What does firmament mean?

Answer

Genesis 1:6 says that God created the firmament on the second day. To the ancients, the firmament was a solid dome that held up the primeval waters, while the sun, moon and stars were in the sky below the firmament. They thought that the sky literally touched the earth at the horizon and was a solid part of the universe just as much as the earth itself. Interestingly, if we do not believe that the firmament is a physical reality, then nothing was created on the second day.

Answer

To the ancients, the firmament was a solid dome that held up the primeval waters, while the sun and moon were in the sky below the firmament. Stars were thought to be holes in the firmament, allowing the light of the heavens to shine through.

Answer

'The vault or expanse of the heavens; the sky.' (definition from Answers.com)

see link "Firmament" http:/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firmament

Answer

Amongst Talmudic Scholars the firmament is generally excepted to mean outer space or the earths atmosphere. The Talmud actually teaches that there are seven firmaments, the one we see/the sky being the first. It is also taught that the firmament is made up of fire and water, basically describing the Earths atmosphere.

Answer

The firmament was a layer of water vapor that at one time covered the entire earth. We see the remnants of that layer today in the form of clouds.

Answer

The Jewish Encyclopedia describes the Firmament as follows:

"The Hebrews regarded the earth as a plain or a hill figured like a hemisphere, swimming on water. Over this is arched the solid vault of heaven. To this vault are fastened the lights, the stars. So slight is this elevation that birds may rise to it and fly along its expanse."

The book of Genesis goes on to mention lights being placed in the firmament (Genesis 1:14-17):

First answer by Dick Harfield. Last edit by Shaffier. Contributor trust: 1 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 39 [recommend question]