Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "bolt" often refers to a bar or rod used to secure doors or gates, ensuring protection and safety. The concept of a bolt is symbolic of security, strength, and the prevention of unwanted entry, both in a physical and spiritual sense.Old Testament References The use of bolts is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament, often in the context of fortifying cities or securing dwellings. In Judges 16:3, Samson famously removes the doors of the city gate of Gaza, along with the two gateposts and the bar, demonstrating his God-given strength: "But Samson lay there only until midnight. Then he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate, along with the two gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. He put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron." In 1 Kings 4:13, the term is used to describe the fortified cities under the rule of Solomon: "Ben-Geber—in Ramoth-gilead (the settlements of Jair son of Manasseh in Gilead were his, as well as the region of Argob in Bashan, with its sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars)." Symbolic Meaning The bolt serves as a metaphor for divine protection and the strength of God’s promises. In Isaiah 45:2, God assures His people of His power to remove obstacles: "I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron." Here, the breaking of bars signifies God's ability to overcome barriers and provide deliverance. Spiritual Implications In a spiritual sense, bolts can represent the barriers that separate humanity from God, which can only be removed through divine intervention. The imagery of God breaking bolts and bars is a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and the freedom He offers to those who trust in Him. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not explicitly mention bolts in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual security and protection is prevalent. Jesus Christ is often depicted as the one who opens doors that no one can shut and shuts doors that no one can open, as seen in Revelation 3:7: "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of the One who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What He opens no one can shut, and what He shuts no one can open." Conclusion The imagery of bolts in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of security, divine protection, and the strength of God's promises. Whether in the context of physical fortifications or spiritual barriers, the concept underscores the assurance of God's presence and His ability to safeguard His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A shaft or missile intended to be shot from a crossbow or catapult, esp. a short, stout, blunt-headed arrow; a quarrel; an arrow, or that which resembles an arrow; a dart.2. (n.) Lightning; a thunderbolt. 3. (n.) A strong pin, of iron or other material, used to fasten or hold something in place, often having a head at one end and screw thread cut upon the other end. 4. (n.) A sliding catch, or fastening, as for a door or gate; the portion of a lock which is shot or withdrawn by the action of the key. 5. (n.) An iron to fasten the legs of a prisoner; a shackle; a fetter. 6. (n.) A compact package or roll of cloth, as of canvas or silk, often containing about forty yards. 7. (n.) A bundle, as of osiers. 8. (v. t.) To shoot; to discharge or drive forth. 9. (v. t.) To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out. 10. (v. t.) To swallow without chewing; as, to bolt food. 11. (v. t.) To refuse to support, as a nomination made by a party to which one has belonged or by a caucus in which one has taken part. 12. (v. t.) To cause to start or spring forth; to dislodge, as conies, rabbits, etc. 13. (v. t.) To fasten or secure with, or as with, a bolt or bolts, as a door, a timber, fetters; to shackle; to restrain. 14. (v. i.) To start forth like a bolt or arrow; to spring abruptly; to come or go suddenly; to dart; as, to bolt out of the room. 15. (v. i.) To strike or fall suddenly like a bolt. 16. (v. i.) To spring suddenly aside, or out of the regular path; as, the horse bolted. 17. (v. i.) To refuse to support a nomination made by a party or a caucus with which one has been connected; to break away from a party. 18. (adv.) In the manner of a bolt; suddenly; straight; unbendingly. 19. (n.) A sudden spring or start; a sudden spring aside; as, the horse made a bolt. 20. (n.) A sudden flight, as to escape creditors. 21. (n.) A refusal to support a nomination made by the party with which one has been connected; a breaking away from one's party. 22. (v. t.) To sift or separate the coarser from the finer particles of, as bran from flour, by means of a bolter; to separate, assort, refine, or purify by other means. 23. (v. t.) To separate, as if by sifting or bolting; -- with out. 24. (v. t.) To discuss or argue privately, and for practice, as cases at law. 25. (n.) A sieve, esp. a long fine sieve used in milling for bolting flour and meal; a bolter. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BOLTbolt (na`al, "to bind up"): The ancient Hebrews had fastenings of wood or iron for the doors of houses (2 Samuel 13:17, 18 Songs 5:5), city gates (Nehemiah 3:3, 6, 13-15), prison doors, etc. (Isaiah 45:2), which were in the form of bolts. These were sometimes pushed back from within; but there were others which, by means of a key, could be unfastened and pushed back from without (Judges 3:23). These were almost the only form of locks known. Strong's Hebrew 4514. manul -- a bolt... a bolt. Transliteration: manul or manul Phonetic Spelling: (man-ool') Short Definition: bolts. ... lock. Or maniul {man-ool'}; from na'al; a bolt -- lock. ... /hebrew/4514.htm - 6k 5274. na'al -- to bar, bolt, lock 4515. minal -- a bolt 5274a. naal -- to bar, bolt, lock 1280. beriach -- a bar 1272. barach -- to go through, flee 270. achaz -- to grasp, take hold, take possession 3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ... 2671. chets -- arrow Library I Withdrew the Bolt of My Door for My Beloved; but He had Turned ... of the Statue of Christ in Paneas which Julian Overthrew and Made ... Gods, those which were Confessedly Elevated to the Divine ... Found by Jesus, and Finding Jesus Earnest Expostulation The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ... An Awful Contrast Nothing but Leaves The House of Offense Thesaurus Bolt (5 Occurrences)... forth. 9. (vt) To utter precipitately; to blurt or throw out. 10. (vt) To swallow without chewing; as, to bolt food. 11. (vt) To ... /b/bolt.htm - 11k Strip (33 Occurrences) Key (8 Occurrences) Pin (10 Occurrences) Bar (27 Occurrences) Bolster (7 Occurrences) Keeper (72 Occurrences) Nut (1 Occurrence) Lock (6 Occurrences) Graft (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Baal? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Adoni-Bezek? | GotQuestions.org Who was Amnon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bolt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bolt (5 Occurrences)Deuteronomy 32:24 2 Samuel 13:17 Nehemiah 7:3 Job 38:10 Song of Songs 5:5 Subtopics Related Terms |
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