Barn
Summary
A storage place for grain, typically an underground pit or cistern in the East, though above-ground buildings were also used in later periods.
☩Types of Storage
Several Hebrew words are translated 'barn' in Scripture. The most common storage method in the ancient East was the underground cistern-like pit, carefully dug and cemented to keep out moisture. Grain stored this way could remain sound for years. Such pits were often skillfully concealed with turf to protect the contents from thieves and tax collectors. Above-ground granaries also existed, as indicated by the rich fool's plan to 'pull down my barns, and build greater.'
☩New Testament Usage
Jesus used the imagery of barns to teach important spiritual truths. He pointed to the birds who neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet are fed by the heavenly Father, to encourage trust in God's providence. In the parable of the wheat and tares, the barn represents heaven where the righteous will be gathered at the final harvest.
Related Verses9 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Barn," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Barn," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).