In biblical times, the use of compresses was a common practice for treating wounds and ailments. A compress is a soft, typically moist cloth or material applied to the body to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or promote healing. The Bible provides several instances where similar practices were employed, reflecting the medical knowledge and customs of ancient cultures.

Biblical References and Context

While the Bible does not explicitly mention "compresses" by name, the concept is evident in various passages that describe the use of bandages, ointments, and other healing applications. One notable example is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the Samaritan tends to the wounds of a beaten man:

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came to him; and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him" (Luke 10:33-34).

In this passage, the Samaritan uses oil and wine as medicinal agents, likely applying them with some form of cloth or bandage to cleanse and soothe the wounds. This reflects the ancient practice of using natural substances in conjunction with compresses to aid in healing.

Historical and Cultural Insights

The use of compresses in ancient Israel and surrounding regions was influenced by the broader medical practices of the ancient Near East. Oils, wines, and various herbs were commonly used for their antiseptic and soothing properties. These substances were often applied with cloths or bandages to create compresses that could be wrapped around injuries or sore areas.

The prophet Isaiah also alludes to the use of bandages and ointments in a metaphorical sense, highlighting the need for spiritual healing:

"From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil" (Isaiah 1:6).

This imagery underscores the importance of proper care and the application of healing treatments, both physically and spiritually.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

In a theological context, the use of compresses and healing treatments can be seen as a reflection of God's care and provision for His people. Just as physical wounds require attention and healing, so too do spiritual wounds. The Bible frequently uses the language of healing to describe God's redemptive work in the lives of believers.

The act of tending to wounds, as demonstrated by the Good Samaritan, serves as a powerful illustration of love and compassion. It emphasizes the call for believers to care for one another, embodying the love of Christ through acts of mercy and service.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide detailed medical instructions, the references to healing practices such as the use of compresses offer valuable insights into the cultural and spiritual dimensions of care in biblical times. These practices not only addressed physical needs but also pointed to deeper spiritual truths about God's healing and restorative power.7169. qarats -- to nip, pinch
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to nip, pinch NASB Word Usage compresses (1),
formed (1), maliciously* (1), wink (1), winks (2). form, move, wink. ...
/hebrew/7169.htm - 6k

Concerning the Heaven.
... Further, they say that the heaven moves in a circle and so compresses all that is
within it, that they remain firm and not liable to fall asunder. ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vi concerning the heaven.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... Not only St. Matthew, [6212] but also St. Luke, so compresses the narrative
that the distinction of points of time' is almost effaced. St. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

Wherein is a Partial Inquiry into the Nature of the World, and a ...
... sphere, like a wheel, and preserving the indissolubility of both by their mutual
action, as the circling substance by its rapid motion compresses the compact ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/i wherein is a partial.htm

Academicus. ...
... evident enough; for I have a sufficient sensibility, that this is the nature of
desire; that, in its spiritual way, it attracts, draws, compresses, and would ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-18 academicus .htm

But if Life is to be Happy, Something Else must Come into Them...
... And thus nature remains in its full strength; it compresses, it attracts, and it
whirls, as it did at first; and nothing is lost, or taken from it, but its ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-30 but if life is.htm

Chapter ii
... For, having eight major works, he (it is said) nevertheless compresses them within
six days, to be followed by a seventh rest day, in order to secure a divine ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter ii.htm

With the Circus
... "(b) Enlarges the organ. "(c) Compresses and lessens the cells for producing bile.
"(d) Stimulates the liver to overaction, thus reducing the bile supply. ...
/.../byrum/how john became a man/chapter viii with the circus.htm

In Death and after Death
... Cold-water compresses, the external and internal use of oil and of wine, baths
(medicated and other), and a certain diet, were carefully indicated in special ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

The Book of Humanity
... of interpretation. The spokesman compresses or condenses into speech what
has been dimly in the consciousness of the people. Even ...
/.../mcconnell/understanding the scriptures/chapter iii the book of.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... be poured on warm, but not the reverse (at least such was the opinion of the school
of Shammai), nor was it lawful to prepare either cold or warm compresses. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Compresses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Compresses (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 16:30 One who winks
his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. ...
/c/compresses.htm - 6k

Winks (3 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/winks.htm - 7k

Perversities (2 Occurrences)
... its streets. (DBY). Proverbs 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. (WEB). ...
/p/perversities.htm - 6k

Compresseth (1 Occurrence)

/c/compresseth.htm - 6k

Compressed (1 Occurrence)

/c/compressed.htm - 7k

Plot (53 Occurrences)
... good. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. (WEB NIV). ...
/p/plot.htm - 22k

Bent (107 Occurrences)
... upright. (BBE). Proverbs 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities,
one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil. (WEB NIV). ...
/b/bent.htm - 36k

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