Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, furniture refers to the various items used in homes, temples, and other settings for practical and ceremonial purposes. The Bible provides numerous references to furniture, illustrating its significance in daily life and worship practices in ancient times.Household Furniture Household furniture in biblical times was often simple and functional. Common items included beds, tables, chairs, and lamps. Beds were typically mats or mattresses placed on the floor, as seen in the account of the paralytic healed by Jesus: "Immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all" (Mark 2:12). Tables were used for meals and could be low, requiring diners to recline, as was customary during the Last Supper (Mark 14:18). Chairs or stools were less common, with people often sitting on the ground or on cushions. Lamps were essential for lighting, especially in homes with few windows. Jesus used the imagery of a lamp to teach about visibility and influence: "No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a lampstand, so those who enter can see the light" (Luke 11:33). Temple Furniture The furniture of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem held profound religious significance. Detailed descriptions of these items are found in the books of Exodus and 1 Kings. The Ark of the Covenant, a chest containing the tablets of the Law, was the most sacred piece, symbolizing God's presence among His people (Exodus 25:10-22). The Table of Showbread, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, held the bread of the Presence, representing God's provision (Exodus 25:23-30). The Golden Lampstand, or Menorah, provided light and symbolized the divine light and guidance (Exodus 25:31-40). The Altar of Incense, also overlaid with gold, was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10). Royal and Public Furniture In royal settings, furniture was more elaborate, reflecting the wealth and status of the monarchy. King Solomon's throne is a notable example, described as a grand structure made of ivory and overlaid with gold, with six steps and a footstool of gold (1 Kings 10:18-20). This opulence demonstrated the king's authority and the kingdom's prosperity. Public spaces, such as city gates, often featured benches or seats where elders and leaders would sit to conduct business and administer justice. The city gate was a central place for community interaction and decision-making, as seen in the account of Boaz and Ruth (Ruth 4:1-11). Symbolic and Spiritual Significance Furniture in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings. The Ark of the Covenant, for instance, not only served as a physical container but also represented God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them. The Table of Showbread and the Golden Lampstand in the Tabernacle and Temple symbolized God's sustenance and guidance. In the New Testament, Jesus' use of furniture in parables and teachings often conveyed deeper spiritual truths. For example, the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27) uses the imagery of a house's foundation to illustrate the importance of building one's life on the teachings of Christ. Overall, furniture in the Bible serves both practical and symbolic roles, reflecting the cultural, religious, and social contexts of the times. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) That with which anything is furnished or supplied; supplies; outfit; equipment.2. (v. t.) Articles used for convenience or decoration in a house or apartment, as tables, chairs, bedsteads, sofas, carpets, curtains, pictures, vases, etc. 3. (n.) The necessary appendages to anything, as to a machine, a carriage, a ship, etc. 4. (n.) The masts and rigging of a ship. 5. (n.) The mountings of a gun. 6. (v. t.) Builders' hardware such as locks, door and window trimmings. 7. (v. t.) Pieces of wood or metal of a lesser height than the type, placed around the pages or other matter in a form, and, with the quoins, serving to secure the form in its place in the chase. 8. (n.) A mixed or compound stop in an organ; -- sometimes called mixture. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia FURNITUREfur'ni-tur (kar, kelim; skeue): In Genesis 31:34 kar is translated "furniture" in the King James Version, but "saddle" in the American Standard Revised Version. The latter is decidedly preferable. It was the "camel-basket," or the basket-saddle of the camel, which was a sort of palanquin bound upon the saddle. Upon this saddle-basket Rachel sat with the teraphim hidden beneath, and her wily father did not suspect the presence of his gods in such a place. In other places the word kelim is used, and is generally rendered "vessels," though sometimes "furniture." It may have many other renderings also (see BDB). Exodus 31:7; Exodus 39:33 mention the furniture of the Tent, which is specified in other places. Moses is instructed (25:9) to make a sanctuary or tabernacle and the furniture thereof according to the pattern showed him in the Mount. The furniture of the Court consisted of the brazen altar and laver (40:29, 30); that of the Holy Place, of the table of showbread, the golden lampstand and altar of incense (39:36; 40:22-26; Hebrews 9:2); that of the Holy of Holies, of the ark and mercy-seat overshadowed by the cherubim. The tribe of Levi was set apart by Yahweh to "keep all the furniture of the tent of meeting" (Numbers 3:8). When David organized the tabernacle-worship in Jerusalem and assigned the Levites their separate duties, certain men "were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary" (1 Chronicles 9:29). In Nahum 2:9 the singular form of the word keli is used, and is rendered "furniture." The prophet refers to the abundant, costly, luxurious furniture and raiment, largely the results of their conquests and plunder in many countries. Greek 4631. skeue -- equipment ... tackle, equipment. From skeuos; furniture, ie Spare tackle -- tackling. see GREEK skeuos. (skeuen) -- 1 Occurrence. 4630, 4631. skeue. 4632 . Strong's Numbers //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4631.htm - 6k 4522. sagene -- a dragnet Strong's Hebrew 3627. keli -- an article, utensil, vessel... 12), bags (2), basket (1), bowls* (1), cargo (1), clothing (1), earthenware* (1), equipment (6), everything* (1), furnishings (10), furniture (4), gear (1 ... /hebrew/3627.htm - 6k 3733. kar -- basket-saddle Library A Christian Bishop's Furniture Arrangement and Furniture of the Church Of the Cells which Abbot Archebius Gave up to us with their ... The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture. The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650. How to Speak in Public Books of the Hebrew Canon. The Copies of Things in the Heavens Chapter I Beginning and Early Days of the Orphan Work. As they Flew, So Fast they Went that the Sea Slid Away from under ... Thesaurus Furniture (24 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FURNITURE. ... Exodus 31:7; Exodus 39:33 mention the furniture of the Tent, which is specified in other places. ... /f/furniture.htm - 16k Furnishings (22 Occurrences) Cover (254 Occurrences) Candlestick (34 Occurrences) Holies (23 Occurrences) Table (125 Occurrences) Thyine Tackling (1 Occurrence) Candle (16 Occurrences) Cherub (21 Occurrences) Resources What is a pulpit? | GotQuestions.orgGod helps those who help themselves - is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.org Furniture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Furniture (24 Occurrences)Luke 17:31 Acts 21:15 Acts 27:19 Genesis 31:34 Genesis 45:20 Exodus 25:9 Exodus 31:7 Exodus 31:8 Exodus 31:9 Exodus 35:14 Exodus 39:33 Exodus 40:9 Numbers 3:8 Numbers 4:15 Numbers 4:16 Numbers 7:1 Numbers 18:3 Judges 18:21 1 Samuel 17:22 1 Kings 7:48 1 Chronicles 9:29 Nehemiah 13:8 Isaiah 10:28 Nahum 2:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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