Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "rolls" refers to scrolls, which were the primary medium for writing and preserving texts. These scrolls were made from papyrus or parchment and were rolled up for storage and transport. The use of scrolls is evident throughout the Bible, serving as a means to record sacred texts, legal documents, and prophetic writings.
Old Testament ReferencesThe concept of rolls is notably present in the Old Testament. In
Jeremiah 36, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to write down all the words spoken to him on a scroll.
Jeremiah 36:2 states, "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you—during the reign of Josiah until today." This passage highlights the importance of scrolls in preserving divine revelation and prophecy.
Another significant mention is found in
Ezekiel 2:9-10 , where the prophet Ezekiel describes a scroll given to him by God: "Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, which He unrolled before me. And on both sides of it were written words of lamentation, mourning, and woe." This imagery underscores the role of scrolls as carriers of God's messages, often containing warnings and judgments.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the use of scrolls continues, particularly in the context of Jewish religious practices. In
Luke 4:17 , Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue: "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written." This event emphasizes the scroll's role in worship and teaching, as well as Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy.
The Book of Revelation also features scroll imagery.
Revelation 5:1 describes a scroll in the right hand of God: "Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals." This scroll represents God's ultimate plan and judgment, with its seals symbolizing the unfolding of eschatological events.
Cultural and Religious SignificanceScrolls were central to Jewish religious life, containing the Torah and other sacred writings. They were meticulously copied by scribes to ensure the accuracy and preservation of God's Word. The reverence for scrolls is evident in the care taken in their production and handling, reflecting their status as vessels of divine truth.
In the broader cultural context, scrolls were used for various purposes, including legal documents, historical records, and literature. However, their most profound significance lies in their role as the medium through which God's Word was communicated to His people.
Symbolism and InterpretationThe imagery of scrolls in the Bible often symbolizes revelation, authority, and the unfolding of divine will. They serve as a tangible representation of God's communication with humanity, containing His laws, promises, and prophecies. The act of unrolling a scroll can signify the unveiling of truth and the progression of God's redemptive plan.
In summary, rolls or scrolls in the Bible are more than mere physical objects; they are integral to the transmission and preservation of God's Word. Their presence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights their enduring significance in the spiritual and religious life of God's people.
Greek
5440. phulakterion -- an outpost, fortification, an amulet... lak-tay'-ree-on) Short Definition: a phylactery, an amulet Definition: a phylactery,
an amulet, a parchment capsule containing little parchment
rolls with the
...Strong's Hebrew
1556. galal -- to roll, roll away... to roll, roll away NASB Word Usage commit (3), lay wallowing (1), roll (5), roll
you down (1), roll down (1), rolled (3), rolled away (1),
rolls (1), seek
...7076. qinnamon -- cinnamon
... cinnamon. From an unused root (meaning to erect); cinnamon bark (as in uprightrolls) --
cinnamon. 7075, 7076. qinnamon. 7077 . Strong's Numbers.
6916. qiddah -- cassia
... cassia. From qadad; cassia bark (as in shrivelledrolls) -- cassia. see HEBREW
qadad. 6915, 6916. qiddah. 6917 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! Let all Our Tuneful Powers...
... The God of the Seasons. 1 Great God! let all our tuneful powers Awake and sing thy
mighty name; Thy handrolls on our circling hours. 851. LM Heginbotham....
Introduction
... commentators. Ancient authorities for his Life are:"(1) The Magna Vita,
by Chaplain Adam (Rolls); (2) Metrical Life, Ed. Dimock...
The Original Text and Its History.
... furnished by them is called the Masoretic, in distinction from the unpointed text,
which latter is, according to Jewish usage, retained in the synagogue-rolls....
Baptism --A Burial
... instituted. As yet we are, with regard to spiritual things, like children
playing on the beach while the oceanrolls before us....
Connection of These Primeval Testimonies with Christ.
... which concur in Himself: so that, just as Alpharolls on till it reaches Omega,
and again Omegarolls back till it reaches Alpha, in the same way He might show...
The Secret of Its Greatness
... Perhaps he wrote the first words of the Bible onrolls of papyrus paper with
a soft reed pen, in the manner of the Egyptian scribes....
Index of Names and Subjects.
... the people, 147; contrasts to the teaching of Deuteronomy, 153; enmity of the priests,
168; prediction of the ruin of the Temple, 168; theRolls, 178; address...
Canonicity.
... The explanation of the early mixture of non-canonical books with canonical, by reason
of their having been kept as separate papyrusrolls in the same chest...
What do we Count them Worth?
... The women say "Chee!" Then herolls in the dust, and squirms, and wriggles, and
howls; and he pours out such unclean vials of wrath that the women, coerced...
Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... space around, set apart for women, represents the Court of the Women, while the
innermost and highest place, with the Ark behind, containing therolls of the...
Thesaurus
Rolls (3 Occurrences)...Rolls (3 Occurrences). Ezra 6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was
made in the house of the
rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
...Papyrus (4 Occurrences)
... 2. Egyptian Papyri: Egyptian papyrusrolls are in existence dating from the 27th
century BC, and no doubt the manufacture of papyrus had been practiced for...
Roll (57 Occurrences)
... 2:9; 3:1-3; Zechariah 5:1, 2. "Rolls" (Chald.... 4. (n.) To drive or impel forward with
an easy motion, as of rolling; as, a riverrolls its waters to the ocean....
Roller (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One who, or that which,rolls; especially, a cylinder, sometimes grooved,
of wood, stone, metal, etc., used in husbandry and the arts....
Bible
... (2) Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, called the fiverolls,
as being written for the synagogue use on five separaterolls....
Manuscripts
... In a narrower sense they are handwritten codices,rolls and folded documents, as
distinguished from printed books on the one hand and inscriptions, or engraved...
Hebrew (37 Occurrences)
... Other Targumim (not officially recognized): (1) To the Psalms and Job; (2) to Proverbs;
(3) to the FiveRolls; (4) to Chronicles-all Palestinian. See TARGUM....
Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... The famous library which at different eras was reported as possessing from 400,000
to 900,000 books androlls-therolls being as precious as the books-was a...
Septuagint
... The translators arrive at Alexandria, bringing a copy of the Law written in letters
of gold onrolls of skins, and are honorably received by Ptolemy....
Canon
... Various other and somewhat fanciful explanations of it, however, have been given:
for example, to prevent profane uses of worn-out synagoguerolls (Buhl); or...
Resources
What does it mean to delight yourself in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I overcome exam/test anxiety? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan? | GotQuestions.orgRolls: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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