Stairways

Steps which provide access to upper levels, usually of buildings. The term is also used figuratively as a means of ascent from earth to heaven.

Stairways relating to places of worship

In Solomon's temple

1 Kings 6:8

The entrance to the bottom floor was on the south side of the temple. A stairway led up to the middle level, and from there to the third floor.

Used by the Levites

Nehemiah 9:4

And the Levites — Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani — stood on the raised platform and cried out in a loud voice to the LORD their God.

In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple

Ezekiel 40:49 See also Ezekiel 40:6, Ezekiel 40:22, Ezekiel 40:26, Ezekiel 40:31, Ezekiel 40:34, Ezekiel 40:37, Ezekiel 40:49, Ezekiel 41:7, Ezekiel 43:17

The portico was twenty cubits wide and twelve cubits deep, and ten steps led up to it. There were columns by the side pillars, one on each side.

Steps forbidden for the altar

Exodus 20:26

And you must not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’[’’]

Stairways relating to royalty

1 Kings 10:19–20 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:18–19 See also 2 Kings 9:13, 2 Kings 20:11 parallel Isaiah 38:8

The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

Stairways in city walls and fortresses

Nehemiah 3:15 See also Nehemiah 3:19, Nehemiah 12:37; Acts 21:35, Acts 21:40

The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David.

Stairways in houses

For access to upper floors and basements

Acts 9:39 See also 2 Samuel 18:33; 1 Kings 17:19; Acts 1:13, Acts 9:37, Acts 10:20, Acts 20:8, Acts 20:11

So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Figurative use of stairways

Genesis 28:12 See also John 1:51

And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.