Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "tops" can refer to the uppermost parts of various objects, such as mountains, trees, or structures. The concept of "tops" often carries symbolic significance, representing places of revelation, divine encounter, or human aspiration.Mountaintops Mountaintops hold a prominent place in biblical narratives as sites of divine revelation and covenant. One of the most significant mountaintop experiences is Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19:20, it is written, "The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up." Here, the top of the mountain serves as a meeting place between God and man, symbolizing a high point of spiritual encounter and divine instruction. Similarly, the Mount of Transfiguration in the New Testament is another pivotal mountaintop event. In Matthew 17:1-2, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a high mountain, where He is transfigured before them, and His face shines like the sun. This event underscores the mountaintop as a place of divine glory and revelation. Treetops The tops of trees are occasionally mentioned in Scripture, often symbolizing growth, strength, or the reach of God's creation. In Ezekiel 17:22-23, God speaks of taking a sprig from the top of a cedar and planting it on a high mountain, where it will grow into a majestic cedar. This imagery conveys the idea of God's sovereignty and the establishment of His kingdom. In the New Testament, the parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32 describes how a small seed grows into a large tree, with birds coming to perch in its branches. The treetop here symbolizes the expansive and inclusive nature of God's kingdom. Tops of Structures The tops of structures, such as towers or walls, are also mentioned in the Bible. The Tower of Babel, described in Genesis 11:4, is an example where humanity's ambition to reach the heavens is depicted through the construction of a tower "with its top in the heavens." This narrative highlights themes of human pride and the limits of human endeavor apart from God. In the context of city walls, the tops often served as places of watchfulness and defense. In 2 Samuel 18:24, it is noted that "David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, and the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall." The top of the wall here is a vantage point for vigilance and protection. Symbolic Significance Throughout Scripture, "tops" often symbolize a point of connection between the divine and the earthly. Whether it is the top of a mountain where God reveals His law, the top of a tree representing growth and life, or the top of a structure symbolizing human ambition, these high places serve as reminders of God's presence, authority, and the aspirations of His people. Strong's Hebrew 3730. kaphtor -- capital, knob, bulb... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition capital, knob, bulb NASB Word Usage bulb (10), bulbs (6), capitals (1), tops of her pillars (1). ... /hebrew/3730.htm - 6k 243. Aznoth Tabor -- a place in Naphtali 1610. gaph -- body, self, height, elevation 7218. rosh -- head 6440. panim -- face, faces Library Having Called a Council, the High Priests and Scribes Annas and ... Psalm CXXIX. Salvation Published from the Mountains Footnotes: The Siege and Taking of Gamala. My Readers Will not Wonder That, after This, I did My Very Best to ... The Cedars of Lebanon. The Sound in the Mulberry Trees Here Beginneth the History of Noah The Crowning of Abimelech Thesaurus Tops (37 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Tops (37 Occurrences). ... In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. ... /t/tops.htm - 18k Mountain-tops (2 Occurrences) Crowns (27 Occurrences) Mulberry (6 Occurrences) Mountaintops (4 Occurrences) Pegs (22 Occurrences) Cups (28 Occurrences) Townsmen (18 Occurrences) Bands (130 Occurrences) Footsteps (30 Occurrences) Resources Why are there so many tragedies among celebrities? | GotQuestions.orgIs Lucifer Satan? Does the fall of Lucifer describe Satan? | GotQuestions.org What is the Passover Lamb? How is Jesus our Passover Lamb? | GotQuestions.org Tops: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tops (37 Occurrences)Genesis 8:5 Exodus 12:7 Exodus 36:38 Exodus 38:17 Exodus 38:19 Exodus 38:28 Deuteronomy 33:15 Judges 9:25 Judges 9:36 2 Samuel 5:24 1 Kings 7:16 1 Kings 7:17 1 Kings 7:19 1 Kings 7:22 1 Kings 7:41 1 Kings 7:42 2 Kings 19:26 1 Chronicles 14:15 2 Chronicles 3:15 2 Chronicles 3:16 2 Chronicles 4:12 Job 24:24 Job 36:30 Psalms 68:15 Psalms 72:16 Psalms 95:4 Proverbs 9:3 Isaiah 2:21 Isaiah 14:14 Isaiah 15:3 Isaiah 17:13 Ezekiel 6:13 Ezekiel 31:14 Hosea 4:13 Joel 2:5 Amos 9:1 Zephaniah 2:14 Subtopics Related Terms |