Topical Encyclopedia
Twine, a strong thread or string composed of two or more strands twisted together, is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of craftsmanship and construction. In biblical times, twine was an essential material used for various purposes, including the making of nets, garments, and other items requiring durability and strength.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 26:1 : "You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." In this passage, the use of finely spun linen, which would have involved twine, is specified for the construction of the tabernacle. The twine here is part of the intricate craftsmanship required for the sacred space, highlighting its importance in religious and ceremonial contexts.
2.
Judges 16:9 : "While the men were hidden in her room, she called out to him, 'Samson, the Philistines are here!' But he snapped the bowstrings as a strand of yarn snaps when it touches the flame. So the secret of his strength was not discovered." This verse illustrates the strength of Samson by comparing it to the fragility of yarn, which is a form of twine. The imagery underscores the contrast between human strength and the materials of the time.
3.
Proverbs 7:16 : "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt." While not directly mentioning twine, this verse alludes to the use of fine materials, likely involving twine in their creation, to produce luxurious and decorative items. The reference to Egyptian linens suggests a high level of craftsmanship and the use of quality materials, including twine.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israel, twine was a fundamental component in daily life and religious practices. It was used in the making of nets for fishing, a critical industry for sustenance and trade. The durability and flexibility of twine made it ideal for creating strong, reliable nets that could withstand the pressures of fishing in the Sea of Galilee and other bodies of water.
Twine was also integral in the production of textiles. The spinning and weaving of linen and wool required the use of twine to create threads that could be woven into fabric. This process was labor-intensive and required skill, often carried out by women in the household. The resulting textiles were used for clothing, coverings, and other domestic purposes.
In the construction of the tabernacle and later the temple, twine played a role in the creation of curtains and other fabric elements. These items were not only functional but also symbolic, representing the beauty and holiness of the space. The use of twine in these contexts underscores its significance in both practical and spiritual aspects of life in biblical times.
Symbolism:Twine, as a material that binds and holds together, can be seen as a symbol of unity and strength. In the biblical narrative, the use of twine in sacred spaces and objects may reflect the idea of bringing together the community of believers and maintaining the integrity of their worship practices. The twisting of strands to create a single, strong thread can also be viewed as a metaphor for the strength found in unity and cooperation among God's people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) A twist; a convolution.
2. (n.) A strong thread composed of two or three smaller threads or strands twisted together, and used for various purposes, as for binding small parcels, making nets, and the like; a small cord or string.
3. (n.) The act of twining or winding round.
4. (n.) To twist together; to form by twisting or winding of threads; to wreathe; as, fine twined linen.
5. (n.) To wind, as one thread around another, or as any flexible substance around another body.
6. (n.) To wind about; to embrace; to entwine.
7. (n.) To change the direction of.
8. (n.) To mingle; to mix.
9. (v. i.) To mutually twist together; to become mutually involved.
10. (v. i.) To wind; to bend; to make turns; to meander.
11. (v. i.) To turn round; to revolve.
12. (v. i.) To ascend in spiral lines about a support; to climb spirally; as, many plants twine.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
TWINEtwin (shazar, "to be twined"): The word is used inExodus 26:1;; 36:8;, etc., of the "fine twined linen" used for the curtains and hangings of the tabernacle, and for parts of the priests' dress. It denotes linen the finely spun threads of which consisted of two or more smaller threads twined together.
SeeLINEN;TABERNACLE.
Greek
4120. pleko -- to plait... braid, weave, plait. A primary word; to
twine or braid -- plait. (plexantes) --
3 Occurrences. 4119, 4120. pleko. 4121 . Strong's Numbers.
4735. stephanos -- that which surrounds, ie a crown
... From an apparently primary stepho (totwine or wreathe); a chaplet (as a badge of
royalty, a prize in the public games or a symbol of honor generally; but more...
Strong's Hebrew
7806. shazar -- to be twisted... root Definition to be twisted NASB Word Usage twisted (21).
twine. A primitive root;
to twist (a thread of straw) --
twine. 7805, 7806. shazar. 7807 .
...3867. lavah -- to join, be joined
... A primitive root; properly, totwine, ie (by implication) to unite, to remain; also
to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (caus.) To lend -- abide with, borrow...
3525. kebel -- a fetter
... fetter. From an unused root meaning totwine or braid together; a fetter --
fetter. 3524, 3525. kebel. 3526 . Strong's Numbers.
6616. pathil -- cord, thread
... bound, bracelet, lace, line, ribbon, thread, wire. From pathal;twine -- bound,
bracelet, lace, line, ribband, thread, wire. see HEBREW pathal. 6615, 6616....
6617. pathal -- to twist
... A primitive root; totwine, ie (literally) to struggle or (figuratively) be (morally)
tortuous -- (shew self) froward, shew self unsavoury, wrestle....
Library
The vine and the Branches.
... "As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, but must abide in the vine, so neither
can ye except ye abide in Me." A ball oftwine or a bag of shot cannot be...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... The lifelong occupation of the ungodly man is to twist ropes of sin. All his sins
are as so muchtwine and cord out of which ropes may be made....
Argument. Perpetua is Again Tempted by Her Father Her Third vision...
... But when I saw that there was some delay I joined my hands so as totwine my fingers
with one another; and I took hold upon his head, and he fell on his face...
Jesus and his Mother.
... helplessness. Love is born with the child. The mother presses it to her
breast, and at once her heart's tendrilstwine about it. It...
When God Takes Away Our Children from Us, it is a Very Affecting...
... their Actions, their very Looks touch us, if they be amiable and promising Children,
in a tender, but very powerful Manner; their little Armstwine about our...
Home and the Home-Maker.
... "Home"The place where we grumble the most and are treated the best. "Home"The center
of our affection, round which our heart's best wishestwine....
On Sleep.
... let not the couch be elaborate, and let it have smooth feet; for elaborate turnings
form occasionally paths for creeping things whichtwine themselves about...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... The lifelong occupation of the ungodly man is to twist ropes of sin. All his sins
are as so muchtwine and cord out of which ropes may be made....
Argument: Christians Abstain from Things Connected with Idol...
... among the flowers? For these we both use scattered loose and free, and we
twine our necks with them in garlands. Pardon us, forsooth...
Scotch Song
... The tane it built with the green, green moss, But and the bents sae fine, And
the tither wi' a lock o' lady's hair Linked up wi' sillertwine....
Thesaurus
Twine (1 Occurrence)... 12. (vi) To ascend in spiral lines about a support; to climb spirally; as,
many plants
twine. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
TWINE.
...Wind (180 Occurrences)
... To turn completely, or with repeated turns; especially, to turn about something
fixed; to cause to form convolutions about anything; to coil; totwine; to twist...
Twined (25 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) ofTwine. Multi-Version Concordance
Twined (25 Occurrences). Exodus 25:4 blue, purple, scarlet...
Twin (9 Occurrences)
Needle (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A slender rod or wire used in knitting; a knitting needle; also, a hooked
instrument which carries the thread ortwine, and by means of which knots or...
Mat (17 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To cover or lay with mats. 8. (vt) To twist,twine, or felt together;
to interweave into, or like, a mat; to entangle. 9...
Ball (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Any round or roundish body or mass; a
sphere or globe; as, a ball oftwine; a ball of snow. 2. (n...
String (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A small cord, a line, atwine, or a slender strip of leather, or other
substance, used for binding together, fastening, or tying things; a cord, larger...
Resources
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