Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the term "pallet" refers to a simple bed or mat used for sleeping or resting. These were typically made from woven materials or straw and were easily transportable, reflecting the modest living conditions of many people during the biblical era. Pallets are mentioned in several passages in the New Testament, often in the context of healing miracles performed by Jesus.
One of the most notable references to a pallet is found in the account of the healing of the paralytic, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark. In
Mark 2:3-12 , it is written:
"Then a paralytic was brought to Him, carried by four men. Since they were unable to get to Jesus through the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.' But some of the scribes were sitting there and thinking in their hearts, 'Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?' Immediately Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. 'Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?' He asked. 'Which is easier: to say to a paralytic, "Your sins are forgiven," or to say, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk"? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...' He said to the paralytic, 'I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.' And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, 'We have never seen anything like this!'"In this passage, the pallet serves as a symbol of the man's previous condition of paralysis and his subsequent healing and liberation through the power of Jesus. The act of picking up the pallet and walking signifies not only physical healing but also spiritual restoration and forgiveness.
Another reference to a pallet is found in
John 5:8-9 , where Jesus heals a man at the Pool of Bethesda:
"Then Jesus told him, 'Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.' Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day."Here, the pallet again represents the man's former state of infirmity. The command to "pick up your mat and walk" underscores the completeness of the healing and the authority of Jesus over physical ailments and the Sabbath laws.
In
Acts 9:33-34 , the Apostle Peter also performs a healing miracle involving a pallet:
"There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 'Aeneas,' Peter said to him, 'Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and put away your mat.' Immediately Aeneas got up."This passage highlights the continuation of Jesus' healing ministry through His apostles, demonstrating the power of faith and the transformative impact of divine intervention.
In summary, pallets in the biblical context are more than mere physical objects; they are emblematic of the transformative power of faith and the miraculous works of Jesus and His apostles. They serve as tangible reminders of God's ability to heal, restore, and renew both body and spirit.
Greek
2895. krabattos -- a camp bed... See Mt 9:6, Jn 5:3,8. Word Origin of Macedonian origin Definition a camp bed NASB
Word Usage bedridden* (1), pallet (8),
pallets (2). bed, mattress.
...Library
Prayer Taught and Encouraged.
... room. Thepallets, or thin mattresses, are spread upon the divan, or raised
platform, which passes around the room next to the wall....
Let the Clergy of the Poor-Houses, Monasteries, and Martyries...
... At Ephesus Bassian founded a ptocheiton with seventypallets for the sick (Mansi,
vii., 277), and there were several such houses in Egypt (ib., vi., 1013; in...
The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the...
... With Eastern rapidity the tidings would pass along, and from all the country around
the sick were brought on theirpallets, if they might but touch the border...
At the Unknown' Feast in Jerusalem, and by the Pool of Bethesda.
... Even now travellers describe a similar concourse of poor crippled sufferers, on
their miserablepallets or on rugs, around the mineral springs near Tiberias...
Love's Triumph Over Sin
... From out of the blazing heart of the Glory the same tender face looks that bent
over sick men'spallets, and that turned on Peter in the judgment-hall....
Ephesians iv. 31
... day. For they will strip the damsels, and call their husbands for the
purpose, and oftentimes tie them to thepallets. Alas! at...
The Compassion of Jesus
... Wherever he paused or even passed by, they laid the sick in the streets; he could
not stand or walk without the spectacle of theirpallets to harrow his...
Jewish views on Trade, Tradesmen, and Trades' Guilds
... to beware of eating fine bread and giving black bread to one's workmen or servants;
not to sleep on feathers and give them strawpallets, more especially if...
Thesaurus
Pallets (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Pallets (2 Occurrences). Mark 6:55 and ran around
that whole region, and began to bring those who were
...Pallet (9 Occurrences)
Interpretation (45 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. The couches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water. It...
Pallor (1 Occurrence)
Baptist (16 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. The couches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water. It...
Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... 34) Jesus says, "In that night there shall be two men on one bed," which is incidental
evidence that the "beds" of that day were not all "pallets" or "couches...
Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... 34) Jesus says, "In that night there shall be two men on one bed," which is incidental
evidence that the "beds" of that day were not all "pallets" or "couches...
Bed (142 Occurrences)
... 34) Jesus says, "In that night there shall be two men on one bed," which is incidental
evidence that the "beds" of that day were not all "pallets" or "couches...
Baptism (76 Occurrences)
... customs. See also the omission of "couches" in the same verse. The couches
were "pallets" and could easily be dipped into water. It...
Resources
Bible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
