Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of a pillow was quite different from the modern understanding of a soft, cushioned item used for sleeping. The term "pillow" in the Bible often refers to various objects used for resting the head, which could range from stones to more elaborate cushions.
Old Testament ReferencesOne of the earliest mentions of a pillow is found in the account of Jacob. In
Genesis 28:11 , it is recorded, "When Jacob reached a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep." Here, the "pillow" is a stone, indicating the simplicity and ruggedness of life during the patriarchal period.
In
Ezekiel 13:18 , pillows are mentioned in a different context: "This is what the Lord GOD says: Woe to the women who sew magic bands on all their wrists and make veils of every size to ensnare souls! Will you ensnare the souls of My people but preserve your own?" The term "pillows" in this passage is often interpreted as referring to cushions or amulets used in false prophetic practices, highlighting the misuse of everyday items for deceptive purposes.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, the use of a pillow is mentioned in the account of Jesus calming the storm.
Mark 4:38 states, "But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" Here, the "cushion" or "pillow" signifies a more developed form of bedding, indicating a level of comfort even in the midst of a storm.
Cultural and Historical ContextPillows in biblical times were not the plush items we are familiar with today. They were often made from materials readily available, such as stones, wood, or even bundled cloth. The use of a pillow was a sign of rest and repose, but it also carried symbolic meanings in certain contexts, such as in Ezekiel's prophecy.
Symbolism and InterpretationIn a spiritual sense, pillows can symbolize rest and peace, as seen in the account of Jesus sleeping during the storm. This image serves as a powerful reminder of the peace that comes from faith and trust in God, even amidst life's tempests. Conversely, the misuse of pillows in Ezekiel's prophecy serves as a warning against the perversion of ordinary objects for ungodly purposes.
Overall, the biblical references to pillows, though few, provide insight into the daily life and spiritual lessons of the times. They remind believers of the simplicity of ancient life and the deeper spiritual truths that can be drawn from everyday objects.
ATS Bible Dictionary
PillowsPlaced on the divans around an eastern reception room. The luxurious appliances mentioned inEzekiel 13:18-19, were temptations to ease and voluptuousness; and emblems of similar soporifics for the conscience.
Library
Ezekiel xiii. 22
... thou have consumed them." In the same way, it is imagined that the false prophetesses
spoken of in the text were in the habit of wearingpillows, or cushions...
"They are not Strangers, Mama"
... themselves eagerly aloft; lifted themselves with such straining effort, that they
lifted the wasted little body from its reclining position among thepillows....
The Heavenly Pathway and the Earthly Heart
... upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and
he took of the stones of that place, and put them for hispillows, and lay down...
That the Ruler Should not Set his Heart on Pleasing Men, and yet...
... Hence it is well said through the prophet, Woe unto them that sew cushions under
every elbow, and makepillows under the head of every stature to catch souls...
The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper.
... We also know, that, as the Jewish Law directed, they reclined onpillows around
a low table, each resting on his left hand, so as to leave the right free....
A Prince's Bride
... A woman servant hastening after a line of men bearing a great divan, picking up
the draperies andpillows that had dropped, stopped and salaamed to her master....
Brother Hugh
... water, and festivals mitigated by fish. Goodbye topillows and bolsters
and linen shirts. Welcome horse-hair vests, sacking sheets...
The Service Common to the Festivals of the Holy virgin.
... upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and
he took of the stones of that place, and put them for hispillows, and lay down...
Lights and Shadows.
... This trial, whatever it be, has this grand motto written upon it in characters of
living light;"we can read it on anguishedpillows"aching hearts"ay, on...
Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... questions about matters too high for them; asking, in fact, questions which were
only meant to be some excuse for continuing in their sins,pillows for their...
Thesaurus
Pillows (6 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pillows (6 Occurrences). Genesis 28:11 And he
lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night
...Pillow (8 Occurrences)
... upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and
he took of the stones of that place, and put them for hispillows, and lay down...
Ensnare (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sewpillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature...
Mattress (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 19:13 and Michal taketh the teraphim, and layeth on the bed, and the mattress
of goats' 'hair' she hath put 'for' hispillows, and covereth with a...
Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... It is rightly rendered in Revised Version "at his head." In Genesis 28:11, 18 the
Authorized Version renders it "for hispillows," and the Revised Version...
Cushions (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe to the women that sewpillows
upon all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every...
Charms (10 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus says the Lord Yahweh: Woe to the women who sewpillows
on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature...
Maketh (399 Occurrences)
... toucheth at a 'certain' place, and lodgeth there, for the sun hath gone in, and
he taketh of the stones of the place, and maketh 'them' hispillows, and lieth...
Catch (46 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 13:18 and say, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the women that sew
pillows for all wrists, and that make veils for the head of persons of every...
Taketh (398 Occurrences)
... toucheth at a 'certain' place, and lodgeth there, for the sun hath gone in, and
he taketh of the stones of the place, and maketh 'them' hispillows, and lieth...
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