In biblical times, the concept of a "carpet" as understood in modern terms was not prevalent. However, the use of woven materials for covering floors and other surfaces was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those mentioned in the Bible. These materials were often crafted from wool, flax, or other fibers and served both practical and decorative purposes.

Biblical References and Context

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "carpets," it does refer to various textiles and woven items that could serve similar functions. For instance, in the construction of the Tabernacle, detailed in the book of Exodus, various fabrics and coverings were used extensively. Exodus 26:1 states, "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." These curtains, while not carpets, demonstrate the importance and skill involved in creating woven materials for sacred spaces.

In the context of domestic life, woven items such as rugs or mats would have been used for sitting, sleeping, and covering floors. The use of such items is implied in various passages that describe the living conditions and customs of the people. For example, in 2 Kings 4:10 , the Shunammite woman prepares a room for the prophet Elisha, saying, "Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him." While not explicitly mentioning a carpet, the provision of a comfortable space suggests the use of textiles for warmth and comfort.

Cultural and Historical Significance

In the ancient Near East, textiles were a significant part of daily life and trade. The production of woven goods was a skilled craft, often involving intricate designs and patterns. These items were not only functional but also a display of wealth and artistry. The use of rich colors and elaborate designs in textiles is evident in the biblical descriptions of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests.

The cultural significance of woven materials extended beyond their practical use. They often held symbolic meanings, representing status, hospitality, and reverence. In many cultures, the presentation of a finely woven item was a gesture of honor and respect.

Symbolism and Spiritual Insights

From a spiritual perspective, the use of woven materials in the Bible can be seen as a metaphor for the intricate and purposeful design of God's creation. Just as a skilled weaver crafts a beautiful and functional piece, so too does God weave together the lives and events of His people for His divine purposes. The beauty and complexity of woven textiles reflect the order and creativity inherent in God's design.

Furthermore, the use of textiles in sacred spaces, such as the Tabernacle, underscores the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship. It serves as a reminder that the worship of God involves not only the heart and mind but also the physical environment, which should reflect His glory and majesty.

In summary, while the Bible does not specifically mention carpets, the use of woven materials in biblical times was significant both practically and symbolically. These items played a vital role in daily life, worship, and the expression of cultural values.1. (n.) A heavy woven or felted fabric, usually of wool, but also of cotton, hemp, straw, etc.; esp. a floor covering made in breadths to be sewed together and nailed to the floor, as distinguished from a rug or mat; originally, also, a wrought cover for tables.

2. (n.) A smooth soft covering resembling or suggesting a carpet.

3. (v. t.) To cover with, or as with, a carpet; to spread with carpets; to furnish with a carpet or carpets.

4766. stronnuo -- to spread
... stro'-o), (used only as an alternate in certain tenses) (probably akin to stereos
through the idea of positing); to "strew," ie Spread (as a carpet or couch ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4766.htm - 6k

5291. hupostronnuo -- to spread under
... spread. From hupo and stronnumi; to strew underneath (the feet as a carpet) -- spread.
see GREEK hupo. see GREEK stronnumi. (upestronnuon) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5291.htm - 6k

6844. tsaphith -- a rug, carpet
... 6843, 6844. tsaphith. 6845 . a rug, carpet. Transliteration: tsaphith
Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-feeth') Short Definition: cloth. ...
/hebrew/6844.htm - 6k

4055. mad -- a measure, cloth garment
... Or med {made}; from madad; properly, extent, ie Height; also a measure; by implication,
a vesture (as measured); also a carpet -- armour, clothes, garment ...
/hebrew/4055.htm - 6k

2667. chophesh -- perhaps a spread
... precious. From chaphash; something spread loosely, ie A carpet -- precious. see
HEBREW chaphash. 2666, 2667. chophesh. 2668 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2667.htm - 6k

