In the biblical context, containers are mentioned frequently, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. They are used to store, transport, and preserve various substances, including food, water, oil, and sacred items. The use of containers in the Bible reflects the daily life and spiritual practices of ancient cultures.

Types of Containers

1. Jars and Pots: Earthenware jars and pots were common in biblical times for storing grains, oil, and water. In 1 Kings 17:14, the widow of Zarephath is promised by Elijah, "The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth." These containers were essential for daily sustenance and survival.

2. Baskets: Baskets were used for carrying and storing food. In the New Testament, baskets are mentioned in the context of the miracles of Jesus. After feeding the 5,000, the disciples collected leftovers in baskets: "And they picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces and fish" (Mark 6:43).

3. Flasks and Bottles: Flasks, often made of leather or skin, were used to hold liquids such as water and wine. Jesus refers to wineskins in Matthew 9:17: "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will spill and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

4. Cups and Bowls: Cups and bowls were used for drinking and serving food. In the Last Supper, Jesus uses a cup as a symbol of the new covenant: "Then He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you'" (Matthew 26:27).

5. Chests and Boxes: These were used for storing valuables and sacred items. The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest, held the tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented God's presence with His people (Exodus 25:10-22).

Symbolic Significance

Containers in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent the human heart or soul as vessels for God's presence and grace. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul writes, "Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us." This metaphor highlights human fragility and the divine power within believers.

Ritual and Worship

Containers also played a role in religious rituals and worship. The use of incense burners, oil lamps, and other sacred vessels was integral to temple worship and offerings. In Leviticus 24:2, the Israelites are instructed to bring "clear oil of pressed olives for the light, so that the lamps may be kept burning continually."

Cultural Context

The materials and craftsmanship of containers varied based on the region and resources available. Pottery was widespread due to the abundance of clay, while wealthier individuals might use metal or glass containers. The design and decoration of these containers often reflected the cultural and artistic influences of the time.

In summary, containers in the Bible are multifaceted, serving practical, symbolic, and religious functions. They provide insight into the daily life, spiritual practices, and cultural context of biblical times.32b. aggos -- a vessel
... aggos. 33 . a vessel. Transliteration: aggos Short Definition: containers. Word
Origin a prim. word Definition a vessel NASB Word Usage containers (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/32b.htm - 5k

Fourth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (2).
... and vegetable forms stand to it? Are we to think of them as containers
of Nature present within them? Light goes away and the air ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate problems of the.htm

Book Eleven the Eternal Creator and the Creation in Time. ...
... Speaking of those who pour new wine into old containers, he says: Carnalitasvetustas
est, gratia novitas est, "Carnality is the old nature; grace is the new ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eleven the eternal creator.htm

Containers (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Containers (5 Occurrences). ... They sat down, and gathered
the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. (WEB NAS). ...
/c/containers.htm - 7k

Jars (28 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). 2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, "Go, borrow containers from of all your neighbors,
even empty containers. Don't borrow just a few. (See NIV). ...
/j/jars.htm - 14k

Neighbors (40 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). 2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, "Go, borrow containers from of all your
neighbors, even empty containers. Don't borrow just a few. ...
/n/neighbors.htm - 18k

Borrow (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, "Go, borrow
containers from of all your neighbors, even empty containers. ...
/b/borrow.htm - 11k

Container (6 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 4:6 It happened, when the containers were full, that she said to her son,
"Bring me another container." He said to her, "There isn't another container ...
/c/container.htm - 8k

Empty (84 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS). 2 Kings 4:3 Then he said, "Go, borrow containers from of all your
neighbors, even empty containers. Don't borrow just a few. ...
/e/empty.htm - 35k

Gathered (384 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down,
and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. ...
/g/gathered.htm - 35k

Filled (336 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down,
and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. ...
/f/filled.htm - 35k

Threw (133 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down,
and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. ...
/t/threw.htm - 34k

Drew (162 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down,
and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away. ...
/d/drew.htm - 36k

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Dragnet? | GotQuestions.org

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