The solid base on which a secure structure may be built; used chiefly for the base of the temple. It is used figuratively of Jesus Christ and the apostles and prophets as the secure foundation on which the church is built. Obedience to the teaching of Jesus Christ is the true foundation of Christian living.
The place of foundations in building
1 Kings 5:17 Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:34; 1 Kings 6:37, 1 Kings 7:10; 2 Chronicles 3:3, 2 Chronicles 8:16; Ezra 3:3, Ezra 3:11–12, Ezra 4:12 restoring the walls of Jerusalem; Ezra 5:16, Ezra 6:3; Job 4:19; Isaiah 44:28; Ezekiel 41:8; Haggai 2:18; Zechariah 4:9, Zechariah 8:9; Acts 16:26
And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones.
Destruction of foundations is an indication of divine judgment
Lamentations 4:11 See also Deuteronomy 32:22; 2 Samuel 22:16; Jeremiah 51:25–26; Ezekiel 13:14, Ezekiel 30:4; Micah 1:6
The LORD has exhausted His wrath; He has poured out His fierce anger; He has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has consumed her foundations.
The foundation of the church
Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 3:11 See also Isaiah 28:16
For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
The apostles and prophets
Romans 15:20; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:19–20
The church as the foundation of God's truth
1 Timothy 3:14–15 See also 2 Timothy 2:19
Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these things in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Obedience as a secure foundation
Matthew 7:24–27 parallel Luke 6:46–49 See also Job 22:15–18; 1 Corinthians 3:12–15; 1 Timothy 6:18–19
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell— and great was its collapse!”
The foundation of the earth
Psalm 102:25 See also 1 Samuel 2:8; Job 38:4; Psalm 18:7, Psalm 18:15, Psalm 24:1–2, Psalm 82:5; Proverbs 8:22–31; Isaiah 48:13, Isaiah 51:13, Isaiah 51:16; Micah 6:2; Zechariah 12:1; Hebrews 1:10
In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.
The foundations of the city of God
Hebrews 11:10 See also Revelation 21:14, Revelation 21:19
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Figurative use of foundation
God himself as the foundation
The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high; He has filled Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.
The foundation of God's throne
Psalm 89:14 See also Psalm 97:2
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and faithfulness go before You.
The need for a firm foundation in the Christian life
Matthew 7:24–27, Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 2:19–22; Hebrews 6:1–2; 1 Peter 2:4–5
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.