Topical Encyclopedia The cubit is an ancient unit of measure frequently mentioned in the Bible, serving as a standard for length. It is primarily based on the length of the forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The cubit is a fundamental measure used in various biblical contexts, including construction, description of sacred objects, and delineation of territories.Biblical References and Usage The cubit is first mentioned in the context of Noah's Ark. In Genesis 6:15, God instructs Noah, "This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high" . This measurement underscores the cubit's role in divine instructions for construction. The cubit is also significant in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 26:16, the dimensions of the Tabernacle's frames are given: "Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide" . Similarly, Solomon's Temple is described using cubits in 1 Kings 6:2: "The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high" . Variations in Length The length of a cubit varied in the ancient world, typically ranging from about 18 inches (45.72 cm) to 21 inches (53.34 cm). The "common cubit" is often considered to be approximately 18 inches, while the "royal cubit" used in some cultures, including Egypt, was longer, around 20.6 inches (52.3 cm). The Bible does not explicitly differentiate between these variations, but the context often provides clues as to which measure might be intended. Symbolic and Practical Significance The cubit not only served as a practical measure but also held symbolic significance. It represented a standard of divine order and precision, especially in the construction of sacred spaces. The use of the cubit in God's instructions to Noah, Moses, and Solomon highlights its role in ensuring that human endeavors align with divine specifications. In Ezekiel's vision of the new Temple, the cubit is again a central measure. Ezekiel 40:5 states, "And behold, there was a wall surrounding the temple area. The measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth" . This passage suggests a specific cubit length, emphasizing the importance of precise measurement in the vision of restoration. Cultural Context The cubit was a common unit of measure in the ancient Near East, used by various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Israelites. Its widespread use underscores its practicality and the shared cultural understanding of measurement standards in the ancient world. In summary, the cubit is a vital measure in biblical texts, integral to the construction of significant structures and symbolic of divine order. Its use across different contexts highlights its importance in the daily and spiritual life of the Israelites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 6:15,16And this is the fashion which you shall make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:11 Library Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... 'According To' --II. On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ... Chaldaean Civilization He who Asserts that the Father is Prior' to the Son with any ... Chapter vi Matt. vi. 24 Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Scriptural Types. "Boast not Thyself of to Morrow, for Thou Knowest not what a Day ... Resources I am a Christian in debt. What should I do? | GotQuestions.orgIs the Bible reliable? | GotQuestions.org What is scrupulosity, and how can it be overcome? | GotQuestions.org Measures: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Measures of Length: Handbreadth Measures of Liquids and Solids: Bath or Ephah Measures of Liquids and Solids: Cab Measures of Liquids and Solids: Firkin Measures of Liquids and Solids: Hin Measures of Liquids and Solids: Homer or Cor Measures of Liquids and Solids: Log Measures of Liquids and Solids: Omer or Tenth-Deal (The Tenth of an Ephah) Measures were Regulated by the Standard of the Sanctuary Measures: (Correcting in Measure) of Mitigated Afflictions Measures: (Drinking Tears in Great Measure) of Severe Afflictions Measures: (Drinking Water, by Measure) of Severe Famine Measures: (Measuring the Dust of the Earth) of God's Greatness Measures: (Opening the Mouth Without Measure) the Insatiableness Measures: (The Measure of Our Days) the Shortness of Life Measures: (The Measure of the Stature of Christ) Perfection Measures: (Weighing the Waters in a Measure) God's Infinite Measures: Distances Measured by Rods and Lines Measures: The Jews not to be Unjust In Measures: The Jews often Used Unjust Measures: Unjust, an Abomination to God Related Terms |
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