Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5200 Human civilisation  »  5553 stairways

Steps which provide access to upper levels, usually of buildings. The term is also used figuratively as a means of ascent from earth to heaven.

Stairways relating to places of worship

In Solomon's temple

1 Kings 6:8

Used by the Levites

Nehemiah 9:4

In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple

Ezekiel 40:49 See also Ezekiel 40:6,22,26,31,34,37,49; Ezekiel 41:7; Ezekiel 43:17

Steps forbidden for the altar

Exodus 20:26

Stairways relating to royalty

1 Kings 10:19-20 pp 2 Chronicles 9:18-19 See also 2 Kings 9:13; Kings 20:11 pp Isaiah 38:8

Stairways in city walls and fortresses

Nehemiah 3:15 See also Nehemiah 3:19; Nehemiah 12:37; Acts 21:35,40

Stairways in houses

For access to upper floors and basements

Acts 9:39 See also 2 Samuel 18:33; 1 Kings 17:19; Acts 1:13; Acts 9:37; Acts 10:20; Acts 20:8,11

Figurative use of stairways

Genesis 28:12 See also John 1:51

See also

1670  symbols
5340  house
5506  roof
5604  walls