, cottages were not meant for permanent habitation but served practical purposes in agricultural life. The use of cottages in biblical imagery often underscores themes of humility and reliance on God. The temporary and fragile nature of these structures serves as a reminder of human dependence on divine provision and protection. In contrast to the grandeur of cities or fortified dwellings, cottages represent a return to simplicity and a focus on essential needs. Theological Implications: The metaphorical use of cottages in Scripture can be seen as a reflection of the human condition and the spiritual journey. Just as a cottage is a temporary abode, so is earthly life a transient phase in the broader context of eternity. Believers are encouraged to live with an awareness of the temporary nature of worldly possessions and to focus on spiritual growth and eternal values. Furthermore, the imagery of a cottage can evoke the idea of refuge and safety in God's presence. Despite their simplicity, cottages provide shelter and protection, much like the spiritual refuge found in a relationship with God. This aligns with the biblical theme of God as a shelter and stronghold for His people, offering security amidst life's uncertainties. In summary, while the term "cottage" may not frequently appear in the Bible, its symbolic use in passages like Isaiah provides rich insights into themes of vulnerability, humility, and divine protection. The cottage serves as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring need for reliance on God. ATS Bible Dictionary CottageA rustic tent or shelter, made perhaps of boughs, Isaiah 24:20. Easton's Bible Dictionary (1.) A booth in a vineyard (Isaiah 1:8); a temporary shed covered with leaves or straw to shelter the watchman that kept the garden. These were slight fabrics, and were removed when no longer needed, or were left to be blown down in winter (Job 27:18). (2.) A lodging-place (rendered "lodge" in Isaiah 1:8); a slighter structure than the "booth," as the cucumber patch is more temporary than a vineyard (Isaiah 24:20). It denotes a frail structure of boughs supported on a few poles, which is still in use in the East, or a hammock suspended between trees, in which the watchman was accustomed to sleep during summer. (3.) In Zephaniah 2:6 it is the rendering of the Hebrew keroth, which some suppose to denote rather "pits" (R.V. marg., "caves") or "wells of water," such as shepherds would sink. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A small house; a cot; a hut.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COTTAGEkot'-aj. Strong's Hebrew 5521. sukkah -- a thicket, booth... booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. Fem of cok; a hut or lair -- booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. see HEBREW cok. ... /hebrew/5521.htm - 6k 3741. karah -- a cistern, well 4412. melunah -- a lodge, hut Library The World is not this Little Cottage of Heaven and Earth A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee Wesleyan Mission Commenced at Goobbe. Of the Expedition of Valens against the Goths and How He Paid the ... He came to his Own. The Ascent of the Body A Praying Mother. Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672. Saint Maura. AD 304 Ahab and Naboth Thesaurus Cottage (2 Occurrences)... (n.) A small house; a cot; a hut. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COTTAGE. kot'-aj. See HOUSE. Multi-Version Concordance Cottage (2 Occurrences). ... /c/cottage.htm - 8k Lodge (64 Occurrences) Wormwood (10 Occurrences) Inn (7 Occurrences) Reel (6 Occurrences) Drunkard (15 Occurrences) Booth (9 Occurrences) Being (3399 Occurrences) Cots (1 Occurrence) Cucumbers (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about women working outside the home? | GotQuestions.orgCottage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cottage (2 Occurrences)Isaiah 1:8 Isaiah 24:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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