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Easton's Bible Dictionary

Temple

First used of the tabernacle, which is called "the temple of the Lord" (1 Samuel 1:9). In the New Testament the word is used figuratively of Christ's human body (John 2:19,21). Believers are called "the temple of God" (1 Corinthians 3:16,17). The Church is designated "an holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2:21). Heaven is also called a temple (Revelation 7:5).

We read also of the heathen "temple of the great goddess Diana" (Acts 19:27). This word is generally used in Scripture of the sacred house erected on the summit of Mount Moriah for the worship of God. It is called "the temple" (1 Kings 6:17); "the temple [RSV, 'house'] of the Lord" (2 Kings 11:10); "thy holy temple" (Psalms 79:1); "the house of the Lord" (2 Chronicles 23:5,12); "the house of the God of Jacob" (Isaiah 2:3); "the house of my glory" (60:7); an "house of prayer" (56:7; Matthew 21:13); "an house of sacrifice" (2 Chronicles 7:12); "the house of their sanctuary" (2 Chronicles 36:17); "the mountain of the Lord's house" (Isaiah 2:2); "our holy and our beautiful use" (64:11); "the holy mount" (27:13); "the palace for the Lord God" (1 Chronicles 29:1); "the tabernacle of witness" (2 Chronicles 24:6); "Zion" (Psalms 74:2; 84:7). Christ calls it "my Father's house" (John 2:16).

Copyright Statement

These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.

Bibliography Information

Easton, Matthew George. "Entry for 'Temple'". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". 1897.