Throne

An ornate throne with a red cushioned seat, backrest, and armrests. The throne features a gold-colored frame with intricate scrollwork. At the top of the backrest, there is a circular medallion with a small face wearing a crown.

Definition:

A “throne” is a ceremonial chair or seat of state, often ornate and elevated, used by a sovereign or high-ranking religious leader as a symbol of authority and power.

Etymology:

The word “throne” comes from the Greek “thronos,” meaning a seat or chair of authority, which was adopted into Latin as “thronus” and into Old French as “trone,” eventually becoming “throne” in English.

Description:

Thrones serve as a visual representation of the seat of power and authority, emphasizing the ruler’s position as the head of state or government.

Thrones are often placed on elevated platforms, further elevating the status of the individual seated upon them.

Thrones are often made from high-quality materials like wood, gold, silver, and upholstered in luxurious fabrics such as velvet or silk.

Religion:

Thrones are mentioned in various religious texts, often symbolizing divine authority and the seat of judgment:

  • Thrones are frequently referenced in the Bible as symbols of God’s authority and the seat of divine judgment. Examples include:
    • Throne of God: Revelation 4:2 – “At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”
    • Thrones of Judgment: Matthew 19:28 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'”
    • David’s Throne: 1 Kings 2:12 – “So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established.”
  • The Quran speaks of the Throne (Arsh) of Allah, symbolizing His supreme authority and dominion over the universe:
    • Throne Verse: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255) – “Allah! There is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of [all] existence. Neither drowsiness overtakes Him nor sleep. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what will be after them, and they encompass not a thing of His knowledge except for what He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and their preservation tires Him not. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.”