The term "upholstered" refers to furniture that is covered with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather to provide comfort and aesthetic appeal. While the Bible does not explicitly mention the modern concept of upholstery, the idea of adorned and comfortable furnishings can be inferred from various passages that describe the wealth and opulence of certain individuals or settings.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where the Bible narratives unfold, the use of luxurious materials and craftsmanship in furnishings was a sign of wealth and status. For instance, King Solomon's reign is often highlighted for its splendor and the grandeur of his palace and temple. In 1 Kings 10:18-20 , it is noted: "Then the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest." While not explicitly upholstered, the description suggests a level of craftsmanship and luxury that would be akin to the finest furnishings of the time.

The prophet Amos, in his critique of the complacency and excesses of Israel, mentions those who "lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on their couches" (Amos 6:4). This imagery conveys a sense of indulgence and comfort, akin to what one might associate with upholstered furniture today. The prophet's words serve as a warning against the dangers of opulence leading to moral and spiritual decay.

In the New Testament, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) provides another glimpse into the lifestyle of the wealthy. The rich man is described as one who "was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day" (Luke 16:19). While the text does not detail his furnishings, the implication of a luxurious lifestyle suggests that his home would have been furnished with the finest materials available, possibly including upholstered items.

The concept of comfort and rest, which upholstered furniture symbolizes, can also be seen in the spiritual rest promised by God. In Matthew 11:28 , Jesus invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This rest is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual peace and comfort, surpassing any earthly luxury.

In summary, while the Bible does not directly reference upholstered furniture, the themes of luxury, comfort, and rest are present throughout the Scriptures. These themes serve as both a reflection of God's blessings and a caution against the potential pitfalls of material excess.

Life Amongst the Upper Ten Thousand
... Accordingly, I made ready and in due course the Yamen carriage arrived, a springless,
but elegantly upholstered cart, and accompanied by a woman servant we ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xviii life amongst the.htm

The Son of the Murket
... First, there was Rameses, languid, cynical, sumptuous, and enthroned in a capacious
fauteuil, significantly upholstered in purple and gold. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xvii the son of.htm

Chapter twenty-five
... hell, the wail of the unemployed, the hatred of the church by countless men who
see in it only great piles of costly stone and upholstered furniture and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-five.htm

A visit to the Base
... repassed in rickshaws; men on horseback, coalheavers, foreign women on bicycles,
shining motor-cars, and glass-panelled, silk-upholstered carriages composed a ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xiv a visit to.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... Beds and armchairs in valuable woods, inlaid with ivory, carved, gilt, painted in
subdued and bright colours, upholstered with mattresses and cushions of many ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Upholstered (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Upholstered (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 3:10
He made its pillars of silver, its base of gold, its seat ...
/u/upholstered.htm - 6k

Upholds (12 Occurrences)

/u/upholds.htm - 9k

Upkeep (2 Occurrences)

/u/upkeep.htm - 7k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Woolen or cotton refuse (sing. / pl.), old rags, etc., reduced to a degree
of fineness by machinery, and used for stuffing upholstered furniture. ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

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