Definition and Usage in Ancient Times:
Bandages in biblical times were strips of cloth used for wrapping wounds or injuries to promote healing and protect against infection. The practice of using bandages is an ancient one, reflecting the human need for medical care and the compassionate response to injury and suffering.

Biblical References:
While the Bible does not frequently mention bandages explicitly, the concept of binding wounds is present in several passages, illustrating the care and attention given to the injured and the sick.

1. The Good Samaritan:
One of the most notable references to bandaging in the Bible is found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:34 , it is written: "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." This passage highlights the Samaritan's compassion and practical care, using bandages as part of his effort to aid the wounded man.

2. Hezekiah's Illness:
In 2 Kings 20:7 , when King Hezekiah falls ill, the prophet Isaiah instructs, "Prepare a lump of pressed figs and apply it to the boil, and he will recover." While not a direct mention of bandages, the application of a fig poultice suggests a form of wound care that would likely involve wrapping or binding the area to secure the treatment.

3. Symbolic Use in Prophecy:
The imagery of binding and healing is also used symbolically in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 1:6 , the prophet describes the spiritual condition of Israel: "From the sole of the foot to the top of the head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Here, the lack of bandaging symbolizes neglect and the need for spiritual healing.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In the ancient Near East, bandages were typically made from linen or other available fabrics. The process of bandaging was often accompanied by the application of oils, balms, or other medicinal substances, as seen in the Good Samaritan's use of oil and wine. These practices reflect a rudimentary understanding of antiseptic and healing properties, which were part of the broader medical knowledge of the time.

Theological Implications:
The use of bandages in the Bible often carries a deeper theological message. It signifies care, compassion, and the restoration of wholeness. The act of bandaging wounds is a metaphor for God's healing and redemptive work in the lives of His people. It underscores the call for believers to show mercy and provide practical help to those in need, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.

Practical Application for Believers:
The biblical references to bandaging encourage Christians to engage in acts of mercy and service, tending to the physical and spiritual needs of others. The example of the Good Samaritan serves as a model for loving one's neighbor through tangible acts of kindness and care, embodying the teachings of Jesus in everyday life.

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... It may be that Lazarus, still pallid with disease, caused himself to be wrapped
in bandages as if dead, and shut up in the tomb of his family. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxii machinations of the.htm

The Circumcision of Jesus
... Blessed Virgin, who was veiled and holding the Infant Jesus in her arms at the back
of the cave, handed the Child to the maidservant together with the bandages ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm

The Grave Stone.
... of the miracle; and after the miracle is performed, human hands may again be called
in to tear off the cerements of the tomb, to ungird the bandages from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/xiii the grave stone.htm

And Jesus came to Bethany, and Found Him Already Four Days in the ...
... forth. [2627] And that dead man came out, having his hands and feet bound
with bandages, and his face wrapped in a scarf. Jesus ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxxviii and jesus came.htm

The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... in such a manner that you saw at once that it no longer contained anything but the
spices which had been placed round the body, and the bandages were on the ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lxiv the holy women.htm

Of the Fourth Consideration of the Sacred, Holy Stigmata
... kiss his hands; and though he could not altogether repress their devotion, yet,
in order to conceal the sacred, holy stigmata, he wrapped bandages round his ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/of the fourth consideration of.htm

Blessed be the Messenger that was Laden, and Came
... Isaac, who as a slave [455] bare the Image of the King his Master on his shoulders,
even the sign of His Cross; yea, on his hands were bandages and sufferings ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn vi blessed be the.htm

Of the Question Whether the First Three Evangelists are Quite in ...
... [1473] At the same time, when we take into account the handkerchief which was used
for the head, and the bandages with which the whole body was swathed, and ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxiii of the question whether.htm

How the Wisdom of God Healed Man.
... On the other hand, the following are, as it were, bandages made in the same shape
as the limbs and wounds to which they are applied: He was born of a woman to ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 14 how the wisdom of.htm

In the Dead who were Raised by Christ we Possess the Highest Proof ...
... to his mother." [4546] Again, He called Lazarus "with a loud voice, saying, Lazarus,
come forth; and he that was dead came forth bound with bandages, feet and ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiii in the dead who.htm

Bandages (2 Occurrences)
...Bandages (2 Occurrences). ... (See RSV). Proverbs 20:30 The bandages of a wound thou
removest with the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart! (YLT). ...
/b/bandages.htm - 6k

Swaddle
... The oriental swaddling-clothes consist of a square of cloth and two or
more bandages. The child is laid on the cloth diagonally ...
/s/swaddle.htm - 8k

Swaddlingband (1 Occurrence)
... The oriental swaddling-clothes consist of a square of cloth and two or
more bandages. The child is laid on the cloth diagonally ...
/s/swaddlingband.htm - 8k

Swaddling-band (1 Occurrence)
... The oriental swaddling-clothes consist of a square of cloth and two or
more bandages. The child is laid on the cloth diagonally ...
/s/swaddling-band.htm - 8k

Banded (15 Occurrences)

/b/banded.htm - 10k

Removest (2 Occurrences)
... Removest (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 20:30 The bandages of a wound thou removest with
the evil, Also the plagues of the inner parts of the heart! (YLT). ...
/r/removest.htm - 7k

Bandaged (2 Occurrences)

/b/bandaged.htm - 7k

Birth (357 Occurrences)
... As soon as a child was born it was washed, and rubbed with salt (Ezek.
16:4), and then swathed with bandages (Job 38:9; Luke 2:7, 12). ...
/b/birth.htm - 71k

Dress (38 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To treat methodically with remedies, bandages, or curative appliances,
as a sore, an ulcer, a wound, or a wounded or diseased part. ...
/d/dress.htm - 53k

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