Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, fullers were individuals who specialized in the cleaning and whitening of cloth, particularly wool. The process of fulling was essential in the preparation of garments and textiles, ensuring that they were clean, thickened, and ready for use. The role of the fuller is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting both the practical and symbolic significance of their work.
Biblical ReferencesOne of the most notable references to fullers is found in the context of the Transfiguration of Jesus. In
Mark 9:3 , it is described that Jesus' clothes became "radiantly white, brighter than any launderer on earth could bleach them." This passage underscores the exceptional purity and brightness of Jesus' garments, surpassing even the capabilities of a skilled fuller.
Another reference is found in
Malachi 3:2 , which speaks of the coming of the Lord: "But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire, like a launderer’s soap." Here, the fuller’s soap is used metaphorically to describe the purifying and cleansing work of God, emphasizing the thoroughness and intensity of divine purification.
The Fulling ProcessThe process of fulling involved several steps, beginning with the washing of the woolen cloth in water mixed with a cleansing agent, often a type of clay known as fuller’s earth. This substance was effective in removing oils, dirt, and other impurities from the fabric. The cloth would then be beaten or trodden underfoot to thicken and felt the fibers, enhancing the texture and durability of the material.
After washing, the cloth was rinsed and stretched on frames to dry and bleach in the sun. This process not only cleaned the fabric but also improved its appearance and quality, making it suitable for use in garments and other textiles.
Symbolic SignificanceThe work of the fuller carries significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, often associated with purification and righteousness. Just as the fuller cleanses and whitens cloth, so too does God cleanse and purify His people. The imagery of fulling serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual cleansing, emphasizing the need for purity and holiness in the lives of believers.
In the broader biblical narrative, the concept of cleansing and purification is central to the relationship between God and His people. The fuller’s work is a tangible representation of the transformative power of God’s grace, which washes away sin and restores believers to a state of righteousness.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Israel, fullers typically worked outside the city limits due to the unpleasant odors and waste associated with the fulling process. The location of the "fuller's field" is mentioned in
2 Kings 18:17 and
Isaiah 7:3 , indicating a place where fullers carried out their trade. This setting underscores the practical aspects of fulling, as well as its integration into the daily life and economy of the community.
The profession of the fuller, while humble, was essential in the ancient world, providing necessary services for the production of clean and durable textiles. The biblical references to fullers and their work reflect both the everyday realities of life in ancient times and the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through the imagery of cleansing and purification.
Strong's Hebrew
7274. Rogelim -- "(place of)fullers," a place in Gilead... 7273, 7274. Rogelim. 7275 . "(place of)
fullers," a place in Gilead.
Transliteration: Rogelim Phonetic Spelling: (ro-gel-eem') Short Definition: Rogelim.
...3526. kabas -- to wash
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to wash NASB Word Usage fuller's (3),fullers'
(1), wash (38), washed (8), washes (1). fuller, washing....
Library
Mount Olivet. The Mount of Olives, 2 Samuel 15:30
... In that place, near the wall, was theFullers' field; which whether it was so called
from wood framed together, wherefullers dried their cloth; or 'from a...
The Last Word of Prophecy
... for He is like a refiner's fire, and likefullers' soap: 3. And He shall sit as
a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and...
Change not Always Improvement.
... after losing by efflux his masculine sex by an incredible mutation"bruised within
his skin and without, worthy to be wreathed among the "Fullers" even of...
The Need and Nature of Conversion
... For he is like a refiner's fire, and likefullers' soap: and he shall sit as a refiner
and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge...
In the Holy of Holies
... for He is like a refiner's fire, and likefullers' soap: and He shall sit as a refiner
and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge...
In the Holy of Holies.
... for He is like a refiner's fire, and likefullers' soap: and He shall sit as a refiner
and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge...
On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the...
... or who shall stand when He appeareth? Because He cometh in like a refiner's fire,
and likefullers' herb; and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier....
Jesus was Transfigured --"As He was Praying. "
... according to Mark, "His garments become white and glistening as the light, so as
no fuller on earth can whiten them." [5789] And perhaps thefullers upon the...
James
... to heaven he said, "Lord forgive them for they know not what they do." Then struck
on the head by the club of a fuller such a club asfullers are accustomed to...
For, to Begin with what is Important, what Advantage is it to the...
... rushes? What, that there arefullers, workers in wool, embroiderers, cooks,
confectioners, dealers in mules, pimps, butchers, harlots?...
Thesaurus
Fullers (4 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fullers (4 Occurrences).
... for he is like a refiner's
fire, and like
fullers' soap: (KJV JPS DBY NAS RSV).
...Fuller (5 Occurrences)
... white them" (Mark 9:3). En-rogel (qv), meaning literally "foot-fountain," has been
interpreted as the "fuller's fountain," because there thefullers trod the...
Fuller's (4 Occurrences)
... Hinnom. Here thefullers pursued their occupation. Fuller's soap. (Hebrews
borith mekabbeshim, ie, "alkali of those treading cloth")....
Rab'shakeh (14 Occurrences)
... And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool,
which is in the highway of thefullers' field. (See RSV)....
Enrogel (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fountain of the treaders; ie, "foot-fountain;" also called
the "fullers' fountain," becausefullers here trod the clothes in water....
En-rogel (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Fountain of the treaders; ie, "foot-fountain;" also called
the "fullers' fountain," becausefullers here trod the clothes in water....
Lye (4 Occurrences)
... the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? For he will
be like a refiner's fire, and likefullers' lye. (DBY)....
Rab'saris (3 Occurrences)
... And when they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool,
which is in the highway of thefullers' field. (See RSV)....
Rogelim (2 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible DictionaryFullers, a town of Gilead, the residence of Barzillai
the Gileadite (2 Samuel 17:27; 19:31), probably near to Mahanaim. Int....
She'ar-jash'ub (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah: 'Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shear-jashub thy son, at the end of
the conduit of the upper pool, in the highway of thefullers' field; (See RSV...
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