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Chair

Artifacts

What is the meaning of Chair in the Bible?

The Hebrew Bible rarely uses a specific term for 'chair'; instead, it employs words like kisse (throne) for royal seats, kethedh for general seating, and yashab (to sit) to describe the act. These terms denote furniture ranging from simple stools to elaborate royal thrones, reflecting the material culture of the ancient Near East.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the distinction between simple seats and royal thrones clarifies biblical metaphors for authority, such as the 'throne of God,' and helps readers visualize the social hierarchy and domestic life depicted in ancient Israelite narratives.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Chair were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Chair in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Chair clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Chair." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/chair/
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