Jump to: Topical • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "structure" can be understood in both physical and metaphorical terms. It encompasses the architectural designs of sacred spaces, the organizational systems within the community of believers, and the divine order established by God in creation and society.Architectural Structures The Bible provides detailed descriptions of various physical structures, most notably the Tabernacle and the Temple. The Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 25-27, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was meticulously designed according to God's instructions, symbolizing His presence among His people. "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). Solomon's Temple, a more permanent structure, is another significant architectural achievement detailed in 1 Kings 6-7. This Temple served as the central place of worship and sacrifice in Jerusalem. Its construction was marked by grandeur and precision, reflecting the glory and holiness of God. "The house that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high" (1 Kings 6:2). Organizational Structures The Bible also outlines various organizational structures within the community of believers. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were organized into tribes, each with specific roles and responsibilities. The Levites, for example, were set apart for priestly duties (Numbers 3:5-10). In the New Testament, the early church developed its own structure to maintain order and facilitate ministry. The appointment of deacons in Acts 6:1-6 illustrates the need for organized leadership to address practical needs within the community. "So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, 'It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables'" (Acts 6:2). Divine Order and Creation The concept of structure is also evident in the divine order established by God in creation. Genesis 1 describes the systematic process by which God created the heavens and the earth, bringing order out of chaos. Each day of creation builds upon the previous one, culminating in the creation of humanity. "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31). Furthermore, the moral and ethical structures provided in the Law, such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), serve as a foundation for righteous living. These commandments establish a framework for relationships with God and others, promoting harmony and justice. Metaphorical Structures In a metaphorical sense, the Bible uses the imagery of building and structure to describe spiritual growth and the community of believers. The Apostle Paul frequently employs this metaphor, referring to believers as "God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9) and emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation in Christ. "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). The church is also described as a "spiritual house" in 1 Peter 2:5, where believers are likened to "living stones" being built into a holy priesthood. This imagery underscores the interconnectedness and unity of the body of Christ, with each member playing a vital role in the overall structure. In summary, the concept of structure in the Bible encompasses the physical, organizational, and metaphorical aspects of God's design and order. Whether through the detailed plans of sacred architecture, the organized systems within the community, or the spiritual edifice of the church, structure reflects the divine intention for harmony, purpose, and worship. Topical Bible Verses Genesis 1:1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Topicalbible.org Isaiah 40:22 2 Timothy 3:16 Genesis 2:24 Ephesians 5:22-33 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of building; the practice of erecting buildings; construction.2. (n.) Manner of building; form; make; construction. 3. (n.) Arrangement of parts, of organs, or of constituent particles, in a substance or body; as, the structure of a rock or a mineral; the structure of a sentence. 4. (n.) Manner of organization; the arrangement of the different tissues or parts of animal and vegetable organisms; as, organic structure, or the structure of animals and plants; cellular structure. 5. (n.) That which is built; a building; esp., a building of some size or magnificence; an edifice. Greek 1739. endomesis -- building, structure ... building, structure. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: endomesis Phonetic Spelling: (en-dom'-ay-sis) Short Definition: the material of a building ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1739.htm - 6k 1746b. endomesis -- a building in or into, an interior structure 4444. purgos -- a tower 2602. katabole -- a laying down 3619. oikodome -- (the act of) building, a building 4747. stoicheion -- one of a row, hence a letter (of the alphabet) ... Strong's Hebrew 4011. mibneh -- structure... 4010, 4011. mibneh. 4012 . structure. Transliteration: mibneh Phonetic Spelling: (mib-neh') Short Definition: structure. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4011.htm - 6k 1140. binyah -- a structure, building 1146. binyan -- a structure 6503. parbar -- probably a structure on the W. side of Solomon's ... 846. ushsharna -- perhaps a wall 8498. tekunah -- fashion, store 3338. yatsur -- form, member 8499. tekunah -- arrangement, preparation, fixed place 8403. tabnith -- construction, pattern, figure Library Description of the Structure of the Holy Sepulchre. The Structure of the Lord's Prayer Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements The Scope of the Apocalypse Shewn by Its Structure The Three Several Natures -- the Material, the Animal, and the ... Nor Let this Promise Seem to You Contrary to the Natural Structure ... The "Demonstrations" of Aphrahat. Criticisms on "The Origin of Species. " Psalm CXXII. Psalm LXXXVII. Thesaurus Structure (19 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) Arrangement of parts, of organs, or of constituent particles, in a substance or body; as, the structure of a rock or a mineral; the structure of a ... /s/structure.htm - 12k Side-structure (3 Occurrences) Frame (33 Occurrences) Literature (2 Occurrences) Apocalyptic Geology Fabric (8 Occurrences) Form (153 Occurrences) Crib (3 Occurrences) Stack (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a chiasm / chiastic structure in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible teach about church structure? | GotQuestions.org What is structuralism? | GotQuestions.org Structure: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Structure (19 Occurrences)Galatians 2:18 Ephesians 2:21 1 Kings 6:5 1 Kings 6:10 1 Kings 7:34 2 Kings 16:10 1 Chronicles 29:1 1 Chronicles 29:19 Ezra 5:3 Ezra 5:9 Job 41:12 Psalms 132:3 Psalms 144:12 Ecclesiastes 11:5 Ezekiel 1:16 Ezekiel 40:2 Ezekiel 41:7 Ezekiel 41:9 Ezekiel 43:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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