Folding-doors, as referenced in the Bible, are a type of door that consists of multiple panels, which are hinged together and can be folded to one side. This design allows for a wide opening, facilitating the movement of people and goods. In ancient times, folding-doors were a practical architectural feature, especially in larger buildings and temples, where space and accessibility were important considerations.

Biblical References:

The concept of folding-doors is most notably mentioned in the context of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:34, the construction of the temple is described: "There were two doors of cypress wood, each with two folding panels." This passage highlights the use of folding-doors in the temple's design, emphasizing their significance in the sacred architecture of Israel.

Symbolism and Function:

Folding-doors in the Bible can symbolize openness and accessibility, reflecting the idea of God's house being open to His people. The use of such doors in the temple signifies the importance of welcoming worshippers into the presence of God. The practical function of folding-doors also allowed for the efficient management of space, accommodating the large number of people who would gather for worship and sacrifice.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, folding-doors were a common architectural feature in both sacred and secular buildings. Their design allowed for flexibility in controlling access and ventilation, which was crucial in the hot climate of the region. The use of high-quality materials, such as cypress wood, in the construction of these doors in Solomon's Temple, underscores the importance and reverence of the temple as a place of worship.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the presence of folding-doors in the temple can be seen as a metaphor for the accessibility of God to His people. Just as the doors of the temple could be opened wide to welcome worshippers, so too is God's invitation to enter into a relationship with Him open to all who seek Him. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's desire for communion with humanity.

Architectural Significance:

The architectural significance of folding-doors in the temple is also noteworthy. Their inclusion in the design of Solomon's Temple demonstrates the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of the period. The ability to create such functional and aesthetically pleasing structures speaks to the skill and dedication of the builders, as well as the importance placed on creating a worthy dwelling place for the presence of God.

In summary, folding-doors in the Bible serve both a practical and symbolic purpose, reflecting the themes of accessibility, craftsmanship, and the sacredness of worship spaces. Their mention in the context of Solomon's Temple highlights their significance in biblical architecture and theology.

The Gate of Nicanor, or the East Gate of the Court of Israel.
... Of the miracle, done about the folding-doors of this gate, see Constantine L'Empereur,
Middoth, p.57, and Juchasin, fol.65.2, &c.: who also produceth another ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 30 the gate of.htm

Constantinople
... The officers who were conducting him knocked with their golden wands on the folding
doors, which were flung back, and Chrysostom saw the Chamberlain seated at ...
/.../chapter xvii constantinople.htm

A Description of Some Parts of Ancient Jerusalem.
... of the cavity was closed. This door was made of some metal, perhaps of brass,
and had two folding doors. These doors could be closed ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xlix a description of.htm

The Vain Pretensions of False Gods.
... out. With an old woman, or who enters in. By stealth to houses through the
folding-doors,. He ne'er can please me; nay, but only he. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter v the vain pretensions of.htm

Acts III
... The Beautiful gate of the temple, so called because of its magnificent folding doors,
fifty feet high and forty feet wide, covered with gold and Corinthian ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts iii.htm

On Costly Vessels.
... of easily cleft cedar and thyine wood, and ebony, and tripods fashioned of ivory,
and couches with silver feet and inlaid with ivory, and folding-doors of beds ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

The Body of Our Lord Placed in the Sepulchre.
... the sacred body with the extremities of the sheet on which it was lying, placed
on the top of all the brown coverlet, and closed the folding-doors, which were ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lii the body of.htm

Psalm CXLII.
... Close then the door of fear and desire against the devil, open it to Christ.
How dost thou open these folding doors to Christ? By ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlii.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... thirty high, supported by quadrangular pillars, which were all of cedar; but its
roof was according to the Corinthian order, [14] with folding doors, and their ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Phenomena Accompanying the Death of Christ: the Earthquake the ...
... Cf., also, the statement cited from the Gemara (in Hug's Dissertation above mentioned),
that the folding--doors of the Temple, though locked, suddenly burst ...
/.../section 293 phenomena accompanying the.htm

Folding-doors (3 Occurrences)
Folding-doors. Folding, Folding-doors. Foldings . Multi-Version
Concordance Folding-doors (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings 6 ...
/f/folding-doors.htm - 7k

Knives (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 and the basons, and the knives, and the bowls, and the cups, and the
censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, for the folding-doors of the ...
/k/knives.htm - 10k

Folding (14 Occurrences)

/f/folding.htm - 11k

Vail (44 Occurrences)
... In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance
being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he ...
/v/vail.htm - 22k

Veil (67 Occurrences)
... In it were two folding-doors, which are supposed to have been always open, the entrance
being concealed by the veil which the high priest lifted when he ...
/v/veil.htm - 35k

Leaf (20 Occurrences)
... (b) A side, division, or part, that slides or is hinged, as of window shutters,
foldingdoors, etc. (c) The movable side of a table. ...
/l/leaf.htm - 16k

Foldings (1 Occurrence)

/f/foldings.htm - 6k

Basons (9 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 and the basons, and the knives, and the bowls, and the cups, and the
censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, for the folding-doors of the ...
/b/basons.htm - 9k

Cypress (17 Occurrences)
... cypress-wood. (BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV). 1 Kings 6:34 And two foldingdoors
of cypress-wood, with two leaves. (BBE DBY JPS NAS RSV). 2 ...
/c/cypress.htm - 12k

Cypress-wood (6 Occurrences)
... boards of cypress-wood. (BBE). 1 Kings 6:34 And two foldingdoors of
cypress-wood, with two leaves. (BBE DBY JPS). 2 Chronicles 3:5 ...
/c/cypress-wood.htm - 8k

What are the keys of the kingdom? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that God is the King of glory? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the folded napkin in Christ's tomb after the resurrection? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus