Drinking-vessels in the Bible refer to the various containers used for holding and consuming liquids, primarily water and wine. These vessels are mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both the daily life and the ceremonial practices of the ancient Israelites and early Christians.

Materials and Types

Drinking-vessels were made from a variety of materials, including clay, metal, and glass. Clay pots and cups were common due to their availability and ease of production. Metal vessels, often made of bronze or silver, were more costly and typically used by the wealthier classes or for special occasions. Glass, though less common, was also used, particularly in later periods.

Biblical References

1. Old Testament: Drinking-vessels are frequently mentioned in the context of banquets and religious ceremonies. In Genesis 44:2, Joseph instructs his steward to place his silver cup in Benjamin's sack, highlighting the use of valuable drinking-vessels in Egyptian society. In 1 Kings 10:21, it is noted that "all King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold," indicating the opulence of Solomon's court.

2. New Testament: The New Testament also references drinking-vessels, often in the context of teachings and parables. In Matthew 23:25-26, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence." This metaphor underscores the importance of inner purity over outward appearances.

Symbolism and Usage

Drinking-vessels in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They can represent abundance and blessing, as seen in Psalm 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, the overflowing cup symbolizes God's provision and blessing.

Conversely, drinking-vessels can also symbolize judgment and wrath. In Jeremiah 25:15, the prophet is instructed to take "this cup of the wine of wrath" from God's hand and make the nations drink it, signifying divine judgment.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In Jewish culture, drinking-vessels were integral to various religious rituals. The Passover meal, for instance, involved the use of cups of wine, each with its own significance. In the New Testament, the Last Supper, as described in Luke 22:20, features Jesus taking a cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." This act established the use of the cup in Christian Communion, symbolizing the new covenant through Christ's sacrifice.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have unearthed numerous examples of ancient drinking-vessels, providing insight into the daily lives and religious practices of biblical times. These artifacts reveal variations in design and decoration, reflecting the cultural influences and technological advancements of different periods.

In summary, drinking-vessels in the Bible serve as practical items for daily use, symbols of spiritual truths, and elements of religious rituals, reflecting the rich tapestry of biblical history and theology.

On Costly Vessels.
... Away, then, with Thericleian cups and Antigonides, and Canthari, and goblets, and
Lepast??, [1391] and the endless shapes of drinking vessels, and wine-coolers ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii on costly vessels