In biblical times, the concept of a "cot" as understood in modern terms—a small bed or crib for infants—does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the Bible does provide insights into the sleeping arrangements and care for infants and young children, which can be related to the idea of a cot.

Infant Care in Biblical Times

The care of infants in ancient Israelite culture was primarily the responsibility of the mother, with assistance from other female family members or servants. The nurturing and protection of children were of utmost importance, as seen in various biblical narratives. For example, in Exodus 2:3, Moses' mother placed him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile to protect him from Pharaoh's decree. This basket, while not a cot, served a similar protective function for the infant Moses.

Sleeping Arrangements

While the Bible does not specifically mention cots, it does provide glimpses into the sleeping arrangements of families. In many cases, families likely shared sleeping spaces, with infants and young children sleeping alongside their parents. This practice is suggested in passages like 1 Kings 3:19, where the account of the two women and the living child implies close sleeping quarters.

Symbolism and Metaphors

The Bible often uses imagery related to rest and safety, which can be metaphorically linked to the concept of a cot. For instance, Psalm 4:8 states, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety." This verse highlights the divine protection and peace that God provides, akin to the security a cot offers to a sleeping child.

Cultural Context

In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East, various artifacts and historical records suggest that cradles or similar structures may have been used for infants. These would have been simple constructions, possibly made from wood or woven materials, designed to keep the child safe and comfortable.

New Testament References

The New Testament does not provide specific references to cots, but it does emphasize the care and value of children. Jesus' interactions with children, as seen in passages like Mark 10:14 , "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these," underscore the importance of nurturing and protecting the young.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention cots, the principles of care, protection, and the value of children are evident throughout the Scriptures. These principles align with the modern understanding of providing safe and nurturing environments for infants and young children.2825a. klinarion -- a small couch
... a small couch. Transliteration: klinarion Short Definition: cots. Word Origin dim.
of kline Definition a small couch NASB Word Usage cots (1). 2825, 2825a. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2825a.htm - 5k

History of the Septuagint.
... he ordered that there should be constructed, not in the city itself, but seven stadia
off (where the Pharos was built), as many little cots as there were ...
/.../chapter xiii history of the septuagint.htm

The Shepherds
... Now languish??d and died,. And Bethlem's humble cots above them stept,. ... In those thin
cells could lie; Each stirring wind and storm blew through their cots,. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cxxvi the shepherds.htm

Precious Deaths
... When these favored children die, Jesus stands at their little cots, and, while he
calls them away, he whispers, "Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Equally ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/precious deaths.htm

Cots (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Cots (1 Occurrence). Acts 5:15 They even carried
out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and ...
/c/cots.htm - 6k

Cottage (2 Occurrences)

/c/cottage.htm - 8k

Overshadow (4 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/o/overshadow.htm - 7k

Extent (15 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/e/extent.htm - 11k

Dove (27 Occurrences)
... In their wild state doves generally build their nests in the clefts of rocks,
but when domesticated "dove-cots" are prepared for them (Cant. ...
/d/dove.htm - 28k

Mattresses (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/m/mattresses.htm - 6k

Pallets (2 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/p/pallets.htm - 6k

Cotes (2 Occurrences)

/c/cotes.htm - 7k

Streets (83 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them
on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/s/streets.htm - 34k

Least (76 Occurrences)
... Acts 5:15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots
and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might ...
/l/least.htm - 31k

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