Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, jars were essential household items used for a variety of purposes, including storage, cooking, and ceremonial functions. The Bible references jars in several contexts, highlighting their practical and symbolic significance.
Materials and ConstructionJars in ancient Israel were typically made from clay, a readily available material that could be shaped and fired to create durable containers. Pottery was a common craft, and the skill of the potter is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe God's sovereignty over creation (
Jeremiah 18:1-6). Jars varied in size and shape, from small vessels for precious oils to large storage jars for grain and water.
Uses in Daily LifeJars were indispensable in daily life for storing food, water, and other essentials. In
1 Kings 17:12, the widow of Zarephath mentions a "jar of flour" and a "jug of oil," illustrating their role in food storage. Similarly, in
John 2:6, Jesus performs His first miracle at the wedding in Cana by turning water into wine, using six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons.
Ceremonial and Religious UsesJars also held religious significance. In the Old Testament, anointing oil was stored in jars, as seen in
1 Samuel 10:1, where Samuel anoints Saul as king. The use of jars in religious rituals underscores their importance in the spiritual life of the Israelites.
Symbolism and MetaphorJars are often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey deeper spiritual truths. In
2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." Here, the fragility of clay jars symbolizes human weakness, while the treasure within represents the divine power of the Gospel.
Archaeological FindingsArchaeological discoveries have unearthed numerous jars from biblical times, providing insight into the daily life and culture of ancient Israel. These findings corroborate biblical accounts and enhance our understanding of the historical context in which these texts were written.
Notable Biblical References·
Gideon's Victory: In
Judges 7:16-20, Gideon uses jars to conceal torches, creating a surprise attack against the Midianites. The breaking of the jars and the sudden appearance of light symbolize divine intervention and victory.
·
The Widow's Oil: In
2 Kings 4:1-7, Elisha instructs a widow to gather empty jars to be filled miraculously with oil, demonstrating God's provision and care for His people.
·
The Potter's House:
Jeremiah 18:1-6 uses the imagery of a potter shaping clay to illustrate God's authority over nations and individuals, emphasizing His ability to mold and transform according to His will.
Jars, both as practical items and as rich symbols, play a significant role in the biblical narrative, reflecting the culture, faith, and divine interactions of the people of God.
Greek
3749. ostrakinos -- earthen... clay vessels). Earthen (clay)
jars were used for storage and as "writing
pads" (for messages, contracts, wills, etc.).]. Word Origin
...Strong's Hebrew
5035a. nebel -- a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher
NASB Word Usage jar (1),
jars (2),
jars* (1), jug (5), jugs (1), water
jars (1
...7184. qasah -- jug, jar
qasah or qasvah. 7183b, 7184. qasah or qasvah. 7185 . jug, jar. Transliteration:
qasah or qasvah Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-saw') Short Definition:jars....
3627. keli -- an article, utensil, vessel
... 1), equipment (6), everything* (1), furnishings (10), furniture (4), gear (1), goods
(6), implements (2), instruments (14), items (1), jar (2),jars (1),jars...
Library
Commandment Twelfth. On the Twofold Desire. The Commandments of...
... When a man has filled very suitablejars with good wine, and a few among thosejars
are left empty, [238] then he comes to thejars, and does not look at the...
Gideon's Brave Band
... He divided the three hundred men into three companies. Into the hands of all of
them he put horns and empty earthenjars. In each jar was a torch....
The Story of Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem
... In the dining hall were standing six large stonejars, each about as large as a
barrel, holding twenty-five gallons.... "Fill thejars with water."....
Jesus Begins his Work
... Close to the house there were six great stonejars or waterpots, and Jesus
said to the servants, 'Fill the waterpots with water....
The Wedding at Cana
... My time has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells
you." Six stone water-jars (such as the Jews used in washing) were there...
The So-Called Calends, and what are Called Bota and Brumalia...
... tragic masks; nor may men invoke the name of the execrable Bacchus when they squeeze
out the wine in the presses; nor when pouring out wine intojars [to cause...
Sanctified Commonplaces
... Look, first of all, at these clay pots"common enough"jars and jugs, standing in
a corner, or perhaps standing out on the veranda, near where the Saviour...
Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... with water. [Thejars had been partially emptied by the ablutions of the company.]
And they filled them up to the brim. [This statement...
The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... That winter, again and again, gifts of canned fruit came, sometimes from unknown
sources. Altogether, seventyjars of the finest fruit were sent to us....
At the Marriage Feast
... Christ. Beside the doorway stood six large stone waterjars, and Jesus
bade the servants fill these with water. It was done. Then...
Thesaurus
Jars (28 Occurrences)...Jars (28 Occurrences).
... John 2:6 Now there were six stone
jars standing there (in
accordance with the Jewish regulations for purification) (WEY RSV NIV).
...Potter (14 Occurrences)
... Thesejars are the oldest examples of the potter's article It is inconceivable that
in the country of Babel, Egypt's great rival in civilization, the ceramic...
Pottery (11 Occurrences)
... Thesejars are the oldest examples of the potter's article It is inconceivable that
in the country of Babel, Egypt's great rival in civilization, the ceramic...
Press (57 Occurrences)
... The juice flowed down through the pipe into the lower vat, from which it was removed
intojars (Haggai 2:16) or where it was allowed to remain during the first...
Oil (281 Occurrences)
... The juice which runs from the press, consisting of oil, extractive matter and water,
is conducted to vats or run intojars and allowed to stand until the oil...
Wine (282 Occurrences)
... The juice flowed down through the pipe into the lower vat, from which it was removed
intojars (Haggai 2:16) or where it was allowed to remain during the first...
Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... The scented oils or ointments were kept injars or vials (not boxes) made
of alabaster. Thesejars are frequently found as part...
Dionysus
... The burial of the wine in the dark tomb of thejars through the winter, and the
opening of thesejars at the spring festival symbolized the great awakening of...
Pouring (21 Occurrences)
... Exodus 25:29 And thou shalt make the dishes thereof, and the pans thereof, and the
jars thereof, and the bowls thereof, wherewith to pour out; of pure gold...
Bacchus
... The burial of the wine in the dark tomb of thejars through the winter, and the
opening of thesejars at the spring festival symbolized the great awakening of...
Resources
What does it mean that we have treasures in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Malachi 2:16 mean when God says, “I hate divorce”? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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