Topical Encyclopedia The term "Adytum" is derived from the Greek word "ἄδυτον," meaning "innermost sanctuary" or "holy of holies." In the context of biblical literature and ancient religious practices, the adytum refers to the most sacred part of a temple, particularly within the context of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. This sacred space was considered the dwelling place of God's presence and was central to the worship and religious life of the Israelites.Biblical Context In the Hebrew Bible, the adytum is most closely associated with the "Holy of Holies" (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים, Qodesh HaQodashim) within the Tabernacle and later the Temple built by Solomon. The Holy of Holies was the innermost chamber of these sacred structures, separated by a veil from the Holy Place. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Tabernacle and the Temple The concept of the adytum is first introduced in the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus. God provided Moses with detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, including the specifications for the Holy of Holies. "You are to hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the Testimony there behind the veil. The veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place" (Exodus 26:33). When Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, the Holy of Holies was similarly constructed as the most sacred part of the Temple. "Then Solomon brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver, the gold, and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries of the house of the LORD" (1 Kings 7:51). The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube, measuring twenty cubits on each side, and was overlaid with pure gold. Access and Ritual Significance Access to the adytum was highly restricted. Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). On this day, the High Priest would offer sacrifices and incense to atone for the sins of the people of Israel. "But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance" (Hebrews 9:7). The veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. However, this separation was ultimately bridged through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. At the moment of His death, the veil of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom, signifying the new access to God made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit. At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:50-51). Theological Implications The adytum, as the Holy of Holies, holds profound theological significance. It represents the holiness and transcendence of God, as well as His desire to dwell among His people. The restricted access underscores the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil and the opening of the Holy of Holies to all believers through Christ's sacrifice highlight the new covenant and the direct access to God granted to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior. The adytum, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of both the separation caused by sin and the reconciliation made possible through Christ, emphasizing the central message of redemption and the hope of eternal communion with God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The innermost sanctuary or shrine in ancient temples, whence oracles were given. Hence: A private chamber; a sanctum.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ADYTUMad'-i-tum (Latin from Greek aduton, adjective adutos, "not to be entered"): Applied to the innermost sanctuary or chambers in ancient temples, and to secret places which were open only to priests: hence, also to the Holy of Holies in the Jewish temple. Library Of the Sedition Excited at Alexandria, and How George was Slain. The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture. The Greek Philosophy in Great Part Derived from the Barbarians. The Life, Education, and Training of Julian, and his Accession to ... Violent Death and Triumph of George, Bishop of Alexandria. The ... General Index to Socrates' Ecclesiastical History. The Yoke of Jesus. The Divine Word Self-Denial. Thesaurus Adytum... temples, whence oracles were given. Hence: A private chamber; a sanctum. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ADYTUM. ad'-i-tum (Latin from ... /a/adytum.htm - 6k Aedias Advocating (1 Occurrence) Holies (23 Occurrences) Holy (1097 Occurrences) Resources Adytum: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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