The term "dais" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of a raised platform or stage can be inferred from various biblical contexts where leaders, speakers, or significant events are elevated for visibility and prominence. In ancient times, a dais would serve as a place of authority, honor, and communication, often used by kings, prophets, or religious leaders.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Royal and Judicial Settings: In the ancient Near East, kings and judges often sat on elevated platforms to signify their authority and to be seen and heard by the people. This practice is reflected in the biblical narrative, where thrones and judgment seats are often described as being elevated. For example, King Solomon's throne is described in 1 Kings 10:18-20 as a grand and elevated seat, symbolizing his wisdom and authority.

2. Religious and Ceremonial Functions: The concept of elevation is also present in religious settings. The altar, for instance, is often elevated, signifying its sacredness and the act of offering sacrifices to God. In Exodus 20:24-26, God instructs the Israelites on building altars, emphasizing the importance of their construction and use.

3. Public Speaking and Proclamation: In Nehemiah 8:4, Ezra the scribe stands on a wooden platform built for the occasion as he reads the Law to the people. This platform serves a similar function to a dais, elevating Ezra so that he can be seen and heard by the assembly, underscoring the importance of the Word of God being proclaimed to the people.

4. Symbolic Elevation: The idea of being lifted up or elevated is also symbolic in Scripture. Jesus speaks of being "lifted up" in John 3:14, referring to His crucifixion and the salvation it brings. This elevation is not physical in the sense of a dais but carries profound spiritual significance.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In the ancient world, the use of a dais was not merely practical but also symbolic. It represented authority, honor, and the presence of the divine or the king. The elevated position allowed leaders to address large crowds effectively, ensuring that their words carried weight and were received with the intended gravity.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of elevation in the Bible often points to the authority and sovereignty of God. Just as earthly kings and leaders are elevated to signify their rule, God is described as being exalted above all. Psalm 113:4 states, "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens." This elevation is not just physical but also spiritual, emphasizing God's supreme authority and majesty.

In summary, while the specific term "dais" is not found in the biblical text, the concept of elevation for authority, communication, and religious significance is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. It serves as a powerful symbol of leadership, divine presence, and the proclamation of God's Word.1. (n.) The high or principal table, at the end of a hall, at which the chief guests were seated; also, the chief seat at the high table.

2. (n.) A platform slightly raised above the floor of a hall or large room, giving distinction to the table and seats placed upon it for the chief guests.

3. (n.) A canopy over the seat of a person of dignity.

The Heir to the Throne
... A single torch of aromatics flared and hissed beside the throne dais. ... Behind a solid
panel of carved cedar, which hedged the royal dais, stood Meneptah. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter v the heir to.htm

The Promised Land
... Slowly she approached the dais and fell on her knees before the king. The great
gathering of courtiers held its breath, wondering and pitying. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlvii the promised land.htm

Before Egypt's Throne
... She suffered him to lead her to the royal dais where she knelt. ... Masanath
turned to the right of the royal dais and faced the prince. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxix before egypts throne.htm

The Dream of St. Ursula
... The princess's shield is at the head of it, and the feet are raised entirely above
the floor of the room, on a dais which projects at the lower end so as to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ruskin/saint ursula/ii the dream of st.htm

In Troubles --
... straightway saluted him. Now the king was in the royal dais, near the outer
door. Two bishops were standing just below him. (We must ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter vi in troubles.htm

In Travel-Worn Garb Vergilius Went Early to See the King. ...
... Far down the great chamber in which half a cohort could have stood comfortably,
in a carved chair on a dais, under a vault and against a background of blue ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 13 in travel-worn garb.htm

The Love of Rameses
... Far up the vaulted hall, the Pharaoh and his queen, in royal isolation, were
growing weary. The lions chained to their lofty dais slept. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxv the love of.htm

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... The Emperor sat at the centre, on a dais, in a chair of gold, with the Empress
at his right. Next to her sat Theophilus of Alexandria. ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

The Red King
... The King was drinking in Malwood Hall, There came in a monk before them all: He
thrust by squire, he thrust by knight, Stood over against the dais aright; And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the red king.htm

The Lady Miriam
... Kenkenes! "She approached the very dais of the throne and, throwing up her
arms, flung her defiance into the face of her sovereign. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter vi the lady miriam.htm

Dais (3 Occurrences)
... the chief guests. 3. (n.) A canopy over the seat of a person of dignity.
Multi-Version Concordance Dais (3 Occurrences). 2 Kings 11 ...
/d/dais.htm - 8k

Conspiracy (17 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:14 And she looked, and behold, the king stood on the dais, according
to the custom, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king; and all the ...
/c/conspiracy.htm - 12k

Dainty (7 Occurrences)

/d/dainty.htm - 10k

Daisan

/d/daisan.htm - 6k

Platform (9 Occurrences)
... level, as a framework of timber or boards horizontally joined so as to form a roof,
or a raised floor, or portion of a floor; a landing; a dais; a stage, for ...
/p/platform.htm - 10k

Canopy (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A covering fixed over a bed, dais, or the like,
or carried on poles over an exalted personage or a sacred object, etc. ...
/c/canopy.htm - 10k

State (51 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Appearance of grandeur or dignity; pomp. 5. (n.) A chair with a canopy above
it, often standing on a dais; a seat of dignity; also, the canopy itself. ...
/s/state.htm - 23k

Custom (51 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 11:14 And she looked, and behold, the king stood on the dais, according
to the custom, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king; and all the ...
/c/custom.htm - 28k

Establish (133 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:3 And the king stood on the dais, and made a covenant before Jehovah,
to walk after Jehovah, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and ...
/e/establish.htm - 39k

Dais: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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