Topical Encyclopedia
The term "roller" in the context of the Bible refers to a bird mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically within the dietary laws given to the Israelites. The roller is listed among the unclean birds that the Israelites were prohibited from eating. The Hebrew word often translated as "roller" is "shachaf," which is found in the book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.
Biblical References:1.
Leviticus 11:18 : "the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."
2.
Deuteronomy 14:17 : "the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat."
In these passages, the roller is grouped with other birds that are considered detestable and not to be consumed by the Israelites. The specific identification of the "roller" has been a subject of debate among scholars and translators. Some suggest that the bird referred to might be the European roller (Coracias garrulus), known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive rolling flight pattern. Others propose that it could be a different bird altogether, as the exact species is not definitively known.
Cultural and Symbolic Significance:The roller, like other birds listed as unclean, holds symbolic significance in the context of the Mosaic Law. The dietary restrictions served to set the Israelites apart from other nations, emphasizing holiness and obedience to God's commandments. The inclusion of the roller among unclean birds underscores the importance of discernment and separation from practices deemed impure or unholy.
Conservative Christian Perspective:From a conservative Christian viewpoint, the dietary laws, including the prohibition of eating the roller, are seen as part of the Old Covenant, which was fulfilled in Christ. While these specific laws are not binding on Christians today, they are valued for their spiritual and moral lessons. The emphasis on holiness, purity, and obedience remains relevant, as believers are called to live lives that reflect God's standards.
The roller, therefore, serves as a reminder of the broader biblical themes of separation from sin and dedication to God's will. The study of such terms in the Bible encourages a deeper understanding of the historical and theological context of Scripture, enriching the faith and practice of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One who, or that which, rolls; especially, a cylinder, sometimes grooved, of wood, stone, metal, etc., used in husbandry and the arts.
2. (n.) A bandage; a fillet; properly, a long and broad bandage used in surgery.
3. (n.) One of series of long, heavy waves which roll in upon a coast, sometimes in calm weather.
4. (n.) A long, belt-formed towel, to be suspended on a rolling cylinder; -- called also roller towel.
5. (n.) A cylinder coated with a composition made principally of glue and molasses, with which forms of type are inked previously to taking an impression from them.
6. (n.) A long cylinder on which something is rolled up; as, the roller of a man.
7. (n.) A small wheel, as of a caster, a roller skate, etc.
8. (n.) Any insect whose larva rolls up leaves; a leaf roller. See Tortrix.
9. (n.) Any one of numerous species of Old World picarian birds of the family Coraciadae. The name alludes to their habit of suddenly turning over or tumbling in flight.
10. (n.) Any species of small ground snakes of the family Tortricidae.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ROLLERrol'-er: the King James Version and the English Revised Version inEzekiel 30:21 for chittul, "bandage" (so the American Standard Revised Version). "Roller" was formerly a technical term in surgery for a wide bandage.
Greek
4972. sphragizo -- to seal... 4972 (from 4973 , "a seal") -- properly, to seal (affix) with a signet ring or other
instrument to stamp (a
roller or seal), ie to , () what is sealed.
...Strong's Hebrew
2848. chittul -- a bandage... Word Origin from chathal Definition a bandage NASB Word Usage bandage (1).
roller.
From chathal; swathed, ie A bandage --
roller. see HEBREW chathal.
...Library
'According To' --I.
... There goes the great steam-roller along the road.... and ye would not,' and your 'would
not' neutralises His 'would.' Do not stand in the way of the steam-roller....
'Lying Vanities'
... passeth away,' as the Apostle John puts it, in a forcible expression which likens
all this frame of things to a panorama being unwound from oneroller and on...
Philip and the Desposyni
... the deep blue, and the white pelicans winging their way to the lake beneath, and
the playful, crested hoopoes, and the bright flash of theroller-bird, which...
Greek and Jew
... The second servant drew a cord and aroller of matting lifted and showed a skylight.
Philadelphus the pretender was in the andronitis of a Greek house....
Shoes of Iron, and Strength Sufficient: a New Year's Promise
... We are pilgrims. We journey along a road which has not been smoothed by a
steam-roller, but remains rough and rugged as the path to an Alpine summit....
Psalm LVI.
... [2101] Within he is, he shall sojourn and hide: suppose chaff is near thee, let
there come in the treading of oxen, let there come in theroller of temptations...
The Cause and Cure of a Wounded Spirit
... says one. I suppose that you would like to run a steam-roller across the
room just for the sake of strengthening their nerves! But...
Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... the Pentateuch is written, is affixed to two rollers, and as each portion of the
law is read it is unrolled from the right, and rolled on to the leftroller....
Christian Cemeteries.
... According to an ingenious hypothesis of Bottari, adopted by de Rossi, the Paneas
group is represented on the Lateran sarcophagus, engraved byRoller in the...
Thesaurus
Roller (2 Occurrences)... in calm weather. 4. (n.) A long, belt-formed towel, to be suspended on
a rolling cylinder; -- called also
roller towel. 5. (n.) A
...Roll (57 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) To press or level with aroller; to spread or form with a roll,roller,
or rollers; as, to roll a field; to roll paste; to roll steel rails, etc....
Cot (3 Occurrences)
... cote. 3. (n.) A cover or sheath; as, aroller cot (the clothing of a drawing
roller in a spinning frame); a cot for a sore finger. 4...
Rolled (38 Occurrences)
Wheel (20 Occurrences)
... proposed are end-less. (3) gilgal, Isaiah 28:28, theroller of a threshing
wagon. (4) 'obhnayim, Jeremiah 18:3. See POTTER. (5) pa`am...
Repeat (10 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) That which is repeated; as, the repeat of a pattern; that is, the repetition
of the engraved figure on aroller by which an impression is produced (as...
Rolleth (2 Occurrences)
Eventually (2 Occurrences)
... Nay, he will not ever be threshing it; and though theroller of his wagon and
its sharp edges move noisily, he doth not crush it. (See NAS)....
Digging (8 Occurrences)
... made. (See RSV). Proverbs 26:27 Whoso is digging a pit falleth into it, And
theroller of a stone, to him it turneth. (YLT). Ecclesiastes...
Distribute (23 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To separate (type which has been used) and return it to the proper boxes
in the cases. 5. (vt) To spread (ink) evenly, as upon aroller or a table....
Resources
What is a Holy Roller? | GotQuestions.orgProtestant Christianity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about Christianity (All) | GotQuestions.orgRoller: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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