Christ's Birth
... I saw our Redeemer as a tiny child, shining with a light that overpowered all the
surrounding radiance, and lying on the carpet at the Blessed Virgin's knees. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... It contains a little piece of dark red carpet and two little pieces of thin woven
stuff, like cr?�pe, of the color of raw silk; also a piece of some stuff like ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... The sleeping place of the Blessed Virgin was backed by a wall hung with a woven
carpet; the side-walls were light screens of bark woven in different-colored ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

The Fulton St. Prayer Meeting.
... She expressed great admiration at all she saw, and, particularly attracted by the
carpet, said to the lady: 'Why, I should think Jesus must come here very often ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the fulton st prayer meeting.htm

The Making of a Nation
... Mr. Lincoln, as I saw him every morning, in the carpet slippers he wore in the house
and the black clothes no tailor could make really fit his gaunt, bony frame ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kent/the making of a nation/title page.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... A carpet is spread on the 'mastaba,' and the customer sits upon it to transact
his business, usually side by side with the seller. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

But Christmas is not only the mile-mark of another year
... the smiters and the builders and the judges, have lived long and done sternly and
yet preserved this lovely character; and among our carpet interests and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stevenson/a christmas sermon/ii.htm

Letter iv. Personal Habits.
... The carpet and papering of the room were of light neutral tints, and the broad sloping
walls which made the sides of the dormer window were ornamented, the one ...
/.../letter iv personal habits.htm

Special Efforts
... She loved to build a new penitent-form, which ran the whole width of the
platform"with suitable carpet in front of it from end to end"and above it, in gold ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vi special efforts.htm

The Holy Spirit and Prayer
... first thing he said was: "Brother, where did you get that sermon?" He was taken
into a poorly furnished room and pointed to a spot where the carpet was worn ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/xiii the holy spirit and.htm

Carpet (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A smooth soft covering resembling or suggesting a carpet. 3. (vt ... or
carpets. Multi-Version Concordance Carpet (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/carpet.htm - 7k

Moth (10 Occurrences)
... Dermestes and Anthrenus. Carpet moths are often the larvae of Anthrenus.
See Carpet beetle, under Carpet, Dermestes, Anthrenus. 5. (n ...
/m/moth.htm - 13k

Outer (98 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Mark 11:8 Then many spread their outer garments to carpet the road, and others
leafy branches which they had cut down in the fields; (WEY). ...
/o/outer.htm - 37k

Leafy (22 Occurrences)
... Mark 11:8 Then many spread their outer garments to carpet the road, and others leafy
branches which they had cut down in the fields; (WEY NAS RSV). ...
/l/leafy.htm - 12k

Lash (2 Occurrences)
... an eyelash. 6. (n.) In carpet weaving, a group of strings for lifting
simultaneously certain yarns, to form the figure. 7. (vt) To ...
/l/lash.htm - 8k

Whip (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To strike with a lash, a cord, a rod, or anything
slender and lithe; to lash; to beat; as, to whip a horse, or a carpet. ...
/w/whip.htm - 11k

Weave (4 Occurrences)
... by interlacing threads; to compose, as a texture of any kind, by putting together
textile materials; as, to weave broadcloth; to weave a carpet; hence, to form ...
/w/weave.htm - 8k

Fields (199 Occurrences)
... Mark 11:8 Then many spread their outer garments to carpet the road, and others leafy
branches which they had cut down in the fields; (WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/f/fields.htm - 37k

Right (4703 Occurrences)
... or monarchists. See Center, 5. 29. (n.) The outward or most finished surface,
as of a piece of cloth, a carpet, etc. 30. (v.) To ...
/r/right.htm - 14k

Royal (154 Occurrences)
... pavilion" (the Revised Version (British and American) and the King James Version),
"glittering" (Revised Version, margin), "scepter," "a carpet covering a ...
/r/royal.htm - 42k

What are the different forms of church polity? | GotQuestions.org

How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org

How does God see me in Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Carpet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus