Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the term "sack" refers to a type of bag or container made from coarse materials such as goat's hair, camel hair, or flax. These sacks were commonly used for carrying and storing various goods, including grain, foodstuffs, and other commodities. The use of sacks is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Bible, highlighting their practical and symbolic significance.Materials and Construction Sacks in the ancient Near East were typically made from durable, woven materials. Goat's hair and camel hair were popular choices due to their availability and strength. Flax, a plant-based fiber, was also used, especially in regions where it was cultivated. The construction of these sacks was simple, often involving a rectangular piece of fabric sewn together to form a bag, with an opening at the top that could be tied or sealed. Biblical References Sacks are mentioned in various passages of the Bible, often in relation to the storage and transport of grain and other goods. In Genesis 42:25, Joseph orders his brothers' sacks to be filled with grain during their visit to Egypt: "Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. This order was carried out." The use of sacks is also noted in the context of travel and trade. In Genesis 44:1, Joseph instructs his steward to fill the men's sacks with as much food as they can carry and to place each man's silver in the mouth of his sack. This highlights the sack's role as a practical tool for carrying provisions over long distances. Symbolic Significance Beyond their practical use, sacks also carry symbolic meaning in the Bible. They are often associated with mourning and repentance. The act of wearing sackcloth, a garment made from similar coarse material, is a sign of humility and contrition before God. In Jonah 3:5-6, the people of Nineveh, upon hearing Jonah's message, believe in God and declare a fast, putting on sackcloth as a sign of their repentance: "And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. When word reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes." Cultural Context In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, sacks were an essential part of daily life. They facilitated trade and commerce, allowing for the movement of goods across regions. The imagery of sacks in biblical narratives often underscores themes of provision, sustenance, and the human response to divine intervention. Conclusion The sack, as depicted in the Bible, serves as both a practical tool and a powerful symbol. Its presence in biblical accounts reflects the everyday realities of ancient life while also conveying deeper spiritual truths about repentance, humility, and God's provision for His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A name formerly given to various dry Spanish wines.2. (n.) A bag for holding and carrying goods of any kind; a receptacle made of some kind of pliable material, as cloth, leather, and the like; a large pouch. 3. (n.) A measure of varying capacity, according to local usage and the substance. The American sack of salt is 215 pounds; the sack of wheat, two bushels. 4. (n.) Originally, a loosely hanging garment for women, worn like a cloak about the shoulders, and serving as a decorative appendage to the gown; now, an outer garment with sleeves, worn by women; as, a dressing sack. 5. (n.) A sack coat; a kind of coat worn by men, and extending from top to bottom without a cross seam. 6. (n.) See 2d Sac, 2. 7. (n.) Bed. 8. (v. t.) To put in a sack; to bag; as, to sack corn. 9. (v. t.) To bear or carry in a sack upon the back or the shoulders. 10. (n.) The pillage or plunder, as of a town or city; the storm and plunder of a town; devastation; ravage. 11. (v. t.) To plunder or pillage, as a town or city; to devastate; to ravage. Greek 4526. sakkos -- sackcloth ... sackcloth. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sakkos Phonetic Spelling: (sak'-kos) Short Definition: sack-cloth Definition: sack-cloth, a sign of ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4526.htm - 6k 4082. pera -- a leather pouch 4199. portheo -- to destroy Strong's Hebrew 572. amtachath -- a sack... 571, 572. amtachath. 573 . a sack. Transliteration: amtachath Phonetic Spelling: (am-takh'-ath) Short Definition: sack. Word Origin ... /hebrew/572.htm - 6k 8242. saq -- sack, sackcloth 6861. tsiqqalon -- perhaps garment 3627. keli -- an article, utensil, vessel Library The Sack of Rome That the Cruelties which Occurred in the Sack of Rome were in ... The Mystery of the Lost Brother Chapter xliv Inconsideration Deplored. Rev. Joshua Priestley. The Testing of Joseph's Brothers Esther, the Queen. The Question of the Tall Gentleman as to Whether Diamond could ... Given to Abstraction of Thought. Cases in Point. Opinion of ... The Fulness of Christ Thesaurus Sack (15 Occurrences)... 3. (n.) A measure of varying capacity, according to local usage and the substance. The American sack of salt is 215 pounds; the sack of wheat, two bushels. ... /s/sack.htm - 12k Sack's (3 Occurrences) Sacks (12 Occurrences) Bag (52 Occurrences) Lodging-place (7 Occurrences) Lodging (24 Occurrences) Silver (329 Occurrences) Inn (7 Occurrences) Youngest (26 Occurrences) Resources What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be born of water? | GotQuestions.org Sack: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sack (15 Occurrences)Luke 10:4 Luke 22:35 Luke 22:36 Genesis 42:25 Genesis 42:27 Genesis 42:28 Genesis 42:35 Genesis 43:21 Genesis 44:1 Genesis 44:2 Genesis 44:11 Genesis 44:12 Leviticus 11:32 1 Samuel 9:7 2 Kings 4:42 Subtopics Related Terms |
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