Topical Encyclopedia
The term "earthen" in the Bible typically refers to objects made from clay or earth, emphasizing their fragility and impermanence. This concept is often used metaphorically to describe human beings and their mortal nature, as well as the vessels used for various purposes in biblical times.
Biblical References:1.
Creation and Humanity: The concept of earthen is foundational in the creation narrative. In
Genesis 2:7 , it is written, "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." This passage highlights the earthen origin of humanity, underscoring the idea that humans are formed from the dust of the earth, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture to remind us of our humble beginnings and dependence on God.
2.
Earthen Vessels: Earthen vessels are mentioned in various contexts in the Bible, often symbolizing the frailty and temporary nature of human life. In
2 Corinthians 4:7 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." Here, the "jars of clay" or "earthen vessels" represent human bodies, which, though fragile, contain the treasure of the Gospel, demonstrating that the power and glory belong to God, not to human strength.
3.
Purity and Ritual Use: In the Old Testament, earthen vessels were used in various rituals and had specific laws regarding their use and purification.
Leviticus 11:33 states, "If any of them falls into a clay pot, everything in it will be unclean, and you must break the pot." This regulation reflects the porous nature of earthenware, which could absorb impurities, thus requiring destruction if contaminated. Such laws underscore the importance of purity and holiness in the worship and daily life of the Israelites.
4.
Symbol of Judgment: Earthen vessels also serve as symbols of judgment and destruction. In
Jeremiah 19:11 , God instructs the prophet to break a clay jar as a sign of the impending judgment on Jerusalem: "Then you are to shatter the jar in the presence of the men who accompany you." The breaking of the jar symbolizes the shattering of the city and its people due to their disobedience and idolatry, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God.
5.
Restoration and Hope: Despite the fragility associated with earthen objects, the Bible also offers a message of hope and restoration. In
Isaiah 64:8 , the prophet declares, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand." This imagery of God as the potter and His people as the clay conveys the idea of divine sovereignty and the potential for renewal and transformation under God's guidance.
Theological Implications:The use of "earthen" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty and the transient nature of earthly life. It calls believers to recognize their dependence on God, who is the source of life and strength. The metaphor of earthen vessels also emphasizes the contrast between human weakness and the divine power that works through believers, encouraging humility and reliance on God's grace. Through the imagery of the potter and the clay, Scripture assures believers of God's ongoing work in their lives, shaping and molding them according to His purpose.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
a.) Made of earth; made of burnt or baked clay, or other like substances; as, an earthen vessel or pipe.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
EARTHEN VESSELSurth'-'-n, (cheres, yetser; ostrakinos):
These vessels were heat-resisting and were used for cooking and for boiling clothes (Leviticus 6:28;Leviticus 11:33;Leviticus 14:5, 50). They were probably non-porous and took the place of the kidri or ma'ajin used in Syria today. A traveler in the interior of Palestine may still meet with the hospitality showed to David (2 Samuel 17:28). The generous natives brought not only gifts of food but the necessary vessels in which to cook it. An earthen vessel was used to preserve a land deed (Jeremiah 32:14).
Figurative: InJeremiah 19:1 breaking of an earthen vessel was symbolical of the destruction of Jerusalem. These vessels were also used to symbolize the commonness (Lamentations 4:2) and frailness of our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:7).
SeePOTTERY.
James A. Patch
Greek
3749. ostrakinos --earthen...earthen. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: ostrakinos Phonetic Spelling:
(os-tra'-kin-os) Short Definition: made of earth Definition: made of clay
...2765. keramion -- anearthen vessel
... anearthen vessel. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: keramion Phonetic
Spelling: (ker-am'-ee-on) Short Definition: a pitcher,earthen vessel...
2764. keramikos --earthen
...earthen. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: keramikos Phonetic Spelling:
(ker-am-ik-os') Short Definition: of clay, made by a potter Definition: of clay...
4713. stamnos -- anearthen jar (for racking off wine)
... anearthen jar (for racking off wine). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
stamnos Phonetic Spelling: (stam'-nos) Short Definition: a jar or vase...
