Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the bucket was a practical tool used primarily for drawing water from wells, cisterns, or other water sources. While the term "bucket" itself is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, the concept and function of a bucket are implied in various passages that describe the act of drawing water.
Biblical References and Context1.
Drawing Water: The act of drawing water is a common theme in the Bible, often associated with daily life and sustenance. In
Genesis 24:14-20, Rebekah draws water for Abraham's servant and his camels, demonstrating hospitality and diligence. Although the specific term "bucket" is not used, the process of drawing water implies the use of a vessel, likely a bucket or similar container.
2.
Symbolism of Water: Water holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing life, purification, and the Holy Spirit. In
John 4:7-15, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, offering her "living water." The act of drawing water from a well, possibly using a bucket, serves as a backdrop for this profound spiritual teaching.
3.
Tools and Implements: The Bible often references tools and implements used in daily life, reflecting the agrarian and pastoral culture of ancient Israel. While specific terms like "bucket" may not appear, the use of such tools would have been understood by the original audience. In
Isaiah 40:15, the nations are described as "a drop in a bucket," illustrating the insignificance of earthly powers compared to God's majesty.
4.
Cultural Practices: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, drawing water was typically the responsibility of women and servants. This task was essential for providing water for household needs, livestock, and irrigation. The use of a bucket or similar vessel would have been a familiar sight in the daily routines of biblical characters.
Theological ImplicationsThe imagery of drawing water, often associated with a bucket, can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and the provision of God's grace. Just as a bucket is used to draw physical water, believers are called to draw from the well of salvation and the living water offered by Christ. This imagery underscores the necessity of seeking sustenance from God and relying on His provision for both physical and spiritual needs.
Practical ApplicationsIn a modern context, the concept of a bucket can serve as a reminder of the importance of being vessels for God's work. Just as a bucket is used to carry and distribute water, Christians are called to carry the message of the Gospel and share the love of Christ with others. The humble bucket, though simple in design, plays a crucial role in the sustenance and well-being of a community, much like the role of believers in the body of Christ.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A vessel to draw water with (
Isaiah 40:15); used figuratively, probably, of a numerous issue (
Numbers 24:7).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A vessel for drawing up water from a well, or for catching, holding, or carrying water, sap, or other liquids.
2. (n.) A vessel (as a tub or scoop) for hoisting and conveying coal, ore, grain, etc.
3. (n.) One of the receptacles on the rim of a water wheel into which the water rushes, causing the wheel to revolve; also, a float of a paddle wheel.
4. (n.) The valved piston of a lifting pump.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BUCKETbuk'-et (deli): The word is found only inIsaiah 40:15Numbers 24:7, in the latter passage in a figurative use. The bucket was doubtless a waterskin with two cross-pieces at the top to fit it for use in drawing water, like those now in use in Palestine. The ordinary word for water-skin is a different one (no'dh).
Greek
502. antlema -- a container to draw with... Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: antlema Phonetic Spelling: (ant'-lay-mah)
Short Definition: a pail Definition: what is drawn; a vessel or
bucket to draw
...501. antleo -- to bail out, draw water
... draw out water. From antlos (the hold of a ship); to bale up (properly, bilge water),
ie Dip water (with abucket, pitcher, etc.) -- draw (out)....
Strong's Hebrew
1805. deli -- abucket... 1804, 1805. deli. 1806 . a
bucket. Transliteration: deli Phonetic Spelling:
(del-ee') Short Definition:
bucket. Word Origin from
...5845. atin -- probably a pail,bucket
... 5844b, 5845. atin. 5846 . probably a pail,bucket. Transliteration: atin
Phonetic Spelling: (at-een') Short Definition: sides. Word...
1802. dalah -- to draw (water)
... A primitive root (compare dalal); properly, to dangle, ie To let down abucket
(for drawing out water); figuratively, to deliver -- draw (out), X enough, lift...
Library
Conflagration
... thanks were due to Philip, who, roused by the awful spectacle from the stupor of
his grief, employed the servants in deluging the roof withbucket afterbucket...
The Apostles Chosen
... THE MITE SONG. "Only a drop in thebucket, But every drop will tell, The
bucket would soon be empty, Without the drops in the well....
How Does it Come?
... have been considering. We take abucket to the tap for water, and lo!
there is none. Something is wrong. Either the authorities...
What are the Clouds?
... small dust of the balance." We call the nations great, and we speak of mighty empires,
but the nations before him are but as "a drop in thebucket." We call...
Occasion of Writing. Relative Position of Jews and Gentiles...
... to God's Law"is enough to prevent Israel from priding himself on the notion that
"the Gentiles are accounted as a little drop of abucket," or else as "dust...
Repentance Applicable to all the Kinds of Sin to be Practised not...
... Seize the opportunity of unexpected felicity: that you, who sometime were in God's
sight nothing but "a drop of abucket," [8444] and "dust of the threshing...
But as to those who Think that not Here...
... For, say they, even the Demiurge himself did not uniformly approve of the men of
our world, whom he counted as a drop of abucket, [8277] and the dust of the...
Christian Conversation
... As I often tell you, you may know the quality of the water in a well by that which
is brought up in thebucket; so may we tell a Christian by his conversation....
Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
... In His view, all the inhabitants of the earth are but as a drop which falls unnoticed
from thebucket, or as the dust which cleaves to the balance (Isaiah 40:15...
Redemption through Blood, the Gracious Forgiveness of Sins
... leaves by the way. Thousands of years are less than a drop of abucket
compared with the lifetime of the Almighty. How sublime a...
Thesaurus
Bucket (1 Occurrence)...BUCKET.
... The
bucket was doubtless a waterskin with two cross-pieces at the top to
fit it for use in drawing water, like those now in use in Palestine.
...Drawer (1 Occurrence)
... In the case of a cistern or shallow well, an earthenware water jar or abucket made
of tanned goats' skin is lowered into the water by a rope and then raised...
Water (4571 Occurrences)
... In the case of a cistern or shallow well, an earthenware water jar or abucket made
of tanned goats' skin is lowered into the water by a rope and then raised...
Buck (23 Occurrences)
Onager (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A military engine acting like a sling, which threw
stones from a bag or woodenbucket, and was operated by machinery....
Lower (72 Occurrences)
... 2. (v.) To let descend by its own weight, as something suspended; to let down; as,
to lower abucket into a well; to lower a sail or a boat; sometimes, to pull...
Lifts (26 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in abucket,
and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold...
Weighs (12 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of abucket, and are counted as the
small dust of the balance; behold the isles are as a mote in weight....
Islands (32 Occurrences)
... (WEB NIV). Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in abucket,
and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold...
Isles (32 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of abucket, and are counted as the
small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little...
Resources
What are some idioms in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBucket: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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