Bible Encyclopedias
Rope

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

rōp : Used in the Old Testament for חבל , ḥebhel , "that which binds" ( 2 Samuel 17:13 , etc.), and for עבת , ‛ăbhōth , "that which is woven" (Judges 15:13 , etc.). In neither word is any specified thickness or strength connoted, and ḥebhel is translated equally well by "line" (2 Samuel 8:2 , etc.) or "cord" (Joshua 2:15 , etc.), and ‛ăbhōth by "cord" (Psalm 118:27 , etc.), as best suits the context. Similarly in the New Testament the word σχοινίον , schoinı́on , literally, "made of rushes" can mean the rope by which a boat is fastened (Acts 27:32 ) or small cords suitable for a whip (John 2:15 ). The usual material for ropes was certainly flax (hemp), but the Egyptians, and so possibly the Hebrews, at times made ropes of leathern thongs. See CORD; LINE; SHIPS AND BOATS , III., 2.