Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "script" referred to a small bag or pouch used for carrying provisions, particularly by travelers or shepherds. The script was an essential item for those journeying long distances, as it held food and other necessities. The concept of the script is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, often symbolizing reliance on God's provision and the simplicity of life.
Old Testament ContextThe Hebrew word often translated as "script" is "tarmil," which appears in the context of shepherds and travelers. While the Old Testament does not frequently mention the script explicitly, the lifestyle of nomadic peoples and shepherds, such as Abraham and David, implies the use of such items for carrying daily sustenance.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "pera" is used, which is translated as "bag" or "script." One of the most notable references to the script is found in the instructions Jesus gives to His disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sends out the twelve apostles with specific instructions regarding their journey:
"Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts. Take no bag for the road, or second tunic, or sandals, or staff; for the worker is worthy of his provisions." (
Matthew 10:9-10)
Here, the script symbolizes a call to trust in God's provision and the hospitality of those they would encounter. The disciples were to rely on the generosity of others and the providence of God rather than their own preparations.
Similarly, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus reiterates this instruction when sending out the seventy-two:
"Carry no purse or bag or sandals. Do not greet anyone along the road." (
Luke 10:4)
The emphasis is on the urgency and focus of their mission, trusting that God would provide for their needs through the kindness of those they ministered to.
Symbolic MeaningThe script, as a symbol, represents a life of faith and dependence on God. It underscores the biblical principle that believers are to trust in God's provision rather than their own resources. This theme is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who often highlighted the importance of faith and reliance on God over material wealth and self-sufficiency.
Cultural and Historical InsightsIn the cultural context of the Bible, the script was a practical item for daily life, especially for those who traveled frequently. It was typically made of leather or cloth and was slung over the shoulder. The script would contain basic necessities such as bread, dried fruit, and other simple foods that could sustain a traveler on their journey.
The use of the script in biblical narratives also reflects the broader theme of pilgrimage and journeying, which is a recurring motif throughout Scripture. The patriarchs, prophets, and apostles often embarked on journeys that required them to trust in God's guidance and provision.
ConclusionThe script serves as a powerful reminder of the call to live a life of faith, trusting in God's provision and care. It challenges believers to focus on their spiritual journey and mission, relying on God's faithfulness rather than their own preparations and resources.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Cursive writing; a handwritten document or manuscript.
2. (n.) Type made in imitation of handwriting.
3. (n.) An original instrument or document.
4. (n.) Written characters; style of writing.
Strong's Hebrew
3791. kethab -- a writing... 3790, 3791. kethab. 3792 . a writing. Transliteration: kethab Phonetic
Spelling: (kaw-thawb') Short Definition:
script. Word Origin
...Library
Editor's Preface
... The cuneiformscript was an inheritance from the non-Semitic predecessors of the
Semites in Babylonia, and in thisscript the characters represented words as...
The Old Testament and Archeology
... those seen everywhere on the obelisks and ruined temples of the land; adjoining
these below are thirty-two lines of another species ofscript, while at the...
Thoughts Upon the Appearance of Christ the Sun of Righteousness...
... In the Syriack [image of syriackscript] The rising of the Lord shall be for glory.
In Arabick, [image of arabickscript] The Lord shall rise as the sun....
Introductory Notice to Arnobius.
... [3193] Credib., iii. 463. [3194] Cat.Script. Eccl., lxxix. f. 121, Bened. ed. tom....
f. 656. [3196] ie, ad 326. [3197] Cat.Script. Eccl., lxxx. f. 121, ep. 83....
The Naturalness of Prayer
... Redemption. It "arrives." It is read in a newscript. The soul's conflict
is found in a prelude in it. This may disturb our pagan joy....
Next Day among his Letters were Two of Value in the History of...
... This latter one gave him the greater satisfaction. It conveyed, in formalscript,
the following message: "TO ONE SEEKING WISDOM IN PRAYER....
Most Hostile and Alien to the Apostolic Confession are those who...
... [271] Edited in Latin by Gerardus Vossius, Opp. Greg. Thaum., Paris, 1662, in fol.;
given in Greek from the Codex Vaticanus by Cardinal Mai,Script. Vet., vii....
Fragment iv. --On the Sojourning of Christ with Us.
... Footnotes: [2363] A fragment from the homily. Ex Leontio Hierosolymitano, contra
Monophysitas, Ap. Mai.Script. Vet., tom. vii. p. 134....
Fragment vi. --Of the Soul and Body.
... of God. Footnotes: [2382] Ex Leontii et Joannis Rer. Sacr., lib. ii. Apud
Mai,Script. Vet., tom. vii. p. 85. From his demonstration...
Fragment vii. --Fragment.
... the long-suffering of God. Footnotes: [2384] Ex Leontio et Joanne Rer.
Sacr., lib. ii. Apud Mai,Script. Vet., tom. vii. p. 96....
Thesaurus
Script (5 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) An original instrument or document. 4. (n.) Written characters; style
of writing. Multi-Version Concordance
Script (5 Occurrences).
...Aramaic (12 Occurrences)
... SYRIAN in the Revised Version (British and American)): 1. Early Notices of Aramaic
in Scripture 2. Extra-Biblical Evidences of Aramaic 3. TheScript of Aramaic...
Samaritan (8 Occurrences)
... CODICES ANDSCRIPT 1. Nablus Roll 2. TheScript 3. Peculiarities of Writing 4. The
Tarikh 5. The Mode of Pronunciation 6. Age of the Nablus Roll III....
Arabic
... Thescript which we know as Arabicscript, with its numerous varieties, developed
out of the vulgar Aramaic alphabet in North Arabia; diacritical points were...
Ethiopic
... At the time of King `Ezana the knowledge of the Sabean language seems to
have been very little; but Sabeanscript was still used....
Babylonia (17 Occurrences)
... BABYLONIA. bab-i-lo'-ni-a 1. Mounds 2. Explorations 3. Names 4. Semites 5. Sumerians
6. Home of the Semites 7. Immigration 8. Language 9.Script 10....
Scrip (7 Occurrences)
... Version has "scrip" in 1 Samuel 17:40 and 6 times in New Testament; the English
Revised Version has "wallet" in the New Testament, but retains "script" in 1...
Elamarna
... Physical Character II. EPIGRAPHICAL VALUE 1. Peculiar CuneiformScript
2. Method of Writing Proper Names III. PHILOLOGICAL VALUE...
Tablets (31 Occurrences)
... Physical Character II. EPIGRAPHICAL VALUE 1. Peculiar CuneiformScript
2. Method of Writing Proper Names III. PHILOLOGICAL VALUE...
El-amarna
... Physical Character II. EPIGRAPHICAL VALUE 1. Peculiar CuneiformScript
2. Method of Writing Proper Names III. PHILOLOGICAL VALUE...
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