A quilt, as understood in contemporary terms, is a type of bedding made of two layers of fabric with a layer of padding in between, all stitched together in a decorative pattern. While the Bible does not specifically mention quilts, the concept of layered or padded coverings can be inferred from various scriptural references to bedding and garments.

Biblical Context of Bedding and Coverings

In biblical times, bedding was a significant household item, often consisting of woven fabrics, animal skins, or other materials available in the region. The Bible frequently mentions "bed" or "bedclothes," which could encompass a variety of coverings used for warmth and comfort. For instance, in Proverbs 7:16, the seductress says, "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt." This suggests the use of decorative and possibly layered fabrics, akin to the concept of a quilt.

Garments and Layering

The Bible also provides insight into the use of layered garments, which can be seen as analogous to quilts in their function of providing warmth and protection. In Genesis 37:3, Joseph's "robe of many colors" given by his father Jacob is an example of a richly adorned garment, possibly indicating a layered or quilted design. Similarly, in Exodus 28:4-5, the priestly garments are described with intricate detail, suggesting the use of multiple layers and fine craftsmanship.

Symbolism and Craftsmanship

The making of quilts, much like the weaving of garments in biblical times, involves skill and artistry. Proverbs 31:22 speaks of the virtuous woman who "makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple." This verse highlights the value placed on craftsmanship and the role of women in creating household items that provide comfort and beauty.

Hospitality and Provision

In the biblical narrative, providing bedding for guests was an important aspect of hospitality. In 2 Kings 4:10, the Shunammite woman prepares a room for the prophet Elisha, complete with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. While the text does not specify the type of bedding, it underscores the cultural importance of offering comfort and rest to visitors, a practice that would naturally include the use of warm and inviting coverings.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention quilts, the principles of warmth, comfort, and hospitality associated with them are deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The use of layered fabrics and the emphasis on skilled craftsmanship reflect the values and practices of biblical times, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and domestic responsibilities of ancient peoples.1. (n.) Anything that is quilted; esp., a quilted bed cover, or a skirt worn by women; any cover or garment made by putting wool, cotton, etc., between two cloths and stitching them together; also, any outer bed cover.

2. (v. t.) To stitch or sew together at frequent intervals, in order to confine in place the several layers of cloth and wadding of which a garment, comforter, etc., may be made; as, to quilt a coat.

3. (v. t.) To wad, as a garment, with warm soft material.

4. (v. t.) To stitch or sew in lines or patterns.

2895. krabattos -- a camp bed
... 2895 -- a small bed used by the poor; "" () a rude pallet made of thick padded quilt
or mat" (M. Vincent); "a Macedonian word (Lat ) for a bed, pallet, or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2895.htm - 7k3523. kabir -- (something woven) perhaps a quilt or net
... 3522, 3523. kabir. 3524 . (something woven) perhaps a quilt or net.
Transliteration: kabir Phonetic Spelling: (keb-eer) Short Definition: quilt. ...
/hebrew/3523.htm - 6k

Life in the Villages
... Clothes and books were tied up in large square handkerchiefs and distributed as
evenly as possible, along with a folded, wadded quilt in a long bed-bag which ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

I Will Take one Case that Will Serve Both as Symbol and Example...
... poor. But whatever the poor streets are they are not gray; but motley,
striped, spotted, piebald and patched like a quilt. Hoxton ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 35 i will take.htm

Christ's Authority to Forgive
... that the palsied man was carried by four friends"no doubt one at each corner of
the bed, which would be some light framework, or even a mere quilt or mattress ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christs authority to forgive.htm

Incidents of Childhood
... square that attracted my childish fancy. I thought how nice it would be for
the little quilt I had begun to piece. As I had no pocket ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter iii incidents of childhood.htm

A Casket of Jewels
... A bowl and pair of chop-sticks is the sum total of the table requirements of each
girl; a cotton wadded quilt and a small, bran-stuffed pillow comprise her ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxiii a casket of.htm

Answers to Prayer
... bed,' so plainly that I arose and went into my sister's sleeping-room where I had
turned the spread aside, and there nestled, in a fold of the quilt, my thimble ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859. <. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Quilt (2 Occurrences)
... frequent intervals, in order to confine in place the several layers of cloth and
wadding of which a garment, comforter, etc., may be made; as, to quilt a coat. ...
/q/quilt.htm - 7k

Bolster (7 Occurrences)
... Version marg. "quilt" or "network," probably means some counterpane or veil
intended to protect the head of the sleeper. A different ...
/b/bolster.htm - 12k

Quiets (2 Occurrences)

/q/quiets.htm - 6k

Quintus

/q/quintus.htm - 7k

Pure (160 Occurrences)
... compassion. 2. (superl.) Free from moral defilement or quilt; hence, innocent;
guileless; chaste; -- applied to persons. 3. (superl ...
/p/pure.htm - 39k

Comfort (130 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) A wadded bed quilt; a comfortable. 8. (n.) Unlawful support, countenance,
or encouragement; as, to give aid and comfort to the enemy. Int. ...
/c/comfort.htm - 37k

Bedstead (1 Occurrence)
... When morning came the "bed," a wadded quilt or mattress, used with or without covering
according to the season, was rolled up, aired and sunned, and then put ...
/b/bedstead.htm - 18k

Bedchamber (6 Occurrences)
... When morning came the "bed," a wadded quilt or mattress, used with or without covering
according to the season, was rolled up, aired and sunned, and then put ...
/b/bedchamber.htm - 20k

Bed (142 Occurrences)
... When morning came the "bed," a wadded quilt or mattress, used with or without covering
according to the season, was rolled up, aired and sunned, and then put ...
/b/bed.htm - 52k

Where is God now? Where is God when it hurts? | GotQuestions.org

Quilt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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