Jump to: Nave's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Cotton, a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll around the seeds of cotton plants, is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, its significance in ancient textile production and trade can be inferred from historical and archaeological evidence. Cotton was known and used in ancient times, particularly in regions such as India and Egypt, which were renowned for their textile industries.Historical Context While the Bible does not directly reference cotton, it does mention various fabrics and materials used in clothing and other textiles. Linen and wool are the most frequently mentioned, as seen in passages like Leviticus 19:19, which prohibits wearing garments made of two kinds of material. This suggests a familiarity with different types of textiles, possibly including cotton, although it is not named. The absence of direct references to cotton in the biblical text may be attributed to the geographical and cultural context of the Israelites. Cotton was more commonly associated with regions outside of Israel, such as Egypt and India, where it was cultivated and woven into cloth. The Israelites primarily used linen, made from flax, and wool from sheep, which were more readily available in their environment. Symbolism and Use In biblical times, clothing and textiles held significant symbolic and practical importance. They were indicators of social status, wealth, and religious observance. The high priest's garments, for example, were made of fine linen, as described in Exodus 28. While cotton is not mentioned, the emphasis on quality and craftsmanship in textiles is evident. The use of cotton in ancient times is supported by archaeological findings, which reveal that cotton was traded and used in various cultures. This trade would have likely influenced the regions surrounding Israel, possibly introducing cotton textiles to the area. The luxurious nature of cotton, known for its softness and comfort, would have made it a desirable material for garments. Cultural and Economic Impact The cultivation and trade of cotton have had a profound impact on societies throughout history. In ancient times, cotton was a valuable commodity, contributing to the wealth and economic development of regions that produced and traded it. The Bible, while not mentioning cotton specifically, reflects a world where trade and commerce were integral to daily life, as seen in passages like Proverbs 31:24, which speaks of a virtuous woman making linen garments and selling them. Conclusion While cotton is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, its historical presence and significance in the ancient world provide a backdrop for understanding the textile practices of biblical times. The Bible's focus on textiles like linen and wool highlights the importance of clothing in cultural and religious contexts, suggesting that cotton, though unnamed, may have played a role in the broader tapestry of ancient life. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 25:4And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, Nave's Topical Index Smith's Bible Dictionary CottonCotton is now both grown and manufactured in various parts of Syria and Palestine; but there is no proof that, till they came in contact with Persia, the Hebrews generally knew of it as a distinct fabric from linen. [LINEN] ATS Bible Dictionary CottonWas a native product of India, and perhaps of Egypt, and is supposed to be intended in some of the passages where the English version has "fine linen." It had been much disputed whether cotton clothe was used by the ancient Hebrews and Egyptian mummies were wrapped, proves that this material was sometimes used, especially for children. See FLAX, LINEN. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A soft, downy substance, resembling fine wool, consisting of the unicellular twisted hairs which grow on the seeds of the cotton plant. Long-staple cotton has a fiber sometimes almost two inches long; short-staple, from two thirds of an inch to an inch and a half.2. (n.) The cotton plant. See below. 3. (n.) Cloth made of cotton. 4. (v. i.) To rise with a regular nap, as cloth does. 5. (v. i.) To go on prosperously; to succeed. 6. (v. i.) To unite; to agree; to make friends; -- usually followed by with. 7. (v. i.) To take a liking to; to stick to one as cotton; -- used with to. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COTTONkot'-'-n (karpac is the better translation, as in the Revised Version, margin, where the King James Version and the Revised Version (British and American) have "green" in Esther 1:6): The Hebrew karpac is from the Persian kirpas and the Sanskrit karpasa, "the cotton plant." The derived words originally meant "muslin" or "calico," but in classical times the use of words allied to karpac-in Greek and Latin-was extended to include linen. The probability is in favor of "cotton" in Esther 1:6. This is the product of Gossypium herbaceum, a plant originally from India but now cultivated in many other lands. Greek 1039. bussinos -- fine linen ... fine linen. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: bussinos Phonetic Spelling: (boos'-see-nos) Short Definition: of fine linen, cotton Definition: of fine ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1039.htm - 7k 1040. bussos -- byssus (a species of flax), also (the) linen (made ... Strong's Hebrew 3768. karpas -- cotton or fine linen... 3767, 3768. karpas. 3769 . cotton or fine linen. Transliteration: karpas Phonetic Spelling: (kar-pas') Short Definition: linen. ... /hebrew/3768.htm - 5k 948. buts -- byssus Library The Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Power Thereof Preface to the American Edition. The Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Power Thereof To the Reader. What the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven Be, and what their Power. Of the Distribution of the Keys, and their Power, or of the ... Of the Subject of the Power of the Keyes, to whom they are ... Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ... Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed. Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods. Thesaurus Cotton (3 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) A soft, downy substance, resembling fine wool, consisting of the unicellular twisted hairs which grow on the seeds of the cotton plant. ... /c/cotton.htm - 8k Gin (10 Occurrences) Silkworm Silk (4 Occurrences) Dyeing Thread (32 Occurrences) Willow (1 Occurrence) Twist (5 Occurrences) Roving (4 Occurrences) Beetle (7 Occurrences) Resources What is the Green Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that “the smoking flax He will not quench” in Matthew 12:20? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Damascus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Cotton: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Cotton (3 Occurrences)Esther 1:6 Proverbs 7:16 Isaiah 19:9 Subtopics Related Terms |
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