Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:The term "sheet" in the context of the Bible is not frequently used in the same manner as in modern language. In biblical times, a "sheet" would typically refer to a large piece of fabric or cloth, often used for various practical purposes such as covering, wrapping, or as part of a tent. The word "sheet" as it appears in the Bible is derived from the Greek word "othonē," which can mean a linen cloth or sail.
Biblical References:One of the most notable references to a "sheet" in the Bible is found in the New Testament, in the book of Acts. In
Acts 10:11, Peter has a vision: "He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners." . This sheet contained all kinds of animals, and Peter was instructed to kill and eat, symbolizing the opening of the Gospel to the Gentiles and the removal of dietary restrictions.
Symbolism and Interpretation:In
Acts 10, the sheet symbolizes the inclusivity of God's message and the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. The vision challenges Peter's understanding of purity and the Law, emphasizing that what God has cleansed should not be considered impure. This passage is pivotal in the early Church's transition to a more inclusive community, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed (
Genesis 22:18).
Cultural and Historical Context:In the ancient Near East, sheets or large cloths were common household items. They were used for various purposes, including as sails for boats, coverings for tents, or even as burial shrouds. The use of a sheet in Peter's vision would have been a familiar image to the original audience, making the vision's message more relatable and understandable.
Theological Significance:Theologically, the vision of the sheet in
Acts 10 is significant for its role in the early Church's understanding of the universality of the Gospel. It underscores the message that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all people, regardless of ethnic or cultural background. This vision helped to pave the way for the missionary journeys of Paul and the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish communities.
Practical Application:For believers today, the account of the sheet in
Acts 10 serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the breaking down of prejudices. It challenges Christians to examine their own biases and to embrace the diversity within the body of Christ. The vision encourages the Church to reach out to all people with the message of the Gospel, reflecting God's love and acceptance for all humanity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) In general, a large, broad piece of anything thin, as paper, cloth, etc.; a broad, thin portion of any substance; an expanded superficies.
2. (n.) A broad piece of cloth, usually linen or cotton, used for wrapping the body or for a covering; especially, one used as an article of bedding next to the body.
3. (n.) A broad piece of paper, whether folded or unfolded, whether blank or written or printed upon; hence, a letter; a newspaper, etc.
4. (n.) A single signature of a book or a pamphlet;
5. (n.) The book itself.
6. (n.) A broad, thinly expanded portion of metal or other substance; as, a sheet of copper, of glass, or the like; a plate; a leaf.
7. (n.) A broad expanse of water, or the like.
8. (n.) A sail.
9. (n.) An extensive bed of an eruptive rock intruded between, or overlying, other strata.
10. (n.) A rope or chain which regulates the angle of adjustment of a sail in relation in relation to the wind; -- usually attached to the lower corner of a sail, or to a yard or a boom.
11. (n.) The space in the forward or the after part of a boat where there are no rowers; as, fore sheets; stern sheets.
12. (v. t.) To furnish with a sheet or sheets; to wrap in, or cover with, a sheet, or as with a sheet.
13. (v. t.) To expand, as a sheet.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SHEETshet. SeeDRESS; compareActs 10:11, "as it were a great sheet" (othone).
Greek
3607. othone -- fine linen, hence asheet or sail... fine linen, hence a
sheet or sail. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
othone Phonetic Spelling: (oth-on'-ay) Short Definition: a linen cloth,
sheet...5489. chartes -- asheet of paper (made of papyrus strips)
... asheet of paper (made of papyrus strips). Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: chartes Phonetic Spelling: (khar'-tace) Short Definition: papyrus...
2750. keiria -- a bandage, grave-clothes
... graveclothes. Of uncertain affinity; a swathe, ie Winding-sheet -- graveclothes.
(keiriais) -- 1 Occurrence. 2749, 2750. keiria. 2751 . Strong's Numbers.
4616. sindon -- fine linen cloth
... cloth. Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition fine linen cloth NASB
Word Usage linen cloth (4), linensheet (2). fine linen....
976. biblos -- (the inner) bark (of a papyrus plant), hence a...
