Rib
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) One of the curved bones attached to the vertebral column and supporting the lateral walls of the thorax.
(2): ( n.) A ridge, fin, or wing, as on a plate, cylinder, beam, etc., to strengthen or stiffen it.
(3): ( n.) One of the timbers, or bars of iron or steel, that branch outward and upward from the keel, to support the skin or planking, and give shape and strength to the vessel.
(4): ( n.) A prominent line or ridge, as in cloth.
(5): ( n.) That which resembles a rib in form or use.
(6): ( n.) The chief nerve, or one of the chief nerves, of a leaf.
(7): ( n.) One of the rods on which the cover of an umbrella is extended.
(8): ( n.) Any longitudinal ridge in a plant.
(9): ( n.) In Gothic vaulting, one of the primary members of the vault. These are strong arches, meeting and crossing one another, dividing the whole space into triangles, which are then filled by vaulted construction of lighter material. Hence, an imitation of one of these in wood, plaster, or the like.
(10): ( n.) A projecting mold, or group of moldings, forming with others a pattern, as on a ceiling, ornamental door, or the like.
(11): ( n.) Solid coal on the side of a gallery; solid ore in a vein.
(12): ( n.) An elongated pillar of ore or coal left as a support.
(13): ( n.) A wife; - in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib.
(14): ( v. t.) To furnish with ribs; to form with rising lines and channels; as, to rib cloth.
(15): ( v. t.) To inclose, as with ribs, and protect; to shut in.
(16): ( n.) A longitudinal strip of metal uniting the barrels of a double-barreled gun.
King James Dictionary [2]
RIB, n. L. costa, signifies side, border, extremity.
1. A bone of animal bodies which forms a part of the frame of the thorax. The ribs in the human body are twelve on each side, proceeding from the spine to the sternum, or towards it, and serving to inclose and protect the heart and lungs. 2. In ship building, a piece of timber which forms or strengthens the side of a ship.
Ribs of a parrel, are short pieces of plank, having holes through which are reeved the two parts of the parrel-rope.
3. In botany, the continuation of the petiole along the middle of a leaf, and from which the veins take their rise. 4. In cloth, a prominent line or rising, like a rib. 5. Something long, thin and narrow a strip.
RIB,
1. To furnish with ribs. In manufactures, to form with rising lines and channels as, to rib cloth whence we say, ribbed cloth. 2. To inclose with ribs.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types [3]
Genesis 2:21 (c) This probably signifies that the act of becoming a Christian is wholly and entirely from and of GOD as the rib was a part of Adam and was taken out of him. The conviction of sin is from GOD. Interest in our eternal welfare is from Him. The Word was given by Him and our knowledge of the Word was imprinted by Him. He gives the faith to be saved. He reveals Himself to us and then He gives us His own life. "Salvation is of the Lord" as this rib was "of" Adam. Eve represents the Church. It is a picture also of the fact that the Church (rib). came from Christ is a part of CHRIST, the last Adam, and lives because of His life.
Daniel 7:5 (b) Here is indicated the ferocity and devastating effect of this Medio-Persian kingdom in destroying the Babylonian kingdom and retaining some of the fragments of its characteristics. The three ribs represent the three great kings of Babylon.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia [4]
( צלע , cēlā' , צלעה , cal‛āh ; Aramaic עלע , ‛ăla‛ ): The Hebrew words designate the "side," "flank," thence the "ribs." They are found thus translated only in connection with the creation of Eve: "He (Yahweh) took one of his (Adam's) ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof: and the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the man, made he (margin "builded he into") a woman" ( Genesis 2:21 , Genesis 2:22 ). The Aramaic word is only found in Daniel 7:5 .
Twice the Revised Version (British and American) uses the word "rib" in a figurative sense of two beams or rafters built in to the ark of the covenant and the altar of incense, on which the golden rings were fastened, which served to carry ark and altar by means of staves ( Exodus 30:4; Exodus 37:27 ).
A curious mistranslation has crept into the King James Version, which here follows Jewish commentators or etymologists, in four passages in 2 Samuel ( 2 Samuel 2:23; 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:6; 2 Samuel 20:10 ), where the "fifth rib" is mentioned as the place of the body under which spears or swords are thrust, so as to cause lethal wounds. The Hebrew word ḥōmesh , which indeed means "fifth," is here a noun, derived from a root meaning "to be staunch," "stalwart," "stout" "fleshy," "obese" (compare חמשׁ , ḥāmush , "armed," "equipped soldier"; Arabic el khamı̄s ( el ḥamı̄s ), "the army," which, however, Arabic lexicographers explain as meaning "fivefold," namely, vanguard, right and left wing, center and rear guard). The word is to be translated "abdomen," "belly." the Revised Version (British and American) renders correctly "into the body."
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [5]
( צֵלָע , Tseld, Genesis 2, 21, 22, a Side, as often rendered; Chald. עֲלִע , Daniel 7:5), the part of Adam taken to form his wife (Genesis ut sup.). (See Eve).
In the expression "fifth rib" ( 2 Samuel 2:23; 2 Samuel 3:27; 2 Samuel 4:6; 2 Samuel 20:10), the original has simply fifth ( חֹמֶשׁ , Chomesh, "fifth part" in Genesis 47:26).
