Topical Encyclopedia A quarry, in biblical terms, refers to a place where stones are extracted for building purposes. The process of quarrying involves cutting or blasting stone from the earth, which is then shaped and used in construction. Quarries are significant in the Bible, both literally and symbolically, as they provide the raw materials for building structures, including the temple in Jerusalem.Biblical References: 1. 1 Kings 5:17 · "At the king’s command they removed from the quarry large blocks of high-quality stone to provide a foundation of dressed stone for the temple." This verse highlights the importance of quarries in the construction of Solomon's Temple. The use of high-quality stone signifies the care and precision involved in building a house for the Lord, reflecting the grandeur and holiness of the temple. 2. Isaiah 51:1 · "Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn." Here, the quarry serves as a metaphor for the origins and identity of the people of Israel. It emphasizes the idea of being shaped and formed by God, reminding the Israelites of their spiritual heritage and calling. 3. Job 28:1-3 · "Surely there is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. Man puts an end to the darkness; he probes the farthest recesses for ore in deepest darkness." While not directly mentioning quarries, this passage describes the mining and extraction processes similar to quarrying. It illustrates human ingenuity and the pursuit of valuable resources, paralleling the search for wisdom and understanding. Symbolic Significance: In a symbolic sense, quarries represent the process of spiritual formation and refinement. Just as stones are extracted and shaped for a specific purpose, believers are seen as being shaped by God for His divine purposes. The quarrying process can be likened to the trials and tribulations that refine a person's character and faith. Historical Context: In ancient Israel, quarries were essential for providing the materials needed for construction. The limestone prevalent in the region was particularly suitable for building, and many ancient structures, including city walls, palaces, and temples, were constructed using stone from local quarries. The labor-intensive process of quarrying required skilled workers who could extract and shape the stones with precision. Theological Implications: Theologically, the imagery of a quarry underscores the concept of being chosen and prepared by God. Just as stones are selected and crafted for a specific role in a building, believers are chosen and molded by God for His purposes. This reflects the biblical theme of divine election and sanctification, where God actively participates in the lives of His people, shaping them into His image. In summary, quarries in the Bible are not only physical locations but also carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. They remind believers of their origins, their formation by God, and their purpose in His divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Same as Quarrel.2. (a.) Quadrate; square. 3. (n.) A part of the entrails of the beast taken, given to the hounds. 4. (n.) A heap of game killed. 5. (n.) The object of the chase; the animal hunted for; game; especially, the game hunted with hawks. 6. (v. i.) To secure prey; to prey, as a vulture or harpy. 7. (n.) A place, cavern, or pit where stone is taken from the rock or ledge, or dug from the earth, for building or other purposes; a stone pit. See 5th Mine (a). 8. (v. t.) To dig or take from a quarry; as, to quarry marble. Greek 2998. latomeo -- to hew out (stones) ... hew. From the same as the first part of laxeutos and the base of tomoteros; to quarry -- hew. see GREEK laxeutos. see GREEK tomoteros. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2998.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4551a. massa -- a quarry or quarrying... a quarry or quarrying. Transliteration: massa Short Definition: quarry. Word Origin from nasa Definition a quarry or quarrying NASB Word Usage quarry (1). ... /hebrew/4551a.htm - 5k 4551. macca' -- a quarry or quarrying 4718. maqqebeth -- a hole, excavation 2672. chatsab -- to hew, hew out, cleave 6456. pasil -- an idol, image 4274. machtseb -- a hewing 5365. naqar -- to bore, pick, dig 1470. Gozan -- a city and area in Mesopotamia 1505. gezar -- to cut, determine 953a. bor -- a pit, cistern, well Library Sermon for Ascension Day The Collar of Gold The Best of All, God is with Us The Margin of the Nile The Desire of all Nations Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church At the Well A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life Elucidation. Effectual Calling Thesaurus Quarry (5 Occurrences)... See 5th Mine (a). 8. (vt) To dig or take from a quarry; as, to quarry marble. Multi-Version Concordance Quarry (5 Occurrences). ... /q/quarry.htm - 8k Build (242 Occurrences) Hammer (15 Occurrences) Building (249 Occurrences) Writing (194 Occurrences) Book (211 Occurrences) Baruch (24 Occurrences) Quarrieth (1 Occurrence) Quart (1 Occurrence) Resources What was Solomon's temple / the first temple? How many temples were there? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is an avenger of blood in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Quarry: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Quarry (5 Occurrences)1 Kings 5:17 1 Kings 6:7 2 Chronicles 2:2 2 Chronicles 2:18 Isaiah 51:1 Subtopics Related Terms |