The term "distaff" appears in the Bible as a symbol of industriousness and the virtuous qualities of a woman, particularly in the context of household management and textile work. The distaff is a tool used in the process of spinning fibers into thread or yarn, traditionally associated with women's work in ancient times. It is a staff that holds the unspun fibers, keeping them untangled and ready for spinning.

Biblical Reference:

The most notable mention of the distaff is found in the book of Proverbs, specifically in the description of the "wife of noble character" in Proverbs 31. This passage is often cited as an ideal representation of a virtuous woman who is diligent, resourceful, and dedicated to the well-being of her household.

Proverbs 31:19 states: "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." This verse highlights the woman's skill and industriousness, as she actively engages in the production of textiles, a vital aspect of household economy in biblical times. The distaff, along with the spindle, symbolizes her capability and commitment to providing for her family.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, spinning and weaving were essential domestic tasks, often performed by women. The distaff was a common tool in these activities, and its mention in Proverbs 31 underscores the importance of such work in maintaining the household. The virtuous woman’s proficiency with the distaff reflects her diligence and the value placed on industriousness and skill in managing family affairs.

The use of the distaff also signifies the broader role of women in biblical society, where they contributed significantly to the economic stability and functioning of the household. The depiction of the woman in Proverbs 31 as one who "holds the distaff" serves as an acknowledgment of the essential and multifaceted roles women played in both family and community life.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The distaff, as a symbol, extends beyond its literal function to represent the virtues of hard work, wisdom, and resourcefulness. In the context of Proverbs 31, it is part of a larger portrayal of a woman who embodies strength, dignity, and fear of the Lord. Her engagement with the distaff is not merely a depiction of her labor but also an illustration of her character and the high esteem in which she is held.

The passage in Proverbs 31 has been interpreted as a model for Christian women, emphasizing the values of diligence, stewardship, and devotion to family. The distaff, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the broader spiritual and moral qualities that are celebrated in the biblical narrative.

In summary, the distaff in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of the virtuous woman's industriousness and her vital role in the household. It reflects the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where textile production was a key domestic task, and highlights the enduring values of diligence and resourcefulness.(Hebrews pelek, a "circle"), the instrument used for twisting threads by a whirl (Proverbs 31:19). 1. (n.) The staff for holding a bunch of flax, tow, or wool, from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.

2. (n.) Used as a symbol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman; women, collectively.

DISTAFF

dis'-taf (pelekh): This word occurs once in Proverbs 31:19; "spindle" is found in the same passage. In the Revised Version (British and American) the meanings of the two words have been exchanged. See SPINNING.

3601. kishor -- a distaff
... 3600, 3601. kishor. 3602 . a distaff. Transliteration: kishor Phonetic
Spelling: (kee-shore') Short Definition: distaff. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/3601.htm - 6k

6418. pelek -- whorl of a spindle, a district
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition whorl of a spindle, a district NASB Word
Usage distaff (1), district (8), spindle (1). distaff, participle. ...
/hebrew/6418.htm - 6k

Portrait of a Matron
... She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.19.
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.20. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/portrait of a matron.htm

An Old Subscription List
... They had no stores, but they had ten fingers and a distaff, and if some neighbour
found the stuff, the ten fingers joyfully set the distaff twirling, and spun ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an old subscription list.htm

Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship
... motion: that Fortune is blind, because of the uncertainty of what are called fortuitous
occurrences: that there are three Fates, with distaff, and spindle, and ...
/.../faustus repels the charge of.htm

Worthy Substitutes.
... PART II. WORTHY SUBSTITUTES. "Get the spindle and thy distaff
ready, and God will send thee flax.". ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/part ii worthy substitutes.htm

The Further Adventures of Saint George.
... you have me sacrifice my honour, give over the chase of dazzling glory, lay all
my warlike trophies in a woman's lap, and change my truncheon for a distaff? ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter four the further adventures.htm

The Exercises Suited to a Good Life.
... to sound health, the Instructor will approve of a woman like this, who "stretches
forth her arms to useful tasks, rests her hands on the distaff, opens her ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter x the exercises suited to.htm

Ep. xii. (About AD 365).
... But she has no such work; and no great strength is needed to carry a comb, [4778]
or to handle a distaff, or to sit by a loom, "For such is the glory of woman ...
/.../cyril/select letters of saint gregory nazianzen/ep xii about a d 365.htm

The Dream of St. Ursula
... The girl who is to be the wife of Moses, when he first sees her at the desert
well, has fruit in her left hand, but a distaff in her right. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ruskin/saint ursula/ii the dream of st.htm

On Sleep.
... by night, especially when the days are coming to an end, and one devote himself
to literature, another begin his art, the women handle the distaff, and all of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap ix on sleep.htm

The Story of Histiaeus.
... Her hands, being thus not required either for the horse or for the vessel, were
employed in spinning, as she walked along, by means of a distaff and spindle. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter x the story of.htm

Distaff (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Used as a symbol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman; women,
collectively. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. DISTAFF. ...
/d/distaff.htm - 7k

Spinning
... The various fibers, mentioned above, to be made into thread, were gathered into
a loose rope which was wound around a distaff or about the left hand. ...
/s/spinning.htm - 9k

Lays (30 Occurrences)
... place on high. (See RSV). Proverbs 31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle. (WEB). Ecclesiastes 10 ...
/l/lays.htm - 13k

Fate (138 Occurrences)
... They are represented, one as holding the distaff, a second as spinning, and
the third as cutting off the thread. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/f/fate.htm - 37k

Rock (176 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) See Roc. 2. (n.) A distaff used in spinning; the staff or frame about which
flax is arranged, and from which the thread is drawn in spinning. ...
/r/rock.htm - 49k

Dissuaded (1 Occurrence)

/d/dissuaded.htm - 6k

Spindle (2 Occurrences)
... RSV). Proverbs 31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold
the spindle. (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/spindle.htm - 8k

Distance (75 Occurrences)

/d/distance.htm - 29k

Layeth (76 Occurrences)
... ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her
hands hold the distaff. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Ecclesiastes 7 ...
/l/layeth.htm - 28k

What should we learn from the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31? | GotQuestions.org

Distaff: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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