{
  "id": "dict_003481",
  "term": "Marble",
  "slug": "marble",
  "letter": "M",
  "entry_type": "material_culture_object",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "Marble is a polished decorative stone used in architecture and luxury goods in the ancient world. In Scripture it appears as a material detail that can convey beauty, wealth, and splendor.",
  "simple_one_line": "Marble is a prized building and decorative stone mentioned in Scripture as part of luxury and grandeur imagery.",
  "tooltip_text": "A decorative stone used in ancient buildings and luxury items; in the Bible it is mainly a descriptive material reference.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "stone, precious stones, ivory, temple, luxury goods"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Esther 1:6, Revelation 18:12, architecture, building materials, splendor"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "Marble in the Bible is not a doctrine or theological category but a material detail used to portray beauty, wealth, and splendor.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "Marble is a fine decorative stone valued for its polished appearance and use in buildings, furnishings, and luxury goods. Biblical references use it descriptively, especially in contexts of royal display or commercial wealth.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "1. Marble is a material, not a theological doctrine. 2. Biblical references are descriptive and contextual. 3. It often signals splendor, luxury, or grandeur. 4. Revelation uses it in a list of costly goods, highlighting worldly wealth."
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "Marble is a polished stone associated with beauty, wealth, and impressive construction in biblical settings. Bible references use it descriptively for luxury or splendor, not as a standalone doctrine or theological theme.",
  "description_academic_full": "Marble is a natural stone prized in the ancient world for its beauty and decorative value. In Scripture, references to marble are generally material and descriptive rather than doctrinal. It may appear in palace, temple, or commercial settings to convey refinement, wealth, or outward splendor. In Revelation, marble is listed among luxury goods associated with the commerce of a wealthy city, reinforcing the theme of worldly abundance and its passing nature. Because the term names a substance rather than a biblical doctrine, it belongs in a material-culture category rather than as a theological headword.",
  "background_biblical_context": "Biblical references to marble are sparse and descriptive. The stone appears in contexts that emphasize impressive architecture or costly goods, helping readers picture the setting rather than teaching a direct doctrinal lesson.",
  "background_historical_context": "In the ancient Mediterranean world, marble was a valued building and ornamental stone associated with elite architecture, monuments, and luxury. Its presence in a text usually signals status, expense, or splendor.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "In the biblical world, polished stone materials were associated with royal courts, wealthy households, and impressive public or sacred spaces. Marble would have evoked quality, permanence, and expense to ancient readers.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "Esther 1:6",
    "Revelation 18:12"
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "1 Chronicles 29:2"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "The English word marble reflects a valued decorative stone. Biblical passages use it as a common material descriptor rather than as a technical theological term.",
  "theological_significance": "Marble itself has no distinct doctrinal meaning. In context, it can help portray royal splendor, human wealth, or the luxury of a fallen world, especially in Revelation.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "As a material object, marble illustrates how Scripture uses concrete physical details to build vivid scenes. The stone itself is morally neutral; its significance comes from the setting and purpose in which it appears.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not treat marble as a symbolic code word unless the immediate context clearly supports symbolism. Its biblical use is mainly descriptive, not allegorical or doctrinal.",
  "major_views_note": "Most interpreters treat marble here as a straightforward material reference. In Revelation, some read the luxury list as emphasizing commercial excess and the fragility of worldly glory.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "Marble does not establish a doctrine. Any theological significance must come from the passage’s context, not from the material itself.",
  "practical_significance": "Marble helps Bible readers visualize ancient buildings, royal settings, and luxury trade. It also reminds readers that outward grandeur can accompany either celebration or judgment.",
  "meta_description": "Marble is a decorative stone mentioned in Scripture as a material detail that can convey beauty, wealth, and splendor.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/marble/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/marble.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}