Topical Bible: Shrine

Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

A shrine, in biblical terms, refers to a sacred or holy place dedicated to a specific deity, person, or event. In the context of the Bible, shrines often appear as locations of worship, altars, or memorials. The concept of a shrine is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern religious practices, which influenced the cultural and religious landscape of the Israelites.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, shrines are frequently associated with altars and high places. These were often erected by the patriarchs and other significant figures as places to worship Yahweh or commemorate divine encounters. For instance, Abraham built altars at Shechem and Bethel as acts of worship and dedication to God (Genesis 12:7-8). Similarly, Jacob set up a stone pillar at Bethel after his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven, marking the place as sacred (Genesis 28:18-19).

However, the use of shrines also became problematic in Israel's history. As the Israelites settled in Canaan, they encountered the Canaanite practice of worshiping at high places, which were often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. Despite God's command to destroy these sites (Deuteronomy 12:2-3), the Israelites frequently fell into the temptation of worshiping at these unauthorized shrines. This led to syncretism and idolatry, which were condemned by the prophets (1 Kings 14:23; Hosea 4:13).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of a shrine is less prominent, as the focus shifts from physical locations to the spiritual worship of God through Jesus Christ. However, the idea of sacred spaces persists in the form of the Temple in Jerusalem, which remained a central place of worship for the Jewish people during the time of Jesus. The Temple itself was considered a shrine, housing the Holy of Holies and serving as the focal point of Jewish religious life.

The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, encountered various pagan shrines dedicated to Greco-Roman deities. In Acts 17:23 , Paul refers to an altar in Athens inscribed "To an unknown god," using it as a starting point to proclaim the Gospel to the Athenians. This highlights the prevalence of shrines in the ancient world and the early Christian effort to redirect worship towards the one true God.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the Bible presents a tension between the use of shrines as legitimate places of worship and the potential for idolatry. The construction of altars and memorials by the patriarchs signifies moments of genuine worship and covenantal relationship with God. Yet, the misuse of shrines and high places underscores the human tendency to deviate from true worship.

The biblical narrative ultimately points towards the fulfillment of worship in Jesus Christ, who declared, "A time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem" (John 4:21). This statement emphasizes the transition from physical shrines to a spiritual worship that transcends location, focusing on the heart and truth of the believer.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Understanding the role of shrines in the Bible requires an appreciation of the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East. Shrines were not only religious centers but also social and political hubs. They often served as places of refuge, justice, and community gatherings. The biblical injunctions against idolatrous shrines reflect a broader divine mandate to maintain the purity of worship and the distinct identity of God's people amidst surrounding pagan cultures.

In summary, the concept of a shrine in the Bible encompasses both the legitimate and illegitimate expressions of worship, serving as a reminder of the importance of directing one's devotion solely to God.

ATS Bible Dictionary

Shrine

See DIANA.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) A case, box, or receptacle, especially one in which are deposited sacred relics, as the bones of a saint.

2. (n.) Any sacred place, as an altar, tomb, or the like.

3. (n.) A place or object hallowed from its history or associations; as, a shrine of art.

4. (v. t.) To enshrine; to place reverently, as in a shrine.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

SHRINE

shrin (naos): In Acts 19:24 small models of temples for Diana.

Greek

3485. naos -- a temple
... a temple. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: naos Phonetic Spelling:
(nah-os') Short Definition: a temple, shrine Definition: a temple, a shrine ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3485.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

430. elohim -- God, god
... being (1), exceedingly (1), God (2326), god (45), God's (14), goddess (2), godly
(1), gods (204), great (2), judges (3), mighty (2), rulers (1), shrine* (1). ...
/hebrew/430.htm - 6k

1687. debir -- perhaps (a place of) speaking (the innermost room ...
... oracle. Or (shortened) dbir {deb-eer'}; from dabar (apparently in the sense of oracle);
the shrine or innermost part of the sanctuary -- oracle. ...
/hebrew/1687.htm - 6k

1354. gab -- a back
... from an unused word Definition a back NASB Word Usage back (1), backs (1), base
(1), defenses (2), eyebrows* (1), massive* (1), rims (3), shrine (2), shrines (1 ...
/hebrew/1354.htm - 6k

1004. bayith -- a house
... to hold (1), palace (22), palace and the houses (1), perfume* (1), place (2), places
(1), prison* (15), residence (1), room (6), rooms (1), shrine* (1), temple ...
/hebrew/1004.htm - 7k

Library

They Say that Antiochus of Cyzicum Took from Its Shrine a Statue ...
... Book VI. 21 They say that Antiochus of Cyzicum took from its shrine a statue
of Jupiter made? They say that Antiochus of Cyzicum ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/21 they say that antiochus.htm

Like Silver Lamps in a Distant Shrine
... VII. CAROLS Carols 548. Like silver lamps in a distant shrine. PM ... William C. Dix,
1867. Like silver lamps in a distant shrine,. The stars are sparkling bright; ...
/.../carols 548 like silver lamps.htm

