House: Physical Dwelling and Spiritual Home
A house represents more than just a physical structure; it encompasses the spiritual and emotional dimensions of dwelling. In biblical
understanding, while a house is the building itself, a home is transformed by love, hospitality, and godly presence. This entry explores
both the historical context of ancient dwellings and the profound spiritual significance of the "House of God" in Scripture.
Definition and Distinction
A house is the physical building; a home is created by the love, emotional attachment, and hopes of its residents. Many people place an undue emphasis on the visible structure, maintaining appearances while neglecting the potential of hospitality that should be a hallmark of Christian homes, together with the emotional security and Godly training of the children in a loving, fun-filled environment.
Can people who enter my residence, say "Jesus is in the house" because of the godly atmosphere (Mk 2:1)? The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous (Prov 3:33).
Would others describe my dwelling place as a house or home?
Historical Context
Abraham lived in a tent, as did the other semi nomadic farmers (Heb 11:9). However, in biblical times most people lived in houses built of rough stones and sun dried bricks. Wood was used to support the roof that consisted of brushwood with mud plaster on top.
A stone staircase on the outside led up to the normally flat roof. This provided additional living and sleeping space in summer as well as providing an ideal drying area for figs, flax and other commodities. Cooking was done outside in summer but inside during winter; fuel was wood or animal dung. Water was often obtained from a community well. In Jerusalem excrement was disposed of through the dung gate.
Particularly during the Old Testament period, cities were surrounded by stone walls and gates as fortification against enemy attack. In the conquest of Jericho the Israelite spies were briefly accommodated by Rahab whose house occupied part of such a wall (Josh 2:6,15).
As a direct result of this action she 'saved herself and her family' – is my house a place of blessing too?
See also: home, home group, hospitality.
House of God
In the Old Testament God instructed a physical structure be made where His presence would reside in a perceptible way and was to be the focal point of worship, the place of connection with God. Initially, during the wilderness wanderings, a movable tabernacle was constructed, and then later when in the Promised Land the temple was built – both made exactly according to divine specifications (Ex 25:8-9; 1 Kgs 6:38, 8:10-11). David wrote, "I rejoice with those who said to me, Let us go to the house of the Lord" (Ps 122:1).
On the day of Pentecost, the church (comprising the born again believers) was birthed, when about 3,000 people were saved (Act 2:41). Although the 'House of God' is the term often attributed to religious buildings, God does not dwell in physical structures made by men (1Kgs 8:27; Act 7:48).
As believers we house the Spirit of God – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Rather as these and many more Scriptures show, this refers to the believers: "Don't you know you are God's temple?...Like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house…" (1 Cor 3:16, 6:19; 1 Pet 2:5).
As believers, we are now the temple where God lives through His Spirit. This sacred reality demands that we treat our bodies and lives with
reverence, holiness, and honour. We must guard against defiling this dwelling place through sin, impurity, or ungodly influences. Just as
the ancient temple was set apart for God's glory, so too are we called to be living sanctuaries that reflect His presence to the world
(1 Cor 6:19-20; 2 Cor 6:16-17).
Am I honouring God's presence within me by how I treat my body and mind?
See also: church, tabernacle, temple.
Reflection and Application:
- What distinguishes my house from being a home?
- Is my dwelling characterized by hospitality and emotional security?
- Do visitors sense God's presence in my home?
- How can I make my house a place of blessing for others?