Earthenware refers to pottery made from clay that is shaped and then hardened by heat. In biblical times, earthenware was a common material used for a variety of purposes, including storage, cooking, and ceremonial uses. The Bible contains numerous references to earthenware, highlighting its significance in the daily life and spiritual symbolism of ancient cultures.

Biblical References and Symbolism

Earthenware is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often symbolizing human frailty and the divine craftsmanship of God. In Genesis 2:7, the creation of man is described using the imagery of clay: "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." This passage underscores the idea that humans, like earthen vessels, are formed by the Creator.

In the prophetic literature, earthenware is used metaphorically to convey messages of judgment and restoration. Jeremiah 18:6 states, "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does? declares the LORD. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel." Here, the imagery of the potter and the clay illustrates God's sovereign authority over His people, emphasizing His ability to shape and reshape according to His divine will.

The fragility of earthenware is also a recurring theme. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, the Apostle Paul writes, "Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." This verse highlights the contrast between the weakness of human vessels and the power of the divine treasure within, pointing to the transformative work of God in believers' lives.

Practical Uses in Ancient Times

In the ancient Near East, earthenware was an essential part of daily life. Pottery vessels were used for storing water, oil, grain, and other commodities. They were also employed in cooking and serving food. The durability and availability of clay made earthenware a practical choice for these purposes.

Earthenware also played a role in religious practices. In Leviticus 6:28, instructions are given regarding the handling of sacrificial offerings: "The clay pot in which it was boiled must be broken, and if it was boiled in a bronze pot, it must be scoured and rinsed with water." This directive reflects the ceremonial purity required in the worship of God, where earthen vessels, once used for holy purposes, were to be broken to prevent defilement.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have provided valuable insights into the use and significance of earthenware in biblical times. Excavations in regions such as Israel and Mesopotamia have uncovered a wide variety of pottery styles and forms, indicating the technological advancements and cultural exchanges of ancient societies. These findings help to contextualize the biblical references to earthenware, offering a glimpse into the material culture of the biblical world.

In summary, earthenware in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of human vulnerability and divine sovereignty. Its practical applications in ancient life and its metaphorical use in Scripture underscore the profound relationship between the Creator and His creation.Earthenware

[POTTERY]

(n.) Vessels and other utensils, ornaments, or the like, made of baked clay. See Porcelain.3749. ostrakinos -- earthen
... which serves as the . [3749 () refers to anything made of baked clay, eg
earthenware (clay vessels). Earthen (clay) jars were used ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3749.htm - 7k

2765. keramion -- an earthen vessel
... an earthen vessel, jar. Neuter of a presumed derivative of keramos; an earthenware
vessel, ie Jar -- pitcher. see GREEK keramos. (keramion) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2765.htm - 6k

2766. keramos -- a tile
... tiling. Probably from the base of kerannumi (through the idea of mixing clay and
water); earthenware, ie A tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning) -- tiling. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2766.htm - 6k

2789. cheres -- earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd
... 2788, 2789. cheres. 2790 . earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd.
Transliteration: cheres Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'-res) Short Definition: earthenware ...
/hebrew/2789.htm - 6k

7025. Qir Cheres -- "wall of earthenware," a fortified city in ...
... "wall of earthenware," a fortified city in Moab. Transliteration: Qir Cheres or
Qir Chareseth Phonetic Spelling: (keer kheh'-res) Short Definition: Kir-hareseth ...
/hebrew/7025.htm - 6k

3537. kad -- a jar
... barrel, pitcher. From an unused root meaning to deepen; properly, a pail; but generally
of earthenware; a jar for domestic purposes -- barrel, pitcher. ...
/hebrew/3537.htm - 6k

3335. yatsar -- to form, fashion
... root Definition to form, fashion NASB Word Usage Creator (1), devises (1), earthenware*
(1), fashion (1), fashioned (1), fashioning (2), fashions (1), formed ...
/hebrew/3335.htm - 6k

3627. keli -- an article, utensil, vessel
... 24), armory* (1), article (10), articles (30), bag (2), baggage (12), bags (2),
basket (1), bowls* (1), cargo (1), clothing (1), earthenware* (1), equipment (6 ...
/hebrew/3627.htm - 6k