... book. Properly, the inner bark of the papyrus plant, ie (by implication) a
sheet or scroll of writing -- book. (biblos) -- 1 Occurrence....
Strong's Hebrew
5466. sadin -- linen garment... fine linen,
sheet. From an unused root meaning to envelop; a wrapper, ie Shirt --
fine linen,
sheet. 5465, 5466. sadin. 5467 . Strong's Numbers.
6341. pach -- a bird trap
... gin, thin plate, snare From pachach; a (metallic)sheet (as pounded thin); also
a spring net (as spread out like a lamina) -- gin, (thin) plate, snare....
6823. tsaphah -- to lay out, lay over
... A primitive root (probably identical with tsaphah through the idea of expansion
in outlook, transferring to action); tosheet over (especially with metal...
Library
To the Rev. J. Jowett
... Now supposing that the size is to be folio like that of the original, two sides
will make asheet, and the price of composition will be 26 roubles, 20 copecks...
The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... The adorable head of Jesus rested upon Mary's knee, and his body was stretched
upon asheet.... I also saw another largesheet unfolded....
Now There were Few Barriers Between the Emperor and the People. .....
... man?". Augustus dropped thesheet of vellum and rubbed his chin thoughtfully....
glance. "A cipher," he added, passing thesheet of vellum....
A Caution to Stir up to Watch against Sin
... This faithful and affectionate appeal to conscience, was originally published on
a half-sheet of copy paper, and being only printed on one side of the leaf was...
Writing Blotted Out and Mist Melted
... You have seen those old-fashioned 'manifold writers' in your places of business,
and the construction of them is this: a flimsysheet of tissue paper, a bit of...
Then Rabbi Addas, and Rabbi Finees, and Rabbi Egias...
... righteous and holy blood. Then Karinus and Leucius signed to them with their
hands to give them asheet of paper and ink. And this they...
To the Rev. J. Jowett
... in a plain language which they spoke and were accustomed to, have received such
instruction that with ease they can each compose at the rate of asheet a day...
The Night of Resurrection.
... The sacred body of our Blessed Redeemer was wrapped in the winding-sheet, and
surrounded with light, while two angels sat in an attitude of adoration, the one...
A Battle with Smallpox
... cold. The doctor carried out smallpox laws to the extreme, putting up
a wetsheet in my brother's door as he was scaling off. I...
The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... I could see the linen cloth in which the body of Jesus had been wrapped scattered
about in the tomb, and the large winding-sheet lying in the same place as...
Thesaurus
Sheet (9 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) The book itself. 6. (n.) A broad, thinly expanded portion of metal or other
substance; as, a
sheet of copper, of glass, or the like; a plate; a leaf.
...Plate (34 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A flat, or nearly flat, piece of metal, the thickness of which is small
in comparison with the other dimensions; a thicksheet of metal; as, a steel...
Shroud (6 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Especially, the dress for the dead; a windingsheet.... 8. (n.) To cover with
a shroud; especially, to enclose in a windingsheet; to dress for the grave....
Object (76 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 10:11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him,
like a greatsheet let down by four corners on the earth, (See NAS)....
Lowered (14 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Acts 10:11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to
him, like a greatsheet let down by four corners on the earth, (See NAS)....
Follower (8 Occurrences)
... See Driver. 6. (n.) Among law stationers, asheet of parchment or paper which
is added to the firstsheet of an indenture or other deed. Int....
Entrance (190 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:46 He, having bought asheet of linen, took Him down, wrapped Him in the
sheet and laid Him in a tomb hewn in the rock; after which he rolled a stone...
Descending (23 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like
a greatsheet let down by four corners on the earth, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS...
Double (49 Occurrences)
... part upon another part of; as, to double the leaf of a book, and the like; to clinch,
as the fist; -- often followed by up; as, to double up asheet of paper...
Die (401 Occurrences)
... desired form to, or impress any desired device on, an object or surface, by pressure
or by a blow; used in forging metals, coining, striking upsheet metal, etc...
Resources
What does the Bible say about eating/drinking blood? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a metanarrative? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer shawl? | GotQuestions.orgSheet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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