In the context of the Bible, knots are not frequently mentioned directly, but the concept of binding, tying, and securing is prevalent throughout the Scriptures. Knots, as a tool for fastening, symbolize strength, unity, and sometimes bondage, both in a physical and spiritual sense.

Symbolism and Usage

1. Binding and Unity: Knots can symbolize the binding together of individuals or groups. In Ecclesiastes 4:12, the strength of unity is highlighted: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This verse, while not explicitly mentioning knots, implies the strength that comes from being bound together, much like a knot strengthens a cord.

2. Covenants and Promises: The concept of a knot can also be seen in the context of covenants and promises. In ancient times, agreements were often symbolized by physical tokens or actions that could include the tying of knots. While the Bible does not explicitly describe this practice, the idea of binding agreements is prevalent, as seen in the covenants God made with His people (Genesis 9:12-17; Genesis 15:18).

3. Bondage and Sin: Knots can also represent bondage or being ensnared. Proverbs 5:22 states, "The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast." Here, the imagery of being tied or bound by one's own sin is evident, illustrating how sin can entangle and restrict an individual, much like a knot.

4. Craftsmanship and Skill: The making of knots requires skill and precision, which can be related to the craftsmanship described in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. Exodus 35:35 speaks of God giving skill to craftsmen: "He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers." While knots are not specifically mentioned, the intricate work of embroidery and weaving would have involved knotting techniques.

5. Metaphorical Language: The Bible often uses metaphorical language to convey deeper spiritual truths. The idea of being "knotted" or "bound" can be seen in the spiritual sense of being bound to Christ or to righteousness. Romans 6:18 states, "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." This verse suggests a binding commitment to a new way of life, akin to being tied or knotted to a new master.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, knots were a practical necessity for daily life, used in fishing, farming, and construction. The Israelites, like their neighbors, would have been familiar with various knotting techniques for securing tents, fastening garments, and other daily tasks. The absence of direct references to knots in the Bible does not diminish their cultural significance, as they were an integral part of the daily life and survival of the people.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not frequently mention knots explicitly, the themes of binding, securing, and fastening are woven throughout the Scriptures. These themes serve as powerful metaphors for spiritual truths, illustrating the strength of unity, the binding nature of covenants, and the entanglement of sin. The skill and craftsmanship associated with knotting also reflect the broader biblical appreciation for artistry and precision in service to God.1955. epilusis -- a release, an interpretation
... 1955 ("sound ") only occurs in 2 Pet 1:20 and refers to "untying
interpretation knots" to discern the of future Bible prophecy. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1955.htm - 7k

Knots.
... IV Closer Wooing (Chapters xiii.-xvii.) Knots. The knot tied on the end of the thread
holds the seam. ... Love ties knots to hold what has been gotten. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/knots.htm

Of the Figures and Limbs of Animals.
... And again, He did not make them equally extended to the end; but He conglobated
their extremities with coarse knots, that they might be able more easily to be ...
/.../lactantius/on the workmanship of god/chap v of the figures and.htm

The World
... Wit's sour [148] delights; With gloves and knots [149] , the silly snares of pleasure;
Yet his dear treasure. ... [148] sour, perhaps, unsatisfying. [149] knots. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cxxxi the world.htm

Which of the Gods Can the Romans Suppose Presided Over the ...
... Therefore they set Proserpina over the germinating seeds; over the joints and knots
of the stems, the god Nodotus; over the sheaths enfolding the ears, the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 which of the gods.htm

Prophets and the Prophet
... worked with charms such as African or American Indian 'medicine men' use, and the
latter, one who binds by incantations, or one who ties magic knots, which are ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/prophets and the prophet.htm

The Answer to Trust
... vigorous, conscious effort. The nuts in a machine work loose; the knots
in a rope 'come untied,' as the children say. The hand that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the answer to trust.htm

The Pearl.
... have collected a sufficient store, sit down and open them one by one with a knife,
feeling carefully with your thumbs for the little hard round knots among the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/vi the pearl.htm

The Invasion of Scythia.
... Guard left to protect it."Singular mode of reckoning."Probable reason for employing
it."Darius's determination to return before the knots should be all ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter viii the invasion of.htm

Quiet Talks on John's Gospel
... Jesus Recognised by all the Race. IV Closer Wooing (Chapters xiii.-xvii.). Introduction.
Knots. Teaching Three Things in One Action. Believe--Love--Obey. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/

The Earth Brings Forth, as if by Suppuration...
... Wherefore that succession of knots in the scorpion, which in the inside is a thin
poisoned veinlet, rising up with a bow-like bound, draws tight a barbed sting ...
/.../scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter i the earth brings.htm

Knots (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Knots (2 Occurrences). Daniel 5:12 forasmuch as an
excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting ...
/k/knots.htm - 7k

Knotted (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Knot. 2. (a.) Full of knots; having knots knurled; as, a knotted
cord; the knotted oak. 3. (a.) Interwoven; matted; entangled. ...
/k/knotted.htm - 7k

Knit (11 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) of Knit. 2. (vt) To form into a knot,
or into knots; to tie together, as cord; to fasten by tying. ...
/k/knit.htm - 10k

Fringes (4 Occurrences)
... tradition prescribes the exact manner in which each tassel shall be made, and gives
a symbolic meaning to the numbers of windings and knots, somewhat after the ...
/f/fringes.htm - 10k

Knops (8 Occurrences)

/k/knops.htm - 8k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:16 and I -- I have heard of thee, that thou art able to give interpretations,
and to loose knots: now, lo -- thou art able to read the writing, and ...
/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Needle (4 Occurrences)
... A slender rod or wire used in knitting; a knitting needle; also, a hooked instrument
which carries the thread or twine, and by means of which knots or loops ...
/n/needle.htm - 10k

Joint (12 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The part or space included between two joints, knots, nodes, or articulations;
as, a joint of cane or of a grass stem; a joint of the leg. ...
/j/joint.htm - 12k

Enigmas (4 Occurrences)
... Daniel 5:12 because that an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and showing of enigmas, and loosing of knots was found ...
/e/enigmas.htm - 7k

Enchantment (4 Occurrences)
... 4) chebher, "spell," from chabhar, "to bind," hence, "to bind with spells," "fascinate,"
"charm," descriptive of a species of magic practiced by binding knots. ...
/e/enchantment.htm - 16k

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