Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, knives were essential tools used for a variety of purposes, including culinary, sacrificial, and ceremonial functions. The Hebrew word often translated as "knife" is "ma'akelet," which appears in several key passages throughout the Old Testament. Knives are mentioned in contexts that highlight their practical and symbolic significance in ancient Israelite culture.
Culinary Use:Knives were indispensable in food preparation. In
Genesis 22:6, when Abraham prepares to sacrifice Isaac, he takes a knife with him: "Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac. He himself carried the fire and the knife." This passage underscores the knife's role in preparing offerings, which often involved the slaughter and butchering of animals.
Sacrificial and Ceremonial Use:Knives were crucial in the sacrificial system established by the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus, the priests used knives to slaughter animals for sacrifices. The precision and care required in these rituals underscored the knife's importance in maintaining the sanctity and order of worship. In
Exodus 20:25, God instructs the Israelites on building altars, emphasizing the use of unhewn stones to avoid the use of tools like knives, which could profane the altar: "But if you make an altar of stones for Me, you must not build it with cut stones; for if you use a chisel on it, you will defile it."
Symbolic Use:Knives also appear in symbolic contexts. In
Judges 19:29, a Levite uses a knife to dismember his concubine's body, sending the pieces throughout Israel as a call to action against the atrocity committed in Gibeah. This gruesome act highlights the knife's role as an instrument of judgment and a catalyst for communal response.
Metaphorical Use:In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of cutting instruments is evident.
Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow. While not explicitly a knife, this imagery conveys the precision and power of divine truth, akin to the sharpness and effectiveness of a well-crafted blade.
Cultural and Historical Context:Knives in biblical times were typically made of bronze or iron, materials that were accessible and durable. The craftsmanship of knives varied, with some being simple and utilitarian, while others were ornate and reserved for special purposes. The presence of knives in various biblical narratives reflects their integral role in daily life and religious practice.
In summary, knives in the Bible are depicted as essential tools for daily living, religious rituals, and symbolic acts. Their presence in Scripture underscores their multifaceted role in the ancient world, serving both practical and spiritual purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Plural of Knife.
2. (n. pl.) of Knife.
3. (n.) Plural of Pocketknife.
Strong's Hebrew
2719. chereb -- a sword... Word Origin from charab Definition a sword NASB Word Usage axes (1),
knives (2), sword (390), swords (18), swordsmen* (1), tool (1).
...3979. maakeleth -- a knife
... Word Origin from akal Definition a knife NASB Word Usage knife (3),knives (1).
knife. From 'akal; something to eat with,- ie A knife -- knife. see HEBREW 'akal...
4211. mazmerah -- a pruning knife
... hooks. Word Origin from zamar Definition a pruning knife NASB Word Usage
pruning hooks (3), pruningknives (1). pruning-hook. From...
Library
Joshua was a Figure of Christ.
... The former is said to have circumcised the people a second time withknives of stone
(which was a sign of this circumcision with which Jesus Christ Himself has...
The Right to Feel Superior
... In fact, they always give usknives and forks unless we especially ask for
chopsticks.... Chopsticks, orknives and forks"which are best?...
The Altar. The Rings. The Laver.
... fifteen cubits on the north, and fifteen cubits on the south; and that space, jetting
out on both sides, was called "The place ofknives,""namely, where the...
Meditation vi. The Last Pasch.
... coloured sauce of beverage. The guest had before them some round loaves instead
of plates, and they used ivoryknives. After the prayer...
The Trial by Fire
... 28. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner withknives
and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.29....
The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... But as the members are generally provided withknives or small swords, the society
is designated by the people as 'Sio-to-hoe,' Small Sword Society....
The Eve of the Restoration
... them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.9. And this is the number of them: thirty
chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twentyknives, 10...
Acts of Andrew and Matthias
... to the Lord, saying: Lord Jesus Christ, who didst order me to come into this city,
do not suffer those in this city to do any evil, but let theknives go out...
The Saviour's Last Command.
... They have brought beads and trinkets; they have brought instruments of death, such
as muskets, powder,knives and swords; and they have brought, too, full...
The Boyhood of Jesus
... their hands. People in Palestine would not know what to do with tables
and chairs, andknives and forks, like ours. The streets...
Thesaurus
Knives (12 Occurrences)...Knives (12 Occurrences).
... Joshua 5:3 Joshua made himself flint
knives, and
circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.
...Pruning-knives (4 Occurrences)
Pruning-knives. Pruning-hooks, Pruning-knives. Pry . Multi-Version
Concordance Pruning-knives (4 Occurrences). Isaiah...
Vine-knives (2 Occurrences)
Vine-knives. Vine-keepers, Vine-knives. Vine-plants . Multi-Version
Concordance Vine-knives (2 Occurrences). Isaiah...
Stone-knives (2 Occurrences)
Stone-knives. Stoneheap, Stone-knives. Stonemasons . Multi-Version
Concordance Stone-knives (2 Occurrences). Joshua...
Knife (10 Occurrences)
... "knives of flint;" Comp. Exodus 4:25); a razor (Ezek.... (5.) Smallerknives (Hebrews
ta'ar, Jeremiah 36:26) were used for sharpening pens....
Flint (12 Occurrences)
... Tsur and cela` are used oftener than challamish for great rocks and cliffs, but
tsur is used also for flintknives in Exodus 4:25, "Then Zipporah took a flint...
Ploughshares (3 Occurrences)
... among the nations, and shall reprove many peoples; and they shall forge their swords
into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-knives: nation shall not...
Plough-blades (3 Occurrences)
... the nations, and the peoples will be ruled by his decisions: and their swords will
be turned into plough-blades, and their spears into vine-knives: no longer...
Cups (28 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 25:14 The cauldrons also and the shovels and theknives and the cups, and
all the vessels of copper wherewith they ministered, they took away. (DBY)....
Folding-doors (3 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 and the basons, and theknives, and the bowls, and the cups, and the
censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, for the folding-doors of the...
Resources
What does it mean that iron sharpens iron? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Gibeah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgKnives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
