In biblical times, a pillow was a simple support for the head, often made from a variety of materials such as cloth, leather, or even stone. The use of a pillow is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.

One of the most notable references to a pillow in the New Testament is found in the account of Jesus calming the storm. In the Gospel of Mark, we read about Jesus and His disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee. As a fierce storm arises, threatening to capsize their boat, Jesus is found asleep on a pillow in the stern. The passage reads:

"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?'" (Mark 4:38).

This scene is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the humanity of Jesus, who, after a day of teaching and ministering to the crowds, experiences physical exhaustion and seeks rest. The use of a pillow underscores His need for comfort and support, just as any other human would require.

Moreover, the image of Jesus sleeping peacefully amidst the chaos of the storm serves as a powerful testament to His divine authority and trust in the Father's providence. While the disciples are filled with fear and anxiety, Jesus remains calm, demonstrating His sovereignty over nature and His ability to bring peace in the midst of turmoil.

The pillow, in this context, becomes a symbol of rest and trust. It reminds believers of the peace that comes from faith in Christ, who is able to calm the storms of life. The disciples' plea, "Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?" is met with Jesus' authoritative command to the wind and waves, "Peace, be still!" (Mark 4:39), illustrating His power and care for His followers.

In the broader biblical narrative, the use of a pillow can also be seen as a metaphor for the rest and comfort found in God's presence. Just as Jesus found rest on a pillow during the storm, believers are invited to find their rest in Him, trusting in His provision and protection.

The account of Jesus sleeping on a pillow is a profound reminder of His dual nature as both fully human and fully divine. It encourages believers to seek rest in Him, knowing that He is both empathetic to our human needs and sovereign over all creation.Mark 4:38
And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say to him, Master, care you not that we perish?
Nave's Topical Index

The Weeping Saviour.
... and Marthas brooding over a dark future, with the prop and support of existence ... When
the waves of sorrow roll, I will lay my head on Jesus, Pillow of the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xii the weeping saviour.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... of their cottages, probably each one with her pillow on her ... he stood sentinel, he
was shot into the head with a ... little or nothing to do to support himself and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

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