2823. klibanos -- an oven
... oven. Of uncertain derivation; anearthen pot used for baking in -- oven. (klibanon) --
2 Occurrences. 2822, 2823. klibanos. 2824 . Strong's Numbers.
Strong's Hebrew
2789. cheres -- earthenware,earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd... 2788, 2789. cheres. 2790 . earthenware,
earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd.
Transliteration: cheres Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'-res) Short Definition: earthenware
...6089. etseb -- a hurt, pain, toil
... 6088, 6089. etseb. 6089a . a hurt, pain, toil. Transliteration: etseb Phonetic
Spelling: (eh'-tseb) Short Definition: idol.earthen vessel, idol, labor, sorrow...
3335. yatsar -- to form, fashion
... potter (9), potter's (7), potters (1).earthen, fashion, form, frame, maker,
potter, purpose. Probably identical with yatsar (through...
Library
The Heavenly Treasure inEarthen Vessels
... Third Series Sermon 124 The Heavenly Treasure inEarthen Vessels. "We have
this treasure inearthen vessels." 2:Cor.4:7. 1. How long...
2 Timothy ii. 20, 21
... our own choice? For otherwise theearthen could not become gold, nor could
the golden descend to the vileness of the other. But in...
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians the Creator the Father of...
... Satan, the God of This World. The Treasure inEarthen Vessels Explained Against
Marcion. The Creator's Relation to These Vessels, Ie Our Bodies....
Adam not Innocent, but Holy.
... complete. Saying that anearthen vessel must be as whole and sound as a porcelain
vase does not mean that it must become like that vase....
Instructions to Catechumens.
... For he does not sayearthen vessels: but vessels of the potter. But, give
heed: Forearthen vessels when crushed would not admit...
The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
... Christ caused theearthen vessels to be filled with water, and then turned the water
into wine (John 2:9). So when the eye, thatearthen vessel, has been...
Epilogue
... or corner empty seems; Here stands the brazen laver burnished, And there the golden
goblet brightly gleams; Hard by some crock of clumsyearthen ware, Massive...
The Dark Shadow
... the Lord Jesus Christ. We have been told in these simple words of the
great treasure poured into theearthen vessel. And now we...
Sundry Other Passages of St. Paul Explained in a Sentence...
... give the light of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord in the person of Jesus
Christ," [7572] and says that "we have this treasure inearthen vessels," [7573...
Light of a Stone Most Precious
... Fresh, as if but now begun.Earthen vessels, marred, unsightly,. But the treasure
as of old,.... With those riches of His love. Thus, throughearthen vessels only,....
Thesaurus
Earthen (19 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Made of earth; made of burnt or baked clay, or other
like substances; as, an
earthen vessel or pipe. Int.
...EARTHEN VESSELS.
...Earthenware (13 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But theearthen vessel wherein it is sodden shall be broken; and
if it be sodden in a brazen vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water....
Pot (46 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A metallic orearthen vessel, appropriated to any of a great variety of
uses, as for boiling meat or vegetables, for holding liquids, for plants, etc...
Clay (50 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Leviticus 11:33 Everyearthen vessel, into which any of them falls, all
that is in it shall be unclean, and you shall break it. (See NIV)....
Pottery (11 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) The vessels or ware made by potters; earthenware,
glazed and baked. 2. (n.) The place whereearthen vessels are made. Int....
Potter (14 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One whose occupation is to makeearthen
vessels. 2. (n.) One who hawks crockery or earthenware....
Wooden (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only gold and silver vessels,
but also wooden andearthen; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. (DBY)....
Rinsed (6 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 6:28 But theearthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and
if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water....
Potter's (16 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 19:1 Thus said Yahweh, Go, and buy a potter'searthen bottle, and take
of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests; (WEB KJV JPS ASV...
Fresh (41 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV NAS RSV). Leviticus 14:5 The priest shall command them to kill one
of the birds in anearthen vessel over running water. (See NIV)....
Resources
Who are the super-apostles Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 11:5? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is transcendent? | GotQuestions.orgEarthen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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