Freemasonry and the Bible: The Light That Guides the Builder
The Bible: The Heart of the Craft
From ancient Hebrew scrolls to the beautifully bound Geneva Bible of 1581, the Bible has traveled through time as a symbol of enduring divine truth. For Freemasons, it is more than just a book—it’s the foundation upon which the Craft is built.
Within every Lodge, the Bible holds a special place. Known as the Great Light, it represents the revelation of divine wisdom and the moral obligations all Masons take to heart.
Though Freemasons use the same Bible as many others, its presence during meetings reminds us that our work is guided by spiritual principles that have lasted thousands of years.
Biblical Roots in Freemasonry
Freemasonry and the Bible are closely intertwined. For Christian Masons, the Bible forms the spiritual backbone of their journey. And for Masons of other faiths, their own sacred texts serve a similar role.
All Masons honor one Creator—the Supreme Architect of the Universe—known by many names worldwide.
Symbols Inspired by Scripture
Many Masonic symbols come directly from biblical stories and teachings, such as:
The Ark of the Covenant: Representing divine law and sacred promise.
The Mosaic Pavement: Symbolizing the balance of light and darkness in life.
Jacob’s Ladder: A metaphor for spiritual growth and ascent.
The Lambskin Apron: Emblematic of purity and moral conduct.
King Solomon’s Temple: The central allegory of craftsmanship and faith.
These powerful symbols connect Masons with timeless moral lessons rooted in Scripture.
Scripture in Masonic Degrees
The Bible’s verses are woven throughout Masonic rituals in the three degrees:
Entered Apprentice
Fellow Craft
Master Mason
Figures like King Solomon, Hiram Abif, and the two St. Johns are honored as symbols of faith, labor, and virtue—guiding Masons in their personal and spiritual development.
The Masonic Altar: A Place of Reverence
At the center of every Lodge stands the Altar, where the Volume of Sacred Law is open. This can be the Bible, Qur’an, Torah, or any holy text meaningful to the brethren. It represents divine truth—the light around which all Masons gather in respect and unity.
From the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan, Freemasons learn the fundamental value of charity—serving humanity with kindness and compassion.
A Legacy of Masonic Bibles
Throughout history, various editions of the Bible have been used in Lodges, including:
The Septuagint
St. Jerome’s Vulgate
Wycliffe Bible
Gutenberg Bible
Tyndale Bible
The Great Bible
The Geneva Bible
Douay–Rheims Bible
The King James Bible (1611) — beloved by many English-speaking Lodges
The King James Bible, with its poetic beauty, remains a cherished Great Light for many Freemasons today.
The Builder’s Journey
Freemasonry teaches personal and spiritual growth through three stages:
Degree Focus Lesson Symbolic Command Entered Apprentice Symbolic Craftsmanship Study yourself through symbols "Look into yourself." Fellow Craft Masonic Science Apply knowledge ethically "Look about yourself." Master Mason The Royal Art Build spiritually and wisely "Look above yourself."
Each tool—plumbline, level, and square—helps Masons build the inner temple of their souls.
King Solomon’s Temple: The Great Work
Solomon’s Temple, built to glorify God, stands as the ultimate symbol of sacred architecture. Just as every stone fit perfectly in the Temple, Masons seek to shape their own character for the spiritual Temple of humanity.
The story of Solomon’s Temple and its Master Builder, Hiram Abif, symbolizes the eternal search for the Lost Word—divine truth hidden in every heart.
The Spiritual Temple We Build Together
Freemasonry teaches that we are all “living stones” building a spiritual temple together. As each Mason works to improve himself, he contributes to the greater good, reflecting the biblical house “not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
The words guiding this labor are:
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory.”
The Plumbline of Amos
“During the Fellow Craft degree, Masons hear the powerful vision from Amos 7:7:
”
"Thus the Lord showed me: and behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand."
Amos’ plumbline reminds Masons to measure their lives by divine justice and personal integrity.
Conclusion: Let There Be Light
For the Mason who seeks truth, the Bible—the Great Light—illuminates the path of moral and spiritual growth. It transforms rough stones into living stones, ready for the eternal Temple.
Let us labor diligently.
Let us seek light within, about, and above ourselves.
And may our good works glorify the Great Architect of the Universe.
Let there be Light.
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