In biblical architecture, the term "eaves" refers to the overhanging edges of a roof, which extend beyond the walls of a building. While the Bible does not frequently mention eaves directly, the concept is implicitly present in various passages that discuss construction, shelter, and protection.

Biblical Context and References

The concept of eaves can be inferred from the architectural descriptions found in the Bible, particularly in the construction of the Temple and other significant structures. Eaves serve both practical and symbolic purposes, providing protection from the elements and representing the sheltering presence of God.

1. Protection and Shelter: Eaves are designed to protect the walls of a building from rain and other weather conditions. This protective function can be seen as a metaphor for God's protection over His people. In Psalm 91:4 , it is written, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." While not directly mentioning eaves, the imagery of covering and protection aligns with their purpose.

2. Symbolism in Construction: The construction of the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 6, includes detailed architectural elements that would have likely included eaves. The Temple was a place where God's presence dwelled, and its design reflected His majesty and care. The overhanging eaves could symbolize the extension of God's grace and protection over His people.

3. Wisdom in Building: Proverbs 24:3-4 states, "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure." The inclusion of eaves in a building's design reflects the wisdom and understanding necessary for creating a durable and protective structure. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on wisdom in all aspects of life, including construction.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In ancient Near Eastern architecture, eaves were a common feature, providing shade and protection from the sun and rain. This practical aspect of building design would have been well understood by the original audiences of the biblical texts. The use of eaves in construction reflects a broader understanding of stewardship and care for one's dwelling, which is a recurring theme in Scripture.

Theological Implications

Theologically, eaves can be seen as a representation of God's providence and care. Just as eaves protect a building from external elements, God's presence offers spiritual protection and refuge. This is echoed in the biblical narrative where God is often depicted as a shelter and fortress for His people.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention eaves, their function and symbolism are woven into the broader biblical themes of protection, wisdom, and divine care. Through the lens of biblical architecture and metaphor, eaves serve as a reminder of God's encompassing grace and sheltering presence.1. (n. pl.) The edges or lower borders of the roof of a building, which overhang the walls, and cast off the water that falls on the roof.

2. (n. pl.) Brow; ridge.

3. (n. pl.) Eyelids or eyelashes.

The Longbeards' Saga. AD 400
... Smiles out each morning thence Odin Allfather; From under the cloud-eaves Smiles
out on the heroes, Smiles on chaste housewives all, Smiles on the brood-mares ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the longbeards saga a d 400.htm

"The Shewing is not Other than of Faith, nor Less nor More"
... The fairness and the lifelikeness is like nothing but the same; the plenteousness
is like to the drops of water that fall off the eaves after a great shower of ...
/.../julian/revelations of divine love/chapter vii the shewing is.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... Windowless bay windows, like great port- holes, opened from each of them into a
gallery which ran round the house, sheltered by broad sloping eaves. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Sparrows and Altars
... And so the glancing swallows around the eaves of the Temple and the twittering sparrows
on its pinnacles may proclaim to us, not only a contrast which is bitter ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sparrows and altars.htm

Chapter viii
... The only solution for the difficulty occurring to us is the possibility of a window
high under the eaves, but the eaves projecting rather far so that a bit of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter viii.htm

In Him: Like Him
... We have fled for refuge to him who is the hope set before us in the gospel; even
as David and his men sheltered themselves in the eaves of En-gedi, so we hide ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/in him like him.htm

Second Causes.
... for the glory of God and the Church's good, if the "beautiful bird of light" had
still "sat with its folded wings" ere it sped to nestle in the eaves of Heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xi second causes.htm

Hymn at Cock-Crow
... Mark ye, what time the dawn draws nigh, How 'neath the eaves the swallows cry? Know
that by true similitude Their notes our Judge's voice prelude. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/i hymn at cock-crow.htm

"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be"
... it not for winter we should never see the glistening crystals of the snow; we should
never behold the beauteous festoons of the icicles that hang from the eaves ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/as thy days so shall.htm

The Starlings
... Early in spring time, on raw and windy mornings, Beneath the freezing house-eaves
I heard the starlings sing" 'Ah dreary March month, is this then a time for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the starlings.htm

Eaves (1 Occurrence)
... on the roof. 2. (n. pl.) Brow; ridge. 3. (n. pl.) Eyelids or eyelashes.
Multi-Version Concordance Eaves (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 7 ...
/e/eaves.htm - 6k

Gutter (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A channel at the eaves of a roof for
conveying away the rain; an eaves channel; an eaves trough. ...
/g/gutter.htm - 8k

Ebal (8 Occurrences)

/e/ebal.htm - 14k

Overhang (1 Occurrence)
... The projection of an upper part (as a roof, an upper story, or other part) of a
building beyond the lower part; as, the overhang of a roof, of the eaves, etc. ...
/o/overhang.htm - 7k

Drip (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To fall in drops; as, water drips from the eaves.
2. (vi) To let fall drops of moisture or liquid; as, a wet garment drips. ...
/d/drip.htm - 10k

Balustrade (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) A row of balusters topped by a rail, serving as an open parapet, as along the
edge of a balcony, terrace, bridge, staircase, or the eaves of a building. ...
/b/balustrade.htm - 7k

Swallow (38 Occurrences)
... heard when passing. The swallow plasters a mud nest under eaves, on towers,
belfries, and close to human habitations. The swifts ...
/s/swallow.htm - 24k

Shoe (13 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A trough-shaped or spout-shaped member, put at the bottom of the water leader
coming from the eaves gutter, so as to throw the water off from the ...
/s/shoe.htm - 18k

Head (4291 Occurrences)
... 18. (n.) A rounded mass of foam which rises on a pot of beer or other effervescing
liquor. 19. (n.) Tiles laid at the eaves of a house. 20. ...
/h/head.htm - 24k

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