The term "triclinium" refers to a type of dining arrangement that was prevalent in the Greco-Roman world, particularly during the time of the New Testament. The word itself is derived from the Greek "tri" meaning "three" and "kline" meaning "couch" or "reclining place." A triclinium typically consisted of three couches arranged in a U-shape around a central table, where guests would recline on their left side and eat with their right hand. This arrangement allowed for intimate conversation and was a common setting for banquets and formal meals.

Historical Context

In the context of the New Testament, the triclinium is significant for understanding the social and cultural practices of the time. The practice of reclining at meals is mentioned in several passages, providing insight into the customs of the period. For instance, in the account of the Last Supper, Jesus and His disciples likely reclined in a triclinium setting. This is suggested by the Gospel accounts where it is mentioned that the disciples were reclining at the table (Matthew 26:20, Mark 14:18, Luke 22:14, John 13:23).

Biblical References

While the term "triclinium" itself does not appear in the Bible, the practice of reclining at meals is evident in several passages. In the Gospel of John, during the Last Supper, it is noted, "One of His disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at His side" (John 13:23). This indicates the use of a triclinium, as the disciple would have been positioned close to Jesus in the U-shaped arrangement.

The practice of reclining is also seen in the parable of the Great Banquet, where Jesus describes guests reclining at the table in the kingdom of God (Luke 14:15-24). This imagery would have been familiar to His audience, who understood the cultural significance of such a dining arrangement.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The triclinium setting is not only a reflection of the dining customs of the time but also carries theological implications. The act of reclining at a meal was a sign of freedom and leisure, contrasting with the posture of servants who stood to serve. In the context of the Last Supper, the triclinium arrangement underscores the intimacy and fellowship between Jesus and His disciples. It also highlights the fulfillment of the Passover, as Jesus, the Lamb of God, shares this significant meal with His followers.

Furthermore, the triclinium setting in the New Testament narratives often serves as a backdrop for Jesus' teachings and interactions. For example, in Luke 7:36-50, Jesus dines at the house of a Pharisee, and a sinful woman anoints His feet. The reclining posture allows for this act of devotion, illustrating themes of forgiveness and grace.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological discoveries have provided further insight into the use of triclinia in ancient homes and public buildings. Excavations in regions such as Pompeii and Herculaneum have uncovered well-preserved triclinia, complete with frescoes and mosaics that depict dining scenes. These findings corroborate the descriptions found in historical texts and enhance our understanding of the social dynamics present during meals in the first century.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention the term "triclinium," the concept is integral to understanding the cultural and social context of the New Testament. The practice of reclining at meals, as seen in the Last Supper and other biblical accounts, provides a rich backdrop for the teachings and events of Jesus' ministry.1. (n.) A couch for reclining at meals, extending round three sides of a table, and usually in three parts.

2. (n.) A dining room furnished with such a triple couch.

TRICLINIUM

tri-klin'-ti-um (Latin from Greek triklinion, from tri and kline, "a couch"): A couch for reclining at meals among the ancient Romans, arranged along three sides of a square, the fourth side being left open for bringing in food or tables, when these were used. In the larger Roman houses the dining-rooms consisted of small alcoves in the atrium arranged to receive triclinia. In early Old Testament times people sat at their meals (Genesis 27:19 Judges 19:6 1 Samuel 20:5 1 Kings 13:20). Reclining was a luxurious habit imported from foreign countries by the degenerate aristocracy in the days of the later prophets (Amos 2:8; Amos 6:4). Still, we find it common in New Testament times (Matthew 9:10; Matthew 26:7 Mark 6:22, 39; Mark 14:3, 18 Luke 5:29; Luke 7:36, 37; 14:10; 17:7 John 12:2; in these passages, though English Versions of the Bible read "sat," the Greek words are anakeimai, sunanakeimai, anapipto, katakeimai and anaklino, all indicating "reclining"; compare John 13:23; 21:20; here the King James Version translates these words "lean," probably with reference to the Jewish custom of leaning at the Passover feast). In John 2:8, 9 the ruler or governor of the feast is called architriklinos, that is, the master of the triclinium.

See MEALS, III.

Nathan Isaacs

While Vergilius, Going Slowly, was Thinking of These Things...
... a love scene. It was to occur in the triclinium, or great banquet-hall,
of a palace"that of the Lady Lucia. There were portrait ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 7 while vergilius going.htm

Arria Met them in the Atrium. ...
... She wore a tunic of the color of violets, with not a jewel. Now she led
her lover to a heap of yellow cushions in the triclinium. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 10 arria met them.htm

Last Week of Jesus.
... must remember that the feet of the guests were not, as amongst us, concealed under
the table, but extended on a level with the body on the divan, or triclinium ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxiii last week of.htm

The Woman which was a Sinner
... an antechamber, [2700] and by the open door, passed the figure of a woman into the
festive reception-room and dining-hall - the Teraglin (triclinium) of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the woman which.htm

Fresh Troubles
... Fifthly, he has taken possession of marble pillars which had been prepared for the
church, and has used them for the adornment of his own triclinium. ...
/.../chapter xxxviii fresh troubles.htm

Plans of Marriage
... But when he was the guest of Manlius Theodoras, fronting the dim blue mountains
of lake Como, framed in the high windows of the triclinium, he did not think ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv plans of marriage.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... p. 111. [That the three tables arranged as a hollow squire (triclinium) should be
sometimes converted into a semicircle would be a natural piece of luxury, but ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Triclinium
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TRICLINIUM. ... In John 2:8, 9 the ruler or governor
of the feast is called architriklinos, that is, the master of the triclinium. ...
/t/triclinium.htm - 8k

Tricks (9 Occurrences)

/t/tricks.htm - 9k

Banquet (58 Occurrences)
... The custom of reclining at meals (see MEALS; TRICLINIUM, etc.) was everywhere in
vogue among the well-to-do in Christ's day, even in the case of the ordinary ...
/b/banquet.htm - 36k

Tried (96 Occurrences)

/t/tried.htm - 33k

Highest (58 Occurrences)
... Luke 19:38); protoklisia, "the first reclining-place" (at table), the chief place
at meals, the middle place in each couch of the triclinium (Robinson), is ...
/h/highest.htm - 27k

Reclining (25 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. RECLINING. re-klin'-ing (John 13:23). See MEALS,
III; TRICLINIUM. Multi-Version Concordance Reclining (25 Occurrences). ...
/r/reclining.htm - 14k

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