Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "cubit" is a unit of measurement frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of construction, dimensions, and descriptions of sacred objects. The cubit is an ancient measure of length based on the forearm's length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. This measurement was commonly used in various ancient cultures, including the Israelites.Biblical References and Usage The cubit is prominently featured in the construction of the Ark, the Tabernacle, Solomon's Temple, and other significant structures. For instance, in Genesis 6:15, God instructs Noah on the dimensions of the Ark: "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 use of the cubit underscores its importance in conveying precise measurements for divine instructions. In the construction of the Tabernacle, the cubit is again a critical unit of measure. Exodus 26:16 specifies, "Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide." . The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction highlight the cubit's role in ensuring the sacred space was built according to God's exact specifications. Solomon's Temple, another significant biblical structure, also utilized the cubit. In 1 Kings 6:2, the dimensions are given: "The temple that King Solomon built for the LORD was sixty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and thirty cubits high." . The use of the cubit in these descriptions emphasizes the importance of adhering to divine measurements in the construction of holy places. Variations in Measurement The length of a cubit varied across different cultures and periods. Generally, the standard cubit is considered to be approximately 18 inches (45.72 cm), while the royal cubit, used in some contexts, is about 20.4 inches (51.8 cm). The variation in cubit length is significant when interpreting biblical texts, as it affects the understanding of the scale and size of structures and objects described. Symbolic and Theological Significance Beyond its practical application, the cubit holds symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It represents precision, order, and obedience to divine command. The meticulous measurements given for sacred constructions reflect the importance of following God's instructions with exactness and reverence. The use of the cubit in these contexts underscores the belief in a God who is both orderly and intentional in His designs. Conclusion The cubit, as a unit of measurement, plays a crucial role in the biblical text, providing a tangible link between divine instruction and human action. Its consistent use in the construction of sacred spaces highlights the importance of precision and obedience in the worship and service of God. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews `ammah; i.e., "mother of the arm," the fore-arm, is a word derived from the Latin cubitus, the lower arm. It is difficult to determine the exact length of this measure, from the uncertainty whether it included the entire length from the elbow to the tip of the longest finger, or only from the elbow to the root of the hand at the wrist. The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches for the ordinary cubit, and 21.888 inches for the sacred one. This is the same as the Egyptian measurements.A rod or staff the measure of a cubit is called in Judges 3:16 gomed, which literally means a "cut," something "cut off." The LXX. and Vulgate render it "span." Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The forearm; the ulna, a bone of the arm extending from elbow to wrist.2. (n.) A measure of length, being the distance from the elbow to the extremity of the middle finger. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CUBITku'-bit ('ammah; pechus): The standard for measures of length among the Hebrews. They derived it from the Babylonians, but a similar measure was used in Egypt with which they must have been familiar. The length of the cubit is variously estimated, since there seems to have been a double standard in both countries, and because we have no undisputed example of the cubit remaining to the present time. The original cubit was the length of the forearm, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, as is implied from the derivation of the word in Hebrew and in Latin (cubitum). It seems to be referred to also in Deuteronomy 3:11: "after the cubit of a man." But this was too indefinite for a scientific standard, and the Babylonians early adopted a more accurate method of measurement which passed to the nations of the West. They had a double standard, the so-called royal cubit and the ordinary one. From the remains of buildings in Assyria and Babylonia, the former is made out to be about 20, 6 inches, and a cubit of similar length was used in Egypt and must have been known to the Hebrews. This was probably the cubit mentioned by Ezekiel 40:5 and perhaps that of Solomon's temple, "cubits after the first measure" (2 Chronicles 3:3), i.e. the ancient cubit. The ordinary cubit of commerce was shorter, and has been variously estimated at between 16 and 18 or more inches, but the evidence of the Siloam inscription and of the tombs in Palestine seems to indicate 17, 6 inches as the average length. See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. This was the cubit of six palms, while the longer one was of seven (Ezekiel 40:5). The cubit mentioned in Judges 3:16 is from a different word in Hebrew (gomedh) and was probably shorter, for Ehud girded it on his thigh under his clothing. Greek 4083. pechus -- the forearm, ie a cubit ... the forearm, ie a cubit. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: pechus Phonetic Spelling: (pay'-khoos) Short Definition: a cubit Definition: a cubit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4083.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 520. ammah -- an ell, a cubit... 519, 520. ammah. 521 . an ell, a cubit. Transliteration: ammah Phonetic Spelling: (am-maw') Short Definition: cubits. Word Origin ... /hebrew/520.htm - 6k 1574. gomed -- a short cubit (from elbow to knuckles of clenched ... 521. ammah -- a cubit Library The Altar. The Rings. The Laver. The Court Itself. Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Chapter xv. The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ... Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... After This, Pilate Going into the Temple of the Jews... The Emperor Constantine Abolishes Paganism and Erects Many ... After this He Continues as Follows: "They Speak, in the Next Place ... Thesaurus Cubit (51 Occurrences)... The probability is that the longer was the original cubit. The common computation as to the length of the cubit makes it 20.24 inches ... /c/cubit.htm - 26k Acacia-wood (27 Occurrences) Weights (14 Occurrences) Centre (8 Occurrences) Acacia (28 Occurrences) Gutter (3 Occurrences) Foursquare (10 Occurrences) Rim (18 Occurrences) Shittim (34 Occurrences) Span (14 Occurrences) Resources What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.orgHow did Noah fit all the animals on the Ark? | GotQuestions.org How tall was Goliath? | GotQuestions.org Cubit: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cubit (51 Occurrences)Matthew 6:27 Luke 12:25 Genesis 6:16 Exodus 25:10 Exodus 25:17 Exodus 25:23 Exodus 26:2 Exodus 26:8 Exodus 26:13 Exodus 26:16 Exodus 27:9 Exodus 27:18 Exodus 30:2 Exodus 36:9 Exodus 36:15 Exodus 36:21 Exodus 37:1 Exodus 37:6 Exodus 37:10 Exodus 37:25 Exodus 38:9 Exodus 38:11 Exodus 38:12 Numbers 35:5 Deuteronomy 3:11 Judges 3:16 1 Kings 6:3 1 Kings 6:6 1 Kings 6:17 1 Kings 6:25 1 Kings 6:26 1 Kings 7:24 1 Kings 7:27 1 Kings 7:31 1 Kings 7:32 1 Kings 7:35 1 Kings 7:38 1 Chronicles 11:23 2 Chronicles 3:3 2 Chronicles 4:3 Ezekiel 40:5 Ezekiel 40:12 Ezekiel 40:21 Ezekiel 40:42 Ezekiel 42:4 Ezekiel 43:13 Ezekiel 43:14 Ezekiel 43:15 Ezekiel 43:17 Ezekiel 47:3 Zechariah 5:2 Subtopics Cubit: Who Can Add to his Height Related Terms |
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