Building

Building (properly some, form of the verbs בָּנָה, banah', οἰκοδομέω). Historical and monumental data do not exist to enable us to trace accurately the gradual improvement and peculiar character of Jewish architecture. (See Bardwell, Temples Ancient and Modern, Lond. 1837.) Its style was probably borrowed in the first instance from the Egyptians, next from the Phoenicians (comp. Michaelis in the Comment. nov. Soc. Goetting. 1, 1771; Stieglitz, Gesch. der Baukunst biden Alten, Leipz. 1792; Müller, Archaeol. p. 289 sq.; Schnaase, Gesch. der bild. Kunste, 1, 248 sq.), and finally from the Greeks. SEE ARCHITECTURE.

Of building tools, besides common implements such as the axe, saw, etc., there are mentioned the compass (מחוּגָה) and plumb-line (אֲנָך), Am 7:7 sq., the rule or measuring-line (קָו), the awl (שֶׂרֶד), etc. (see the Mishna, Chelim, 14, 3). See these instruments in their place. (See Schmidt, Bibl. Mathematicus, p. 217 sq.; Bellermann, Handbuch, 1, 189 sq.) SEE HOUSE.

Besides its proper and literal signification, the word "build" is used with reference to children and a numerous posterity (Ex 1:21; Ru 4:11). The prophet Nathan told David that God would build his house, that is, give him children and successors (2Sa 7:27). Any kind of building implies the settlement of a family, or the acquisition of some new honor, kingdom, or power, and its peaceful enjoyment (Ps 107:4,7; Mic 5:4). God's Church is called a building, and the architect is the master-builder (1Co 3:9-17). So also the heavenly home of Christians is compared to a building in contrast with the temporary tabernacle of the earthly body (2Co 5:1).