Rib
Rib
(, tseld, Genesis 2, 21, 22, a side, as often rendered; Chald. , Dan 7:5), the part of Adam taken to form his wife (Genesis ut sup.). SEE EVE.
In the expression fifth rib (2Sa 2:23; 2Sa 3:27; 2Sa 4:6; 2Sa 20:10), the original has simply fifth (, chomesh, fifth part in Gen 47:26).
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Rib (2)
in architecture, is a projecting band on a ceiling, etc. In Middle-age architecture ribs are very extensively employed to ornament ceilings, both fiat and vaulted; more especially the latter, when groined. In the earliest Norman vaulting the ribs generally consist of mere flat bands crossing the vault at right angles, the groins as well as the apex being left perfectly plain. As the style advances the ribs become molded, and are also applied to the groins, and are sometimes enriched with zig zags and other ornaments peculiar to the style, with carved bosses at the inter sections, as in the churches of Iffley, Oxfordshire, and Elkstone, Gloucestershire.
In Early English vaulting, and that of all subsequent periods, the groins are invariably covered by ribs, and the intersections are generally ornamented with bosses or other decorations, as is the case in the chapter house at Oxford. In the Early English style it is seldom that more ribs are used than those which cross the vault at right angles (cross-springers) and the (diagonal) ribs upon the groins, with sometimes one at the apex.
In the Decorated style additional ribs are introduced between the diagonal and cross-springers following the curve of the vault, and frequently also in other parts running in different directions, and uniting the whole into a kind of network, as at Tewkesbury Abbey, Gloucestershire. The apex of the vault is almost invariably occupied by a rib, which is often slightly curved upwards between the bosses. When they are numerous, it is not unusual to find that the more important ribs are of larger size than the others. In this style the ribs are sometimes ornamented with the characteristic ornament, the ball flower.
In ordinary Perpendicular vaulting, ribs are applied much in the same way as in the preceding style, but they are sometimes employed in greater profusion and in more complicated arrangements, by which the effect is by no means always improved, as at St. Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol. In fan tracery vaulting the ribs radiate from the springing of each pendentive, and generally become multiplied as they rise upwards, so that the whole surface is covered with tracery, which is usually enriched with featherings and other decorations.
Many churches, and some other ancient buildings, have raised ceilings, of wood or plaster, formed on the undersides of the timbers of the roof. A few of these, which are as old as the Decorated and Early English styles, are sparingly ornamented with small ribs; there is generally one along the top and others crossing it at considerable intervals. In some instances the ribs are more numerous in both directions, so as to divide the surface into rectangular compartments, or panels.
In the Perpendicular style ceilings of this kind are almost invariably formed in cants, which are divided into squares by small ribs with bosses, shields, or flowers at the intersections. Flat ceilings also, which are common in this style, are frequently divided into squares, and sometimes into other patterns, by molded ribs. In the time of queen Elizabeth and James I, ribs were much used on plaster ceilings, and were often arranged with considerable intricacy: at this period the intersections were usually either plain, or ornamented with small pendants. In some districts the purlins of a roof are called ribs.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Rib
(, cela’, , calah; Aramaic , ala): The Hebrew words designate the side, flank, thence the ribs. They are found thus translated only in connection with the creation of Eve: He (Yahweh) took one of his (Adam’s) ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: and the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, made he (margin builded he into) a woman (Gen 2:21, Gen 2:22). The Aramaic word is only found in Dan 7:5.
Twice the Revised Version (British and American) uses the word rib in a figurative sense of two beams or rafters built in to the ark of the covenant and the altar of incense, on which the golden rings were fastened, which served to carry ark and altar by means of staves (Exo 30:4; Exo 37:27).
A curious mistranslation has crept into the King James Version, which here follows Jewish commentators or etymologists, in four passages in 2 Samuel (2Sa 2:23; 2Sa 3:27; 2Sa 4:6; 2Sa 20:10), where the fifth rib is mentioned as the place of the body under which spears or swords are thrust, so as to cause lethal wounds. The Hebrew word homesh, which indeed means fifth, is here a noun, derived from a root meaning to be staunch, stalwart, stout fleshy, obese (compare , hamush, armed, equipped soldier; Arabic el khams (el hams), the army, which, however, Arabic lexicographers explain as meaning fivefold, namely, vanguard, right and left wing, center and rear guard). The word is to be translated abdomen, belly. the Revised Version (British and American) renders correctly into the body.
Fuente: International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Rib
Gen 2:21 (c) This probably signifies that the act of becoming a Christian is wholly and entirely from and of GOD as the rib was a part of Adam and was taken out of him. The conviction of sin is from GOD. Interest in our eternal welfare is from Him. The Word was given by Him and our knowledge of the Word was imprinted by Him. He gives the faith to be saved. He reveals Himself to us and then He gives us His own life. “Salvation is of the Lord” as this rib was “of” Adam. Eve represents the Church. It is a picture also of the fact that the Church (rib). came from CHRIST, is a part of CHRIST, the last Adam, and lives because of His life.
Dan 7:5 (b) Here is indicated the ferocity and devastating effect of this Medio-Persian kingdom in destroying the Babylonian kingdom and retaining some of the fragments of its characteristics. The three ribs represent the three great kings of Babylon.