Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "screen" as understood in modern terms did not exist. However, the idea of a barrier or covering that serves to separate or protect is present in various forms throughout Scripture. The term "screen" can be related to several biblical elements, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where curtains and veils served as physical and symbolic screens.Tabernacle and Temple Screens The most direct biblical reference to a screen is found in the construction of the Tabernacle, where curtains and veils served as screens to separate different areas. In Exodus 26:36-37, God instructs Moses: "You are to make a curtain for the entrance to the tent, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with embroidered work. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them." This curtain acted as a screen for the entrance to the Tabernacle, providing a barrier between the holy space and the outside world. Similarly, the veil inside the Tabernacle served as a screen separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33). This veil was a critical element in the worship practices of Israel, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Only the high priest could pass beyond this screen once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2). In Solomon's Temple, similar screens were used. 2 Chronicles 3:14 describes the veil of the Temple: "He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim worked into it." This veil continued the tradition of the Tabernacle, serving as a screen that maintained the sanctity of the Most Holy Place. Symbolic Significance The screens in the Tabernacle and Temple were not merely physical barriers but carried deep symbolic meaning. They represented the holiness of God and the separation caused by sin. The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Christ's death (Matthew 27:51) is a significant event, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. This act signified that believers now have direct access to God, as stated in Hebrews 10:19-20: "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body." Metaphorical Uses While the physical screens of the Tabernacle and Temple are the most direct biblical references, the concept of a screen can also be understood metaphorically in Scripture. For instance, the protection and covering provided by God can be seen as a screen. Psalm 91:4 states, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Here, God's protection acts as a screen, shielding believers from harm. Additionally, the idea of spiritual discernment can be likened to a screen, filtering out false teachings and influences. In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God," which involves using discernment as a screen to separate truth from falsehood. Conclusion In summary, while the term "screen" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is present in the form of curtains and veils in the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as in metaphorical applications. These screens serve as important symbols of separation, protection, and access to God, reflecting key theological themes in Scripture. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Anything that separates or cuts off inconvenience, injury, or danger; that which shelters or conceals from view; a shield or protection; as, a fire screen.2. (n.) A dwarf wall or partition carried up to a certain height for separation and protection, as in a church, to separate the aisle from the choir, or the like. 3. (n.) A surface, as that afforded by a curtain, sheet, wall, etc., upon which an image, as a picture, is thrown by a magic lantern, solar microscope, etc. 4. (n.) A long, coarse riddle or sieve, sometimes a revolving perforated cylinder, used to separate the coarser from the finer parts, as of coal, sand, gravel, and the like. 5. (v. t.) To provide with a shelter or means of concealment; to separate or cut off from inconvenience, injury, or danger; to shelter; to protect; to protect by hiding; to conceal; as, fruits screened from cold winds by a forest or hill. 6. (v. t.) To pass, as coal, gravel, ashes, etc., through a screen in order to separate the coarse from the fine, or the worthless from the valuable; to sift. Greek 2665. katapetasma -- a curtain (the inner veil of the temple) ... From a compound of kata and a congener of petomai; something spread thoroughly, ie (specially) the door screen (to the Most Holy Place) in the Jewish Temple ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2665.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 4539. masak -- a covering, screen... 4538, 4539. masak. 4540 . a covering, screen. Transliteration: masak Phonetic Spelling: (maw-sawk') Short Definition: screen. Word ... /hebrew/4539.htm - 6k 5526a. sakak -- to overshadow, screen, cover 5526. cakak -- to overshadow, screen, cover 6532. paroketh -- a curtain 7050. qela' -- a sling Library 'Never in Bondage' Symbolism of the Church Building The Annunciation Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church Psalm 50:6. To the Old Proper Tune. The Last Judgment. Psalm 50 the Last Judgment. Rom. Ii. 17, 18 Life on the Top Floor An Address to the Man who is Down A Seraph's Wings Thesaurus Screen (26 Occurrences)... n.) Anything that separates or cuts off inconvenience, injury, or danger; that which shelters or conceals from view; a shield or protection; as, a fire screen. ... /s/screen.htm - 15k Courtyard (59 Occurrences) Hangings (23 Occurrences) Yarn (37 Occurrences) Finely (27 Occurrences) Embroiderer (8 Occurrences) Colours (20 Occurrences) Posts (68 Occurrences) Twisted (79 Occurrences) Material (61 Occurrences) Resources How should Christians view Disney? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.org What is simulation theory? Is all of reality actually a simulation? | GotQuestions.org Screen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Screen (26 Occurrences)Matthew 28:14 Exodus 26:36 Exodus 26:37 Exodus 27:16 Exodus 35:12 Exodus 35:15 Exodus 35:17 Exodus 36:37 Exodus 38:18 Exodus 39:34 Exodus 39:38 Exodus 39:40 Exodus 40:3 Exodus 40:5 Exodus 40:8 Exodus 40:21 Exodus 40:28 Exodus 40:33 Numbers 3:25 Numbers 3:26 Numbers 3:31 Numbers 4:5 Numbers 4:25 Numbers 4:26 Deuteronomy 13:8 Psalms 105:39 Subtopics Related Terms |