Shuttle: General Scriptures Concerning
Jump to: Nave'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The term "shuttle" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of weaving and the use of a shuttle in the process can be inferred from various scriptures that discuss weaving, textiles, and craftsmanship. In biblical times, weaving was a common practice, and the shuttle was an essential tool used to pass the weft thread back and forth across the warp threads on a loom.

Weaving in Scripture

1. Exodus 35:25-26 : "Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen. And all the skilled women whose hearts were stirred spun the goat hair." This passage highlights the skill and craftsmanship involved in textile production, which would have included the use of a shuttle in weaving.

2. Job 7:6 : "My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope." Here, the shuttle is metaphorically used to describe the fleeting nature of life, emphasizing the rapid and continuous motion of the shuttle in the weaving process.

3. Proverbs 31:13 : "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." The virtuous woman described in Proverbs is engaged in the process of making textiles, which would involve weaving and the use of a shuttle.

Symbolism and Metaphor

The shuttle, as part of the weaving process, serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the intricate design of life. The swift movement of the shuttle across the loom can symbolize the brevity and complexity of human existence, as seen in Job 7:6.

Craftsmanship and Skill

The use of a shuttle in weaving is indicative of the skill and artistry valued in biblical times. The production of textiles was a significant aspect of daily life and commerce, and those who mastered the craft were highly regarded. The Bible often acknowledges the importance of skilled labor and the contributions of artisans to the community.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, weaving was primarily the work of women, as seen in the accounts of skilled women in Exodus. The production of textiles was essential for clothing, trade, and religious purposes, such as the making of priestly garments and tabernacle coverings. The shuttle, as a tool in this process, played a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of biblical society.

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the shuttle, its presence is implied through the numerous references to weaving and textile production. The metaphorical use of the shuttle in scripture serves to convey deeper spiritual truths about the nature of life and the divine order.
Nave's Topical Index
Job 7:6
My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Biographical Preface.
... daily toil"the workman who plies the shuttle"the merchant ... But general improvement
is so little to be anticipated ... as almost equal to that of the Scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/biographical preface.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... for battle and swords are drawn, the general's speech does ... passing from the fair
field of the holy scriptures. ... your thumb, attach them to the shuttle, and then ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Resources
Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

How big is heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Is Jesus a myth? Is Jesus just a copy of the pagan gods of other ancient religions? | GotQuestions.org

Shuttle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Shuttle
Top of Page
Top of Page