The term "dome" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of a dome-like structure can be inferred from various descriptions of architecture and the heavens. In biblical times, architectural elements resembling domes were not uncommon, particularly in the construction of significant buildings and places of worship.

Biblical Architecture and the Dome

While the Bible does not specifically mention domes, it does describe structures that may have included dome-like features. The most notable example is Solomon's Temple, a grand edifice constructed in Jerusalem. The temple, as described in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3, was a marvel of ancient architecture, though the specific details of its roof structure are not provided. It is possible that some of the temple's features, such as the inner sanctuary or the vestibule, could have included vaulted or dome-like elements, as these were common in Near Eastern architecture of the time.

The Heavens as a Dome

The Bible often uses the imagery of a dome to describe the heavens. In Genesis 1:6-8, the creation account describes God creating the "expanse" (Hebrew: רָקִיעַ, raqia), which separates the waters above from the waters below. This expanse is often interpreted as a firmament or a dome-like structure encompassing the earth. The Berean Standard Bible translates Genesis 1:6-8 as follows:

"And God said, 'Let there be an expanse between the waters, to separate the waters from the waters.' So God made the expanse and separated the waters beneath it from the waters above. And it was so. God called the expanse 'sky.' And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day."

This description of the sky as an expanse or firmament suggests a dome-like covering over the earth, a common ancient Near Eastern cosmological view.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The concept of a dome, particularly in the context of the heavens, carries significant theological symbolism. It represents God's sovereignty and the order He established in creation. The dome of the sky serves as a reminder of God's creative power and His authority over the universe. Psalm 19:1 reflects this idea: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

In biblical symbolism, the dome can also be seen as a representation of protection and divine presence. Just as a dome covers and shelters, God's presence is seen as a protective covering over His people. This is echoed in passages such as Psalm 91:1-2 : "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention domes, the concept is woven into the fabric of biblical imagery and architecture. Whether in the form of the heavens or inferred in the construction of sacred spaces, the dome serves as a powerful symbol of God's creative authority, protection, and presence.1. (n.) A building; a house; an edifice; -- used chiefly in poetry.

2. (n.) A cupola formed on a large scale.

3. (n.) Any erection resembling the dome or cupola of a building; as the upper part of a furnace, the vertical steam chamber on the top of a boiler, etc.

4. (n.) A prism formed by planes parallel to a lateral axis which meet above in a horizontal edge, like the roof of a house; also, one of the planes of such a form.

5. (n.) Decision; judgment; opinion; a court decision.

508. anogeon -- upper room.
... upper room. From ano and ge; above the ground, ie (properly) the second floor of
a building; used for a dome or a balcony on the upper story -- upper room. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/508.htm - 6k92. aguddah -- a band
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition a band NASB Word Usage band (1),
bands (1), bunch (1), vaulted dome (1). bunch, burden, troop. ...
/hebrew/92.htm - 6k

122. adom -- red
... 121, 122. adom. 123 . red. Transliteration: adom Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-dome') Short Definition: red. Word Origin from the same ...
/hebrew/122.htm - 6k

7134. qardom -- an axe
... 7133b, 7134. qardom. 7135 . an axe. Transliteration: qardom Phonetic
Spelling: (kar-dome') Short Definition: axe. Word Origin of ...
/hebrew/7134.htm - 6k

Tries to Become a Politician. Fails. Last Act as a Politician. ...
... Wm. Preston remarked in a speech that in one year from that day, "the stars
and bars" would be waving from the dome of that capitol. ...
/.../chapter vii tries to become.htm

The Whispering Gallery
... If you ever go to London, one of the many buildings which will be pointed out to
you will be Saint Paul's Cathedral, which is capped by a wonderful dome. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the whispering gallery.htm

The Day was Near Its End. ...
... Golden dome and tower were gleaming above white walls on the turquoise blue of the
heavens. ... "'Tis like a mighty lantern hung in the dome of the sky.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 25 the day was.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... "The inner dome is 225 feet high, the outer, from the pavement to the top
of the cross, is 364 feet. The dome is 102 feet in diameter ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

The City of Benares.
... This temple is in the midst of a quadrangle, covered in with a roof; over
it are a tower, a dome, and a spire. The tower and dome ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

Christ
... Far up in the dome of the infinite blue, the evening star swings golden, like a
slow descending lamp let down by invisible hands. The street is in half-tone. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... But a purer illumination than streamed from that radiant dome, brought near in his
majesty the Eternal, and like the holy worshippers of Eden, they adored with ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Going Home
... Each year, during Vespers on August 5th, a shower of jasmin leaves sifts down from
the high dome of a chapel in Santa Maria Maggiore, to commemorate the ...
/.../greater things the story of saint stanislaus kostka /chapter xiv going home.htm

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... There were little towers like this on David's palace in Jerusalem, and it was
from the dome of one of these that he saw Bathsheba at her bath. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

Conclusion. A Summary view of the Principles and Advantages of the ...
... There is a lamp within the lofty dome Of the dim world, whose radiance clear doth
show Its awful beauty; and, through the wide gloom, Make all its obscure ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/conclusion a summary view of.htm

Dome (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Any erection resembling the dome or cupola of a building; as the upper part
of a furnace, the vertical steam chamber on the top of a boiler, etc. ...
/d/dome.htm - 7k

Vault (2 Occurrences)
... volt: In one passage God is said to have "founded his vault ('aghuddah) upon the
earth" (Amos 9:6). It is not quite certain whether this dome or vault refers ...
/v/vault.htm - 9k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... The central feature of the Mosque of `Umar in Jerusalem is Qubbat-uc-Cakhrat, the
"dome of the rock." The rock or cakhrat under the dome is thought to be the ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

Earth (10501 Occurrences)
... volt: In one passage God is said to have "founded his vault ('aghuddah) upon the
earth" (Amos 9:6). It is not quite certain whether this dome or vault refers ...
/e/earth.htm - 26k

Domestic (5 Occurrences)

/d/domestic.htm - 8k

Domain (5 Occurrences)

/d/domain.htm - 8k

Weight (143 Occurrences)
... MEASURES). Hemispherical or dome-shaped stone weights have been found in
Palestine (PEFS, 1902, p. 344; 1903, p. 117; 1904, p. 209). ...
/w/weight.htm - 43k

Tomb (70 Occurrences)
... their saints. It is a rough structure of four square walls, each about 23
ft. long and 20 ft. high; the dome rising 10 ft. higher is ...
/t/tomb.htm - 31k

Tent (333 Occurrences)
... tabernacle (qv). (3.) Hebrews kubbah (Numbers 25:8), a dome-like tent devoted
to the impure worship of Baal-peor. (4.) Hebrews succah ...
/t/tent.htm - 48k

Rachel's (5 Occurrences)
... their saints. It is a rough structure of four square walls, each about 23
ft. long and 20 ft. high; the dome rising 10 ft. higher is ...
/r/rachel's.htm - 11k

What is the Dome of the Rock? | GotQuestions.org

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Dome: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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