Have you ever come across the term “furlong” while reading the Bible and wondered what it means? In this blog post, we will explore the significance of a furlong in the context of the Bible and how understanding this unit of measurement can deepen our appreciation and interpretation of biblical passages. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the furlong and discover its hidden meanings in scripture.
Understanding the Measurement: What Does a Furlong Represent in the Bible?
In the Bible, a furlong is a unit of measurement mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. The term “furlong” is derived from the Old English words “furh” which means furrow, and “lang” which means long. In modern terms, a furlong is equivalent to approximately 220 yards or 201.17 meters.
The most notable reference to a furlong in the Bible is found in the Book of Revelation, chapter 14, verse 20, which describes a scene of divine judgment: “And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.” In this context, a furlong is believed to represent a distance of one stadia, which was a common unit of length used in ancient Greece and Rome.
The use of the term “furlong” in the Bible serves to provide a vivid and descriptive image of the scale and intensity of the events being described. It conveys a sense of vastness and magnitude, emphasizing the dramatic and apocalyptic nature of the scene depicted in the Book of Revelation.
Overall, the mention of a furlong in the Bible adds depth and richness to the text, inviting readers to contemplate the symbolic significance and spiritual implications of the imagery presented. It serves as a reminder of the intricate symbolism and poetic language employed throughout the Scriptures to convey profound truths and messages about God’s judgment, sovereignty, and ultimate plan for humanity.
What is a furlong in measurement?
In the context of the Bible, a furlong is a unit of measurement used in ancient times. It is mentioned in the New Testament in the book of Revelation. One furlong is equivalent to approximately 1/8 of a mile or 220 yards. This measurement is used to describe the dimensions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, where it says that the city is “twelve thousand furlongs in length, and the breadth and the height of it are equal.”
What is a furlong in the KJV Bible?
In the KJV Bible, a furlong is mentioned in a few instances. It is a unit of measurement used in ancient times and is equivalent to 220 yards or 660 feet. One notable mention of a furlong in the Bible is in the book of Revelation 14:20, where it describes a battlefield where blood flowed up to the horses’ bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. This imagery is used to depict a scene of tremendous destruction and carnage.
How far is threescore furlongs in the Bible?
In the Bible, threescore furlongs is mentioned in John 6:19. This distance is equivalent to about seven or eight miles.
What is the distance of a furlough?
In the context of the Bible, a furlough is not a specific measurement of distance. The term “furlough” is not mentioned in the Bible. It is a concept typically associated with temporary leave or absence from duties, often used in the context of missionary work or military service. While the Bible does talk about journeys and distances, it does not use the term “furlough” in relation to those concepts.
FAQs
What is the significance of the measurement “furlong” in the Bible?
The significance of the measurement “furlong” in the Bible is that it is frequently used as a unit of distance to describe the size of the New Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.
How does the concept of a furlong relate to biblical passages or stories?
In the Bible, the concept of a furlong is mentioned in Revelation 14:20, where it is used to describe the blood flowing out of the winepress for a distance of 1,600 furlongs.
Are there any symbolic meanings associated with the term “furlong” in the Bible?
Yes, the term “furlong” in the Bible is symbolic of a specific measurement of distance, often used to represent a significant journey or distance to be traveled.