Topical Encyclopedia A scroll is an ancient manuscript form that consists of a long strip of papyrus, parchment, or vellum, rolled up for storage and unrolled for reading. Scrolls were the primary medium for written documents in the ancient world, including the biblical texts, before the advent of the codex (book form).Historical Context In biblical times, scrolls were the standard format for recording sacred texts, legal documents, and literary works. The use of scrolls is well-documented in both the Old and New Testaments. Scrolls were typically made from papyrus, a plant-based material, or from animal skins, which were more durable and used for important documents, including the Scriptures. Old Testament References The Hebrew word for scroll, "megillah," is often translated as "book" in English Bibles. Scrolls are mentioned in several Old Testament passages. For example, in Jeremiah 36, the prophet Jeremiah is instructed by God to write His words on a scroll: "Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the other nations from the time I began speaking to you—during the reign of Josiah until today" (Jeremiah 36:2). This scroll was later read to the people and the king, illustrating the scroll's role in disseminating God's word. The Book of Psalms also alludes to scrolls, as in Psalm 40:7: "Then I said, 'Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll'" . This verse highlights the prophetic nature of the scrolls, pointing to the coming of the Messiah. New Testament References In the New Testament, scrolls continue to play a significant role. Jesus Himself reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, as recorded in Luke 4:17-20: "The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it was written..." . This passage underscores the continuity of the scroll as a medium for God's revelation. The Book of Revelation also features scrolls prominently. In Revelation 5:1, John describes a scroll in the right hand of God: "Then I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One seated on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed with seven seals" . This scroll represents God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment, sealed until the appointed time. Symbolism and Significance Scrolls in the Bible symbolize the authority and permanence of God's word. They serve as a tangible representation of divine revelation and covenant. The act of unrolling a scroll to read signifies the unveiling of God's truth and the fulfillment of His promises. The sealed scrolls in Revelation emphasize the mystery and sovereignty of God's plan, which is revealed in His perfect timing. Cultural and Religious Practices Scrolls were meticulously copied by scribes, who were highly trained to ensure the accuracy of the text. This careful transmission process reflects the reverence with which the Scriptures were regarded. In Jewish tradition, the Torah scrolls are still used in synagogue services today, highlighting the enduring legacy of the scroll as a sacred object. In summary, scrolls are a vital element of biblical history and theology, serving as the medium through which God's word was recorded, preserved, and proclaimed throughout the ages. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A roll of paper or parchment; a writing formed into a roll; a schedule; a list.2. (n.) An ornament formed of undulations giving off spirals or sprays, usually suggestive of plant form. Roman architectural ornament is largely of some scroll pattern. 3. (n.) A mark or flourish added to a person's signature, intended to represent a seal, and in some States allowed as a substitute for a seal. 4. (n.) Same as Skew surface. See under Skew. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROLL (SCROLL)rol: The usual form of book in Biblical times. It had been in use in Egypt for perhaps 2,000 years at the time when, according to the Pentateuch, the earliest Biblical books were written in this form. The Babylonian tablet seems to have been the prevailing form in Palestine up to about 1350 B.C., but by 1100 B.C., at least, the roll had been in established use for some time as far North as Byblos. Two Hebrew words, gillayon, meghillah, one Aramaic, cephar, and one Greek word, biblion, are so translated in the King James Version. Cephar (Ezra 6:1, the Revised Version (British and American) "archives, margin "books"), with the corresponding Hebrew form cepher, is the generic word for any whole work large or small, but as a book form (Isaiah 34:4) it may mean "roll," and, according to Blau (pp. 37, 45, etc.), it never does mean anything else. Both the other words seem to be connected with galal, "roll," which is the technical term for opening or closing a book. The meghillath cepher (Jeremiah 36:2) means the unwritten roll, or the roll considered in its material form as contrasted with the work. Meghillah, which is found in Ezra 6:2 (English Versions of the Bible, "roll"), Jeremiah (often), Ezekiel (often) and Zechariah, is a somewhat late word, and came to mean a small roll (but with a complete work) as distinguished from a book, corresponding thus to the modern distinction of pamphlet and book or document and book. The word gillayon is translated in the Revised Version (British and American) as "tablet," and is universally regarded as meaning (Isaiah 8:1) some smooth surface, corresponding to the same word in Isaiah 3:23 which is rendered "hand-mirror." But "cylinder-seal" would possibly fit the sense in both cases; this being hung round the neck as an ornament in one case and inscribed with a personal name in the other. SCROLL skrol. Greek 976. biblos -- (the inner) bark (of a papyrus plant), hence a ... ... 975, 976. biblos. 977 . (the inner) bark (of a papyrus plant), hence a scroll, spec. a book. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/976.htm - 6k 975. biblion -- a paper, book 4428. ptusso -- to fold, ie roll up 2777. kephalis -- a little head, a roll 3089. luo -- to loose, to release, to dissolve 380. anaptusso -- to unroll Strong's Hebrew 4039. megillah -- a scroll... 4038, 4039. megillah. 4040 . a scroll. Transliteration: megillah Phonetic Spelling: (meg-il-law') Short Definition: scroll. Word ... /hebrew/4039.htm - 6k 4040. megillah -- a scroll 5612. sepher -- a missive, document, writing, book 7080. qasam -- to practice divination Library Allegorical Explanation of the Firmament and Upper Works, Ver. 6 Or Who, Except Thou, Our God, Made for us that Firmament of ... "The Pharaoh Drew Nigh" Marriage of the Blessed virgin to Joseph Opposition to Messiah Ruinous The Idols Crumble The Sixth Seal. Jesus visits his Old Home The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The First Galilean Ministry. Thesaurus Scroll (70 Occurrences)... Roman architectural ornament is largely of some scroll pattern. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ROLL (SCROLL). rol: The usual form of book in Biblical times. ... /s/scroll.htm - 32k Neriah (10 Occurrences) Jehudi (3 Occurrences) Dictation (5 Occurrences) Roll (57 Occurrences) Dictated (4 Occurrences) Nethaniah (20 Occurrences) Cushi (7 Occurrences) Scrolls (3 Occurrences) Shelemiah (10 Occurrences) Resources What are the seven seals of Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgHow should we understand the Lion and the Lamb passage? | GotQuestions.org Why is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.org Scroll: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scroll (70 Occurrences)Luke 3:4 Luke 4:20 Hebrews 9:19 Hebrews 10:7 Revelation 3:5 Revelation 5:1 Revelation 5:2 Revelation 5:3 Revelation 5:4 Revelation 5:5 Revelation 5:7 Revelation 5:8 Revelation 5:9 Revelation 6:14 Revelation 10:2 Revelation 10:8 Revelation 10:9 Revelation 10:10 Revelation 13:8 Revelation 17:8 Revelation 20:12 Revelation 20:15 Revelation 21:27 Revelation 22:7 Revelation 22:9 Revelation 22:10 Revelation 22:18 Revelation 22:19 Numbers 5:23 Deuteronomy 17:18 Joshua 18:9 1 Samuel 10:25 Ezra 6:2 Job 19:23 Psalms 40:7 Psalms 56:8 Isaiah 8:1 Isaiah 29:11 Isaiah 29:12 Isaiah 29:18 Isaiah 30:8 Isaiah 34:4 Jeremiah 36:2 Jeremiah 36:4 Jeremiah 36:6 Jeremiah 36:8 Jeremiah 36:10 Jeremiah 36:11 Jeremiah 36:13 Jeremiah 36:14 Jeremiah 36:18 Jeremiah 36:20 Jeremiah 36:21 Jeremiah 36:23 Jeremiah 36:25 Jeremiah 36:27 Jeremiah 36:28 Jeremiah 36:29 Jeremiah 36:32 Jeremiah 45:1 Jeremiah 51:60 Jeremiah 51:63 Ezekiel 2:9 Ezekiel 3:1 Ezekiel 3:2 Ezekiel 3:3 Daniel 12:4 Zechariah 5:1 Zechariah 5:2 Malachi 3:16 Subtopics Related Terms |