BEAM. The rendering of several words used in building construction and weaving. The principal crossbeams for roof and floor construction appear to be indicated in קﯴרָה, H7771, (2 Kings 6:2, 5; 2 Chron 3:7; Song of Solomon 1:17), while גַּב֒, H1461, (rib) denotes more the final effect produced in their use. These were the principal roof members of Solomon’s Hall of Pillars (1 Kings 7:3). The beams of the Temple (כְּרֻתֹ֥ת) were hewn timbers (1 Kings 6:36; 7:2, 12) cut (כָּרַת, H4162) from the cedars of Lebanon. In Nehemiah’s day they were designated קָרָה֙, H7939, literally “meetings,” i.e., supports (Neh 2:8), the same root denoting as a verb the process of installation (Neh 3:3, 6; Ps 104:3). Large beams were designated עָב֒, H6264, (1 Kings 7:6) as used above the portal of the porch of Herod’s Temple (q.v.). The two sources for such large timbers were Lebanon and the environs of Jerusalem (oaks) down to the time of Herod. The armies of Titus denuded the neighboring hills surrounding Jerusalem to secure timbers for siege works in a.d. 70.

The weaver’s beam in Judges 16:14 ASV, RSV is actually the weaving frame. The beam of Habakkuk 2:11 (כָּפִיס, H4096) is a splinter. The beam in Matthew 7:3 ASV; passim, δοκός, G1512, is the tiny speck that irritates.