Bible Encyclopedias
Earthen, Vessels

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Earth, Vault of the

Next Entry
Earthly

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Encyclopedias
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
• Earthen, Vessels
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Earthen Vessel or Earthenware
Lexicons
• חֶרֶשׂ

ûrth ´'n , (חרשׂ , ḥeres , יצר , yecer ; ὀστράκινος , ostrákinos ): These vessels were heat-resisting and were used for cooking and for boiling clothes (Leviticus 6:28; Leviticus 11:33; Leviticus 14:5 , Leviticus 14:50 ). They were probably non-porous and took the place of the ḳidri or ma'ajin used in Syria today. A traveler in the interior of Palestine may still meet with the hospitality showed to David (2 Samuel 17:28 ). The generous natives brought not only gifts of food but the necessary vessels in which to cook it. An earthen vessel was used to preserve a land deed (Jeremiah 32:14 ).

Figurative: In Jeremiah 19:1 breaking of an earthen vessel was symbolical of the destruction of Jerusalem. These vessels were also used to symbolize the commonness ( Lamentations 4:2 ) and frailness of our bodies (2 Corinthians 4:7 ). See POTTERY .