In biblical contexts, the term "alcove" is not explicitly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations. However, the concept of alcoves can be inferred from descriptions of architectural features in ancient Near Eastern structures, including those mentioned in the Bible. Alcoves, as recessed spaces or niches within a larger room or structure, were often used for various purposes, including storage, display, or as part of religious practices.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Temple Architecture: While the term "alcove" is not directly used, the design of Solomon's Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3, includes various chambers and side rooms that could function similarly to alcoves. These spaces were used for storing temple treasures, sacred utensils, and other items necessary for worship. The intricate design of the temple reflects the importance of order and sanctity in worship practices.

2. Ezekiel's Vision of the Temple: In Ezekiel 40-42, the prophet describes a visionary temple with detailed architectural features, including side chambers and rooms that could be likened to alcoves. These spaces were designated for specific functions, such as the preparation of offerings and the storage of priestly garments. Ezekiel 41:6 states, "The side chambers were in three accounts, one above another, thirty in each account. There were ledges all around the temple to serve as supports for the side chambers, so that they would not be supported by the wall of the temple."

3. Cultural and Historical Significance: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, alcoves were common in both domestic and religious architecture. They provided practical solutions for space utilization and were often used to display idols or sacred objects. The Israelites, however, were commanded to worship Yahweh alone and to avoid idolatry, as emphasized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-4): "You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath."

4. Symbolic Interpretation: From a theological perspective, the use of alcoves or similar spaces in biblical architecture can symbolize the need for dedicated spaces for worship and the separation of the sacred from the profane. The careful design and use of these spaces reflect the holiness and order that God desires in His dwelling places, whether in the physical temple or in the hearts of believers.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention alcoves, the concept is present in the architectural descriptions of sacred spaces. These features highlight the importance of order, sanctity, and dedicated spaces for worship in the biblical narrative.

Wesley at the Countess of Huntingdon's
... Through these woods abundance of serpentine walks are cut, wherein many seats and
alcoves are placed; most of them command a surprising prospect of rocks and ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley at the countess of.htm

Alcoves (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Alcoves (3 Occurrences). Ezekiel 40:7 Every lodge
was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space ...
/a/alcoves.htm - 7k

Triclinium
... were used. In the larger Roman houses the dining-rooms consisted of small
alcoves in the atrium arranged to receive triclinia. In ...
/t/triclinium.htm - 8k

Alcove (2 Occurrences)

/a/alcove.htm - 7k

Alef (1 Occurrence)

/a/alef.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus