In biblical contexts, the term "pourers" is not explicitly used as a distinct category or role. However, the concept of pouring is significant in various scriptural narratives and rituals, often symbolizing the act of offering, anointing, or judgment. The act of pouring is frequently associated with the pouring out of liquids such as oil, water, or wine, each carrying its own theological and symbolic meanings.

Anointing with Oil

One of the most prominent uses of pouring in the Bible is the anointing with oil. This act is often performed by prophets, priests, or kings and signifies consecration, blessing, or the impartation of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , we read about the anointing of David: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." The pouring of oil in this context symbolizes God's selection and empowerment of an individual for a specific purpose or office.

Libations and Offerings

Pouring is also associated with libations, which are liquid offerings made to God. These offerings are often part of sacrificial rituals, symbolizing the dedication and surrender of one's life to God. In Genesis 35:14 , Jacob sets up a pillar and pours out a drink offering on it, demonstrating his worship and commitment to God: "Jacob set up a pillar in the place where God had spoken with him—a stone marker—and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it."

Judgment and Wrath

The imagery of pouring is also used to describe the outpouring of God's judgment and wrath. In Revelation 16:1 , the seven bowls of God's wrath are poured out upon the earth: "Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, 'Go, pour out on the earth the seven bowls of God’s wrath.'" This act of pouring signifies the complete and decisive nature of divine judgment against sin and rebellion.

The Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit is a significant event that marks the birth of the Church and the empowerment of believers. In Acts 2:17-18 , Peter quotes the prophet Joel, saying, "'In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.'" The pouring of the Spirit represents the fulfillment of God's promise and the inauguration of a new covenant relationship with His people.

Symbolism and Significance

The act of pouring in the Bible carries deep symbolic significance, often representing the transfer of divine blessing, authority, or judgment. Whether through the anointing of a king, the offering of a libation, or the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the imagery of pouring underscores the dynamic interaction between God and humanity. It highlights themes of consecration, worship, judgment, and empowerment, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's relationship with His creation.

On Costly Vessels.
... cups and Antigonides, and Canthari, and goblets, and Lepast??, [1391] and the endless
shapes of drinking vessels, and wine-coolers, and wine-pourers also. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas.
... And as the apostle looked away to the ground, a certain one of the
wine-pourers [2320] stretched forth his hand and struck him. ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle.htm

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... Under him was a large number of subordinate priests and temple ministers, such as
sacrificers, pourers of libations, anointers with oil, bakers, chanters ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

Pourers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pourers (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore
behold, days come, saith Jehovah, that I will send unto ...
/p/pourers.htm - 6k

Flagons (7 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 48:12 Therefore behold, days come, saith Jehovah, that I will send unto
him pourers that shall pour him off, and shall empty his vessels, and break in ...
/f/flagons.htm - 8k

Pourest (2 Occurrences)

/p/pourest.htm - 7k

Pouredst (1 Occurrence)

/p/pouredst.htm - 6k

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