Of the Inward Peace of a Monk, and of Spiritual Abstinence.
... For labour of the flesh, when joined with contrition of the spirit, will produce
a sacrifice that is most acceptable to God, and a worthy shrine of holiness in ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi of the inward.htm

Though Ye Know Him Not
... "There is a central shrine, with only one light in it. The darkness of the shrine
symbolises the darkness of the world, of life and death and being. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxvii though ye know.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... God is unrevealed after all revelation; afar off, however near; shrouded in the
utter darkness of the inmost shrine, and only approached by the priestly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Expatriation
... Come with me!" Jambres seized his arm and, hurrying him out of the shed, went through
the ragged street to the shrine at the upper end of the village. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlii expatriation.htm

Ignatius Leaves his Native Land --What He did at Montserrat and at ...
... His brother desired to accompany him as far as Ogna, and during the journey was
persuaded by the Saint to pass one night of watching at the shrine of Our ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter ii ignatius leaves his.htm

The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing
... In the deep heart of the man was a shrine where none but God was worthy to come.
Within him was God; without, a thousand gifts which God had showered upon him. ...
/.../tozer/the pursuit of god/ii the blessedness of possessing.htm

The Bishop at Work
... The old women had dreams about him. Miracles began. A shrine was set up
and robber John began to develop into Saint John. Then down ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

Hymn for Christmas-Day
... For though with process of the suns The ordered whole harmonious runs, Still
the Artificer Divine Leaves not the Father's inmost shrine. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xi hymn for christmas-day.htm

Thesaurus

Shrine (34 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A place or object hallowed from its history or associations; as, a shrine
of art. 4. (vt) To enshrine; to place reverently, as in a shrine. Int. ...SHRINE. ...
/s/shrine.htm - 18k

Erech (2 Occurrences)
... The shrine dedicated to Ishtar is apparently now represented by the ruin known as
Buwariyya or "reed-mats," and so called on account of the layers of matting ...
/e/erech.htm - 13k

Diana (5 Occurrences)
... At the centre, hidden by curtains, within a gorgeous shrine, stood the very ancient
image of the goddess, on wood or ebony reputed to have fallen from the sky. ...
/d/diana.htm - 15k

Burneth (67 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:13 and also Maachah his mother -- he turneth her aside from being mistress,
in that she made a horrible thing for a shrine, and Asa cutteth down her ...
/b/burneth.htm - 28k

Mistress (20 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 15:13 and also Maachah his mother -- he turneth her aside from being mistress,
in that she made a horrible thing for a shrine, and Asa cutteth down her ...
/m/mistress.htm - 14k

Micah (54 Occurrences)
... men sent in quest of new territory by the Danites, who had failed to secure a
settlement upon their own tribal allotment, visited Micah's shrine, and obtained ...
/m/micah.htm - 38k

Memphis (8 Occurrences)
... 3. The Founders and the City: The oldest center of settlement was probably the shrine
of the sacred bull, Apis or Hapy, which was in the South of the city. ...
/m/memphis.htm - 14k

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)
... And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto
this day." 2. A Sacred Shrine: Beersheba was a sacred shrine. ...
/b/beersheba.htm - 22k

Beateth (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 23:6 And he bringeth out the shrine from the house of Jehovah to the outside
of Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burneth it at the brook Kidron ...
/b/beateth.htm - 8k

Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... the hierarchy established in myth; moreover in myth the gods are treated as universal,
while the gods of worship are most closely attached, each to one shrine. ...
/a/ancient.htm - 98k

Resources

What is the Dome of the Rock? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Order of DeMolay? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the Artemis mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Shrine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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

Concordance

Shrine (34 Occurrences)

Acts 7:43
You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship. I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'
(See NIV)

Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
(See RSV)

Genesis 38:21
Then he asked the men of her place, saying, "Where is the prostitute, that was at Enaim by the road?" They said, "There has been no prostitute here."
(See NIV)

Genesis 38:22
He returned to Judah, and said, "I haven't found her; and also the men of the place said,'There has been no prostitute here.'"
(See NIV)

Deuteronomy 16:21
Thou dost not plant for thee a shrine of any trees near the altar of Jehovah thy God, which thou makest for thyself,
(YLT)

Deuteronomy 23:17
There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the sons of Israel.
(See NIV)

Judges 6:25
And it cometh to pass, on that night, that Jehovah saith to him, 'Take the young ox which 'is' to thy father, and the second bullock of seven years, and thou hast thrown down the altar of Baal which 'is' to thy father, and the shrine which 'is' by it thou dost cut down,
(YLT)

Judges 6:26
and thou hast built an altar to Jehovah thy God on the top of this stronghold, by the arrangement, and hast taken the second bullock, and caused to ascend a burnt-offering with the wood of the shrine which thou cuttest down.'
(YLT)

Judges 6:28
And the men of the city rise early in the morning, and lo, broken down hath been the altar of Baal, and the shrine which is by it hath been cut down, and the second bullock hath been offered on the altar which is built.
(YLT)

Judges 6:30
And the men of the city say unto Joash, 'Bring out thy son, and he dieth, because he hath broken down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the shrine which 'is' by it.'
(YLT)

Judges 17:5
And the man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and teraphim, and installed one of his sons, who became his priest.
(DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Kings 14:24
and there were also sodomites in the land: they did according to all the abominations of the nations which Yahweh drove out before the children of Israel.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 15:12
He put away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that his fathers had made.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 15:13
and also Maachah his mother -- he turneth her aside from being mistress, in that she made a horrible thing for a shrine, and Asa cutteth down her horrible thing, and burneth 'it' by the brook Kidron;
(YLT)

1 Kings 16:33
and Ahab maketh the shrine, and Ahab addeth to do so as to provoke Jehovah, God of Israel, above all the kings of Israel who have been before him.
(YLT)

1 Kings 18:19
and now, send, gather unto me all Israel, unto the mount of Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the shrine, four hundred -- eating at the table of Jezebel.'
(YLT)

1 Kings 22:46
The remnant of the sodomites, that remained in the days of his father Asa, he put away out of the land.
(See NIV)

2 Kings 10:25
It happened, as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, "Go in, and kill them! Let none escape." They struck them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.
(See NIV)

2 Kings 13:6
only, they have not turned aside from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, that he caused Israel to sin, therein they walked, and also, the shrine hath remained in Samaria, --
(YLT)

2 Kings 17:16
And they forsake all the commands of Jehovah their God, and make to them a molten image -- two calves, and make a shrine, and bow themselves to all the host of the heavens, and serve Baal,
(YLT)

2 Kings 18:4
he hath turned aside the high places, and broken in pieces the standing-pillars, and cut down the shrine, and beaten down the brazen serpent that Moses made, for unto these days were the sons of Israel making perfume to it, and he calleth it 'a piece of brass.'
(YLT)

2 Kings 21:3
and he turneth and buildeth the high places that Hezekiah his father destroyed, and raiseth altars for Baal, and maketh a shrine, as did Ahab king of Israel, and boweth himself to all the host of the heavens, and serveth them.
(YLT)

2 Kings 21:7
And he setteth the graven image of the shrine that he made in the house of which Jehovah said unto David and unto Solomon his son, 'In this house, and in Jerusalem, that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, I put My name -- to the age;
(YLT)

2 Kings 23:4
And the king commandeth Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring out from the temple of Jehovah all the vessels that are made for Baal, and for the shrine, and for all the host of the heavens, and he burneth them at the outside of Jerusalem, in the fields of Kidron, and hath borne their ashes to Beth-El.
(YLT)

2 Kings 23:6
And he bringeth out the shrine from the house of Jehovah to the outside of Jerusalem, unto the brook Kidron, and burneth it at the brook Kidron, and beateth it small to dust, and casteth its dust on the grave of the sons of the people.
(YLT)

2 Kings 23:7
And he breaketh down the houses of the whoremongers that 'are' in the house of Jehovah, where the women are weaving houses for the shrine.
(YLT NIV)

2 Kings 23:15
and also the altar that 'is' in Beth-El, the high place that Jeroboam son of Nebat made, by which he made Israel sin, both that altar and the high place he hath broken down, and doth burn the high place -- he hath beat it small to dust, and hath burnt the shrine.
(YLT)

2 Chronicles 15:16
And also Maachah, mother of Asa the king -- he hath removed her from 'being' mistress, in that she hath made for a shrine a horrible thing, and Asa cutteth down her horrible thing, and beateth 'it' small, and burneth 'it' by the brook Kidron:
(YLT)

Isaiah 16:12
And when Moab goes up to the high place, and makes prayer in the house of his god, it will have no effect.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 8:12
Then said he to me, Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in his chambers of imagery? for they say, Yahweh doesn't see us; Yahweh has forsaken the land.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 16:24
that you have built for yourselves a vaulted place, and have made yourselves a lofty place in every street.
(See NAS NIV)

Ezekiel 16:31
in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a prostitute, in that you scorn pay.
(See NAS NIV)

Hosea 4:14
I will not punish your daughters when they play the prostitute, nor your brides when they commit adultery; because the men consort with prostitutes, and they sacrifice with the shrine prostitutes; so the people without understanding will come to ruin.
(WEB NIV)

Amos 5:26
You also carried the tent of your king and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves.
(WEB ASV NIV)

Subtopics

Shrine

Shrine: An Idolatrous Symbol of the Temple of Diana (Artemis)

Related Terms

Erech (2 Occurrences)

Diana (5 Occurrences)

Burneth (67 Occurrences)

Mistress (20 Occurrences)

Micah (54 Occurrences)

Memphis (8 Occurrences)

Beersheba (33 Occurrences)