Tiling, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of covering surfaces, particularly floors and roofs, with tiles. This practice is mentioned in the Scriptures, though not extensively, and it provides insight into the architectural and cultural practices of ancient times.

Biblical References

One of the notable references to tiling is found in the New Testament, in the account of Jesus healing a paralyzed man. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded: "But finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus" (Luke 5:19). This passage highlights the use of tiles in the construction of roofs during the time of Jesus. The act of removing tiles to lower the man suggests that tiling was a common method for roofing, providing both protection and accessibility.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern architecture, tiling was a practical solution for creating durable and weather-resistant surfaces. Roofs were often flat and made of materials such as clay or stone tiles, which were laid over wooden beams. This method was prevalent in regions where heavy rainfall was not common, allowing for flat roofs that could be used for various activities, including drying produce or as additional living space.

The use of tiles in biblical times also extended to flooring. In wealthier homes and public buildings, floors might be covered with decorative tiles, often made from stone or ceramic, to create intricate patterns and designs. This practice demonstrated not only the functional aspect of tiling but also its aesthetic value.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

While tiling itself is not a major theological theme in the Bible, the account in Luke 5:19 can be seen as symbolic of the determination and faith of those who sought Jesus' healing power. The removal of the tiles to gain access to Jesus underscores the lengths to which people would go to encounter Him, reflecting the transformative power of faith and the breaking of barriers to reach the divine.

Furthermore, the concept of tiling, as part of the broader theme of building and construction in the Bible, can be related to the spiritual building of one's life on a firm foundation. Just as tiles provide a protective covering, so too does a life built on the teachings of Christ offer spiritual protection and stability.

Conclusion

Tiling, though a minor detail in the biblical narrative, offers a glimpse into the daily life and architectural practices of ancient times. It serves as a backdrop for significant events in the life of Jesus and provides a metaphorical lens through which to view the themes of faith, access to God, and the construction of a life grounded in spiritual truth.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tile.

2. (n.) A surface covered with tiles, or composed of tiles.

3. (n.) Tiles, collectively.

TILE; TILING

til, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick" Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay," "a tile," Luke 5:19).

See EZEKIEL, II, 1, (2); HOUSE, II, 1, (10).

2766. keramos -- a tile
... tiling. Probably from the base of kerannumi (through the idea of mixing clay and
water); earthenware, ie A tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning) -- tiling. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2766.htm - 6k

Blasphemer, or --Who?
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through the tiling, with his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/blasphemer orwho.htm

Carried by Four
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/carried by four.htm

Faith Rewarded.
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through the tiling with his ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter iv faith rewarded.htm

1 Cor. 15:3-4. Foundation Truths.
... sanctioned, and introduced into our churchyards at funerals. But of one
tiling I am very certain. We shall never see the bodies of ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter iv 1 cor 15 3-4.htm

Of the Man Sick of the Palsy to whom the Lord Said, "Thy Sins are ...
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the house-top, and let him down through the tiling with his ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxv of the man sick.htm

Destruction of Idol Temples and Images Everywhere.
... Hence the entrances of their temples in the several cities were left exposed to
the weather, being stripped of their doors at his command; the tiling of others ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter liv destruction of idol temples.htm

Fire at Kingswood School
... at the foot of the stairs with water, being able to go no further, then went through
the smoke to the door of the leads and poured it down through the tiling. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/fire at kingswood school.htm

The Swelling of Jordan
... Your morality so far as it goes may be a good tiling, but it does not reach the
standard of God, nor can it until you are safely united to Christ; and if you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the swelling of jordan.htm

Providential Guidance
... The tiling of an unceiled Chinese house may keep off the rain"if it happens to be
sound"but it does not afford so good a protection against snow, which ...
/.../taylor/a retrospect/chapter xiv providential guidance.htm

Christ
... When they could not get in because of the crowd, they climbed up on the roof, took
off some of the tiling, and by means of ropes or corners of the mattress let ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

Tiling (1 Occurrence)
... TILE; TILING. til, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick" Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay,"
"a tile," Luke 5:19). ... Multi-Version Concordance Tiling (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/tiling.htm - 7k

Tile (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TILE; TILING. til, til'-ing (lebhenah, "brick"
Ezekiel 4:1; keramos, "potter's clay," "a tile," Luke 5:19). ...
/t/tile.htm - 7k

Til'gath-pilne'ser (3 Occurrences)
Til'gath-pilne'ser. Tilgath-pilneser, Til'gath-pilne'ser. Tiling . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (See RSV). Tilgath-pilneser, Til'gath-pilne'ser. Tiling . ...
/t/til'gath-pilne'ser.htm - 7k

Roof (55 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the ...
/r/roof.htm - 24k

Boss
... 4. (n.) A wooden vessel for the mortar used in tiling or masonry, hung
by a hook from the laths, or from the rounds of a ladder. ...
/b/boss.htm - 7k

Couch (55 Occurrences)
... they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude,
they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his ...
/c/couch.htm - 25k

Front (327 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the ...
/f/front.htm - 37k

Till (774 Occurrences)

/t/till.htm - 36k

Crowd (166 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the ...
/c/crowd.htm - 35k

Bed (142 Occurrences)
... Luke 5:19 But when they could find no way of doing so because of the crowd, they
went up on the roof and let him down through the tiling--bed and all--into the ...
/b/bed.htm - 52k

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