Topical Encyclopedia
Ropes in the Bible serve as significant tools and symbols, appearing in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. They are often associated with binding, securing, and sometimes deliverance or betrayal. The use of ropes reflects both practical and metaphorical meanings, illustrating themes of strength, captivity, and salvation.
Old Testament References1.
Binding and Captivity: Ropes are frequently mentioned in the context of binding individuals, often as a means of captivity or control. In
Judges 15:13, Samson is bound with new ropes by the men of Judah to be delivered to the Philistines: "They said to him, 'No, we will not kill you, but we will tie you up securely and hand you over to them.' So they bound him with two new ropes and led him up from the rock." This instance highlights the use of ropes as instruments of restraint.
2.
Construction and Measurement: Ropes were also used in construction and measurement. In the building of the tabernacle, ropes were likely used to secure the tent and its coverings. Although not explicitly mentioned, ropes would have been essential in the practical assembly of such structures.
3.
Symbol of Strength and Weakness: In the account of Samson, ropes symbolize both strength and weakness. Despite being bound, Samson's God-given strength allows him to break free: "The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and the ropes on his arms became like charred flax, and the bindings dropped from his hands" (
Judges 15:14).
New Testament References1.
Escape and Deliverance: In the New Testament, ropes are associated with escape and deliverance. In
Acts 9:25, the disciples use ropes to lower Paul in a basket through an opening in the city wall to escape from Damascus: "But his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall." This act of deliverance underscores the role of ropes in facilitating God's plans and protection.
2.
Shipwreck and Survival: During Paul's journey to Rome, ropes are used to secure the ship amidst a violent storm.
Acts 27:17 describes how the sailors "passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together." This practical use of ropes highlights their importance in ensuring survival and stability during perilous times.
Metaphorical and Symbolic Uses1.
Symbol of Sin and Bondage: Ropes can symbolize the bondage of sin and the entanglement of iniquity.
Proverbs 5:22 states, "The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him; he is caught in the cords of his sin." Here, ropes metaphorically represent the entrapment and consequences of sinful behavior.
2.
Hope and Deliverance: Conversely, ropes can also symbolize hope and deliverance. The scarlet cord used by Rahab in
Joshua 2:18-21 serves as a sign of her faith and the promise of salvation for her and her family. This cord, akin to a rope, becomes a symbol of God's mercy and deliverance.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient times, ropes were made from various materials, including flax, hemp, and other plant fibers. They were essential for daily life, used in agriculture, construction, and transportation. The biblical references to ropes reflect their integral role in the ancient Near Eastern culture and their symbolic significance in conveying spiritual truths.
Ropes in the Bible, therefore, are not merely physical objects but carry deeper meanings that resonate with themes of bondage, strength, deliverance, and hope. Through their various uses and symbolic representations, ropes contribute to the rich tapestry of biblical narrative and theology.
Greek
2202. zeukteria -- bands,ropes... bands,
ropes. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: zeukteria Phonetic
Spelling: (dzook-tay-ree'-ah) Short Definition: a band, fastening Definition: a
...996. boetheia -- help
... 996 () is also used of the help provided byropes (tackle, etc.).]. Word Origin
from boetheo Definition help NASB Word Usage help (1), supporting cables (1)....
4979. schoinion -- a rope (made of rushes)
... Word Origin dim. of schoinos (a rush) Definition a rope (made of rushes)
NASB Word Usage cords (1),ropes (1). small cord, rope....
Strong's Hebrew
2256a. chebel -- cord, territory, band... cords (13), group (2), line (4), lines (2), measurement (1), measuring line (1),
noose (1), portion (3), portions (2), region (5), rope (1),
ropes (7), seacoast
...2259. chobel -- sailor
... pilot, shipmaster. Active participle from chabal (in the sense of handlingropes);
a sailor -- pilot, shipmaster. see HEBREW chabal. 2258, 2259. chobel. 2260...
8458. tachbulah -- direction, counsel
... Or tachbuwlah {takh-boo-law'}; from chabal as denominative from chebel; (only in
plural) properly, steerage (as a management ofropes), ie (figuratively...
4340. methar -- cord, string
... Definition: cords. Word Origin from yathar Definition cord, string NASB Word
Usage bowstrings (1), cords (7),ropes (1). cord, string. From...
2260. chibbel -- probably a mast
... mast From chabal (in the sense of furnished withropes); a mast -- mast. see HEBREW
chabal. 2259, 2260. chibbel. 2260a . Strong's Numbers.
5688. aboth -- cord, rope, cordage
... Word Origin from abath Definition cord, rope, cordage NASB Word Usage bonds
(1), clouds (1), cordage (3), corded (1), cords (8),ropes (8)....
Library
Raising of the Cross.
... When the executioners had finished the crucifixion of our Lord, they tiedropes
to the trunk of the cross, and fastened the ends of theseropes round a long...
The Carrying of the Cross.
... By means ofropes, which the executioners had fastened to the foot of the cross,
two archers supported it to prevent its getting entangled in anything, and...
A Strong Man who Lost his Strength
... You have deceived me and lied to me; now tell me with what you can be bound fast."
He said to her, "If they should bind me securely with newropes with which...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... The lifelong occupation of the ungodly man is to twistropes of sin. All his sins
are as so much twine and cord out of whichropes may be made....
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... The lifelong occupation of the ungodly man is to twistropes of sin. All his sins
are as so much twine and cord out of whichropes may be made....
Paul's Shipwreck
... in the ship's boat. After lifting it on board, the men usedropes to bind
together the lower part of the ship. As they were afraid...
The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross.
... were eighteen archers on the platform; the six who had scourged Jesus, the four
who had conducted him to Calvary, the two who held theropes which supported...
Jesus is Arrested.
... They then fastened fourropes to different parts of the belt, and by means of these
ropes dragged our Blessed Lord from side to side in the most cruel manner....
Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
... Theropes are fortune or heredity; in the psalm: they have beaten me with splendid
ropes.ropes are also sins; woe to you who bear sins or longropes....
References
... 16. For a collection of probably genuine Agrapha seeRopes, Die Spruche
Jesu, 154-161, and Amer. Jour.... He is criticised byRopes....
Thesaurus
Ropes (32 Occurrences)...Ropes (32 Occurrences).
... There descended what seemed to be an enormous sail, being
let down from the sky by
ropes at the four corners, and it came close to me.
...Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence)
Cart-ropes. Cart-rope, Cart-ropes. Carts . Multi-Version Concordance
Cart-ropes (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto...
Cord (47 Occurrences)
... Suchropes or cords are made of goat's or camel's hair, first spun into threads
and then twisted or plaited into the larger and stronger form....
Rope (10 Occurrences)
... braiding, twining, etc.; as, a rope of onions. 3. (n.) The small intestines;
as, theropes of birds. 4. (vi) To be formed into rope; to...
Sail (32 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:11 The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous sail
was descending, being let down to the earth byropes at the four corners....
Waists (5 Occurrences)
... Please let us put sackcloth on our bodies, andropes on our heads, and go out
to the king of Israel. Maybe he will save your life." (See NIV)....
Enormous (5 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:11 The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous sail
was descending, being let down to the earth byropes at the four corners....
Deli'lah (6 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:12 So Deli'lah took newropes and bound him with them, and said to him,
"The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And the men lying in wait were in an...
Cart-rope (1 Occurrence)
Cart-rope. Cart, Cart-rope. Cart-ropes .... Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw
iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as with cart-ropes! (Root in DBY WBS)....
Cordage (3 Occurrences)
... (n.)Ropes or cords, collectively; hence, anything made of rope or cord, as
those parts of the rigging of a ship which consist ofropes....
Resources
Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ithamar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about passivity / being passive? | GotQuestions.orgRopes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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