Topical Bible: Books: Made of Parchment

◄ Books: Made of Parchment ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, books were not the bound volumes we are familiar with today but were often scrolls made of parchment or papyrus. Parchment, a writing material made from animal skins, was highly valued for its durability and was commonly used for important documents and sacred texts.

Historical Context

The use of parchment dates back to ancient times and became particularly prominent in the Greco-Roman world. Parchment was made by carefully preparing the skins of sheep, goats, or calves, which were then stretched, scraped, and dried to create a smooth writing surface. This process made parchment more durable than papyrus, which was susceptible to decay in humid climates.

Biblical References

The Apostle Paul makes a notable reference to books and parchments in his second letter to Timothy. In 2 Timothy 4:13 , Paul writes, "When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." This request highlights the importance of these materials to Paul, suggesting that they contained valuable writings, possibly copies of the Hebrew Scriptures or other important texts.

Significance in Scripture

The mention of parchments in the New Testament underscores the early Christian community's reliance on written texts for teaching, doctrine, and the preservation of sacred writings. The use of parchment allowed for the careful transmission of biblical texts, contributing to the accuracy and preservation of Scripture over the centuries.

Cultural and Religious Importance

In Jewish tradition, the Torah scrolls, which contain the first five books of the Bible, were meticulously written on parchment. This practice underscores the reverence for the Word of God and the care taken to preserve its integrity. The use of parchment for sacred texts continued into the Christian era, where early copies of the New Testament were also written on this durable material.

Theological Implications

The use of parchment for biblical texts reflects the high regard for the written Word of God within the Judeo-Christian tradition. It signifies the commitment to preserving divine revelation and ensuring its transmission to future generations. The durability of parchment symbolizes the enduring nature of God's Word, as expressed in Isaiah 40:8 : "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."

Conclusion

While the physical form of books has evolved over time, the significance of the written Word remains central to the Christian faith. The use of parchment in biblical times serves as a testament to the dedication of early believers to safeguard the Scriptures, ensuring that the teachings and truths contained within them would be faithfully passed down through the ages.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 4:13
The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when you come, bring with you, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Books were Written.
... of the Pentateuch which may have been made as early ... only fragmentary copies of the
Pentateuch or of single books. ... in the book form, some on parchment and some ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The History Books
... Samuel 10:25.) These books were most likely written on a rough kind of parchment,
made from the skins of goats, sewn together, and rolled up into thick rolls. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter iv the history books.htm

Uncorrupt Preservation of the Gospel Narratives.
... All manuscripts written on parchment are in the form of books with leaves. From
about the eleventh century, paper made from cotton or linen came into common use ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter iii uncorrupt preservation of.htm

Mss. And Editions.
... Laurent.; the oldest of all; parchment, 11 Cent., No.17, Plut ... manuscript,' ie the
above, the Latin translation of the Books against Eunomius made by his ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter v mss and editions.htm

If You Give a Grape to Him when Hungry...
The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen. <. ... [3554] Mastruca, a garment
made of the skins of ... [3557] Liber, a roll of parchment or papyrus, as ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/23 if you give a.htm

Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures
... Its queer letter signs are traced on parchment rolls, which ... A hundred years ago,
for instance, books with long 's's ... hope of a coming Messiah, God made for them ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter vii two famous versions.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... its words more and more carefully; and the rules for copying any portion of the
holy Books were strict ... The parchment you write upon must be made from the ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter ix the destruction of.htm

The Greek Kings of Egypt.
... a great library there, collecting, from every quarter, books written either on
parchment, or on ... Testament from the Hebrew into Greek was made about this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xvi the greek kings.htm

The New Testament Text and Its History.
... Suppose, for example, that of two books equal in size the ... for writing in ancient
times"papyrus and parchment, afterwards paper made from linen or ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxvi the new testament.htm

The Labour Ended, the Rest Begun
... when they are written down upon the dead parchment, and have ... And when at his death,
his books, as he ... we can readily believe that the improvements made by the ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter lx the labour ended.htm