Topical Bible: Books were Numerous and Most Expensive

Bible > Topical > Books were Numerous and Most Expensive

◄ Books were Numerous and Most Expensive ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient world, books were considered both a valuable and rare commodity. The production of books was a labor-intensive process, involving the meticulous work of scribes who would hand-copy texts onto materials such as papyrus, parchment, or vellum. This painstaking process made books expensive and often accessible only to the wealthy or to institutions such as temples and libraries.

Historical Context

During biblical times, the concept of a "book" was quite different from what we understand today. The term often referred to scrolls or codices, which were collections of writings. The production of these texts required not only skilled labor but also costly materials. Papyrus, imported from Egypt, was a common writing material, while parchment, made from animal skins, was used for more durable documents. The expense of these materials contributed to the high cost of books.

Biblical References

The Bible itself makes several references to the importance and value of written texts. In the Old Testament, the preservation and reading of the Law were central to the life of Israel. Deuteronomy 31:24-26 states, "When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: 'Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you.'"

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of books and learning. In 2 Timothy 4:13 , Paul writes to Timothy, "When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." This request highlights the value Paul placed on his writings and the necessity of having access to them.

Cultural Significance

Books were not only expensive but also held significant cultural and religious importance. In Jewish tradition, the Torah scrolls were revered and meticulously copied to ensure accuracy. The scribes, known as soferim, were highly trained and followed strict guidelines to preserve the sacred texts. This reverence for the written word is evident in the care taken to produce and maintain these scrolls.

In the Greco-Roman world, libraries such as the famous Library of Alexandria housed vast collections of scrolls and texts, serving as centers of learning and scholarship. The expense and rarity of books meant that these libraries were prestigious institutions, often supported by wealthy patrons.

Economic Implications

The high cost of books had significant economic implications. Only the affluent could afford personal collections, and the dissemination of knowledge was often limited to those with the means to access it. This economic barrier contributed to the exclusivity of education and literacy in ancient societies.

The early Christian church, recognizing the importance of spreading the Gospel, invested in the production and distribution of texts. The use of codices, which were more portable and easier to produce than scrolls, facilitated the spread of Christian writings. This innovation played a crucial role in the dissemination of the New Testament and other early Christian literature.

Conclusion

The historical and biblical context of books being numerous and expensive underscores their value and significance in ancient times. The labor and materials required for their production made them precious commodities, accessible primarily to the wealthy and institutions. Despite these challenges, the preservation and dissemination of sacred texts remained a priority for religious communities, shaping the transmission of knowledge and faith throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 19:19
Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The African Rome
... But these schismatics themselves were already splitting ... Another Donatist, Tyconius,
published books wherein he ... Manicheeism"began to have numerous adepts in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the african rome.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... the orders for books became more numerous, and of ... But even these additions were found
insufficient to accommodate ... to furnish the needful supply of books now in ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

The Greatest English Classic
... counted very valuable, though they were very numerous. ... The installation of these
great books caused tremendous ... For another thing, its notes were not favorable ...
/.../mcafee/study of the king james bible/the greatest english classic.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... intellectual, who till then had lived only among books and ideas. ... He openly favoured
Donatism, which was the most numerous and influential ... And they were enough ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

(And Last): Homeward Bound
... to go instead, and write charming books about what ... passengers, certainly, were neither
so numerous nor so ... Beyond them were arsenals, docks, fortifications, of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xvii and last homeward.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... and baccivorous genera are also pretty numerous, and most ... by a hospitable manager,
whose rooms were hung with good prints, and stored with good books and knick ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

What Carey did for Science --Founder of the Agricultural and ...
... He had "separate books for every distinct class, as ... to mock the expectations of our
numerous friends, who are ... The Serampore mills were gradually crushed by the ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xii what carey did.htm

The City of Benares.
... Numerous though they be, they are not sufficient to meet the demands of the people. ...
The pundits who wrote the sacred books of the Hindus were men of great ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter vii the city of.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... this day; and has been one of the most powerful auxiliaries ... history of Methodism
in this country, the preachers were supplied with books from England. ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... These clay books were heavy to hold and clumsy to ... The adoption of adults was, therefore,
most frequent in ... The slaves were numerous, but distributed in unequal ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm