Bible Dictionaries
Basin

Holman Bible Dictionary

(KJV: Bawssuhn)—“Basin” and “bowl” are used interchangeably in the Bible to refer to various sizes of wide hollow bowls, cups, and dishes used for domestic or more formal purposes (John 13:5 ). In Bible times the most common material used to make such instruments was pottery. However, basins were also made of brass (Exodus 27:3 ), silver (Numbers 7:13 ), and gold (2 Chronicles 4:8 ). The largest basins were usually banquet bowls or mixing bowls for wine, although one of the largest was used in the sacrificial ritual at the great altar of the Temple (Zechariah 9:15 ). Generally, the largest basins were also used as lids for other vessels. The basin used by Jesus to wash the disciples' feet (John 13:5 ) was of a special sort. The Greek word is found nowhere else in Scripture, but from the context is understood to mean a vessel specifically suited for washing a particular part of the body, such as the hands or the feet, and is therefore used with a definite article, “the basin.” See Sacrifice; Offerings; Laver .

C. Dale Hill