But You Err, Says My Opponent, and are Mistaken...
... Do your gods, then, dwell in gypsum and in figures of earthenware? Nay, rather,
are the gods the minds, spirits, and souls of figures ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/17 but you err says.htm

The Vanity of Idols.
... Is not a fifth iron, consumed by rust? Is not a sixth earthenware, in no degree
more valuable than that which is formed for the humblest purposes? ...
/.../the epistle of mathetes to diognetus/chapter ii the vanity of idols.htm

No Gods which are Made with Hands.
... For those of wood or earthenware are preserved by their worthlessness, because
no man desires to steal a wooden or earthenware god! ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter viii no gods which are.htm

On Costly Vessels.
... Or must we forge Indian steel in order to divide meat, as when we call for
a weapon for the fight? What if the basin be of earthenware? ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

The Right to the Ordinary Safeguards of Good Health
... Teacups! Beautiful Kingtechen china of the thousand-flower pattern, thin and exquisite;
or perhaps just a rough earthenware cup, with the handle missing. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 3 the right to.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... 9d. For the Mishnah informs us, that the ordinary earthenware casks' (the
Gerabh) held each 2 Seah, or 48 Log, or about 26 litres. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

The So-Called Letter to Diognetus
... Surely it is mockery and insult to worship your stone and earthenware gods without
bothering to guard them, while you lock up your gods of silver and gold at ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the so-called letter to diognetus.htm

Rachel's Refuge
... The great pots of glazed earthenware, each a small garden in size, were
filled with baked earth. The locusts had taken her flowers. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxii rachels refuge.htm

The Earthy Material of which Flesh is Created Wonderfully Improved ...
... a living soul by the inbreathing of God"by the breath indeed which was capable of
hardening clay into another substance, as into some earthenware, so now ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter vii the earthy material of.htm

The Consulship of Eutropius
... give him a picture of the Archbishop in gold on a blue ground, to stick up on his
bedroom-wall; if David guesses right I'll give him an earthenware vase full ...
/.../chapter xxiv the consulship of.htm

Earthenware (13 Occurrences)
... (n.) Vessels and other utensils, ornaments, or the like, made of baked clay. See
Porcelain. Multi-Version Concordance Earthenware (13 Occurrences). ...
/e/earthenware.htm - 10k

Pottery (11 Occurrences)
...Earthenware is mentioned in connection with the history of Melchizedek (Genesis
14:18), of Abraham (18:4-8), of Rebekah (27:14), of Rachel (29:2, 3, 8, 10). ...
/p/pottery.htm - 27k

Potter (14 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) One whose occupation is to make earthen vessels. 2. (n.) One who hawks crockery
or earthenware. 3. (n.) One who pots meats or other eatables. ...
/p/potter.htm - 28k

Earthen (19 Occurrences)
... 2 Timothy 2:20 Now in a great house there are not only articles of gold and silver,
but also others of wood and of earthenware; and some are for specially ...
/e/earthen.htm - 13k

Bowl (44 Occurrences)
... BOWL. bol: (1) The primitive Hebrews, like the wandering Bedouin of today, probably
used bowls of wood, as less breakable than earthenware. ...
/b/bowl.htm - 26k

Bottle (28 Occurrences)
... 2:15). Earthenware vessels were also similarly used (Jeremiah 19:1-10;
1 Kings 14:3; Isaiah 30:14). In Job 32:19 (Comp. Matthew ...
/b/bottle.htm - 23k

Potsherd (6 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A "shred", ie, anything severed, as a fragment of earthenware
(Job 2:8; Proverbs 26:23; Isaiah 45:9). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/p/potsherd.htm - 9k

Oven (22 Occurrences)
... Some were like large jars made of earthenware or copper, which were heated inside
with wood (1 Kings 17:12; Isaiah 44:15; Jeremiah 7:18) or grass (Matthew 6:30 ...
/o/oven.htm - 15k

Jars (28 Occurrences)
... Revelation 2:27 And he shall be their shepherd, ruling them with a rod of iron,
just as earthenware jars are broken to pieces; and his power over them shall be ...
/j/jars.htm - 14k

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