In biblical times, the concept of a "cupboard" as we understand it today—a piece of furniture with shelves and doors used for storing dishes, food, or other items—was not explicitly mentioned in the Scriptures. However, the idea of storage and keeping provisions safe and organized is present throughout the Bible, reflecting the importance of stewardship and provision in daily life.

Biblical Context and Usage

The closest biblical references to a cupboard might be found in the descriptions of storage rooms or treasuries. For instance, in the construction of the Temple, Solomon made extensive use of storerooms to house the offerings and treasures dedicated to the Lord. In 1 Kings 7:51 , it is noted: "So all the work that King Solomon did for the house of the LORD was completed. Then Solomon brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD."

While this passage does not mention a cupboard per se, it highlights the practice of storing valuable items in a designated place, akin to the function of a cupboard.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The concept of a cupboard can be symbolically linked to the biblical themes of provision and preparedness. In Proverbs 21:20 , it is written: "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." This verse underscores the wisdom of storing and managing resources wisely, akin to the prudent use of a cupboard for keeping household necessities.

Moreover, the idea of a cupboard can be related to the spiritual discipline of being prepared and having one's life in order. Jesus' parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 emphasizes the importance of readiness and having sufficient provisions, symbolized by the oil for their lamps. Although not directly mentioning a cupboard, the parable conveys the necessity of being prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, storage solutions were essential for preserving food and other goods. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of household furniture, archaeological findings suggest that storage spaces, such as clay jars and built-in shelves, were common in homes. These served similar purposes to modern cupboards, safeguarding food supplies and household items from pests and spoilage.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the notion of a cupboard can serve as a reminder of the importance of stewardship and the wise management of resources. It encourages Christians to be diligent in their responsibilities, ensuring that their homes are places of order and provision. This aligns with the biblical principle found in 1 Corinthians 14:40 : "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner."

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention cupboards, the principles of storage, provision, and preparedness are woven throughout Scripture, offering valuable lessons for both spiritual and practical living.1. (n.) A board or shelf for cups and dishes.

2. (n.) A small closet in a room, with shelves to receive cups, dishes, food, etc.; hence, any small closet.

3. (v. t.) To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard.

CUPBOARD

kub'-erd (kulikion, 1 Maccabees 15:32): A kind of sideboard in or on which Simon's gold and silver vessels were displayed, and which, among other evidences of his glory, amazed the Syrian envoy Athenobius. Compare the Roman abacus, said to have been introduced into Rome from Asia.

Diamond and his Mother Sat Down Upon the Edge of the Rough Grass ...
... And when it's empty"-where are we then?". "At auntie's cupboard," returned Diamond
promptly. ... He'll have found a cupboard somewhere by that time.". ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 13 diamond and his.htm

Slavery
... he fell ill, and one day while he was lying in bed waiting for some medicine which
had been ordered, his companion went out, leaving the cupboard in which he ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 2 slavery.htm

Striking Similes
... A long slit of daylight like a pointing finger. A memory like a well-ordered
cupboard. A mighty wind, like a leviathan, plowed the brine. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... Above this table was a picture in some sort of embroidery or needlework which hung
like a curtain in front of a kind of little cupboard containing scrolls of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... kings laid their presents and a piece of one of their cloaks are among my own relics.'
[138] Since some of these relics were in a little cupboard beside her bed ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

On Refuges of Lies.
... A man may buy the medicine, and because it is bitter, may lay it up in his cupboard
and never take it; he may provide himself with a counterfeit to take in its ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/vii on refuges of lies.htm

"Encourage Him!" Deut. I. 38
... What would the medical man think if he saw the bottle of physic poured down the
sink, or left in the bottle untasted, till there was a cupboard full of bottles ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xiv encourage him deut i.htm

Eight Easter Lessons Learned at Emmaus. Luke xxiv. 13-35.
... VI."Hospitality is a remunerative virtue. "I was a stranger, and ye took me
in." Christ blesses the cupboard from which wayfarers are fed. ...
/.../champness/broken bread/xlviii eight easter lessons learned.htm

September the Twenty-Second the Handful of Meal
... It would have been a dull commonplace to have fed the prophet from the overflowing
larder of the rich man's palace. But to work from an almost empty cupboard! ...
/.../september the twenty-second the handful.htm

Burglary at Wesley's House
... pounds, which he had just received. They next broke open the cupboard and
took away some silver spoons. Just at this time the alarm ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/burglary at wesleys house.htm

Cupboard
... any small closet. 3. (vt) To collect, as into a cupboard; to hoard. Int.
Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CUPBOARD. kub'-erd (kulikion ...
/c/cupboard.htm - 6k

Cup-bearers (7 Occurrences)
Cup-bearers. Cupbearers, Cup-bearers. Cupboard . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WBS). Cupbearers, Cup-bearers. Cupboard . Reference Bible.
/c/cup-bearers.htm - 8k

Cups (28 Occurrences)

/c/cups.htm - 15k

Dresser (2 Occurrences)
... use. 5. (n.) A cupboard or set of shelves to receive dishes and cooking utensils.
Multi-Version Concordance Dresser (2 Occurrences). ...
/d/dresser.htm - 7k

Buffet (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A cupboard or set of shelves, either movable or fixed at one side of
a room, for the display of plate, china, etc., a sideboard. ...
/b/buffet.htm - 9k

Credence (20 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) A cupboard, sideboard, or cabinet, particularly one intended for the display
of rich vessels or plate, and consisting chiefly of open shelves for that ...
/c/credence.htm - 13k

Cub (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt & i.) To bring forth; -- said of animals, or in contempt, of persons. 4.
(n.) A stall for cattle. 5. (n.) A cupboard. 6. (vt) To shut up or confine. ...
/c/cub.htm - 8k

Cabinet (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A private room in which consultations are held. 5. (n.) A set of drawers
or a cupboard intended to contain articles of value. Hence: ...
/c/cabinet.htm - 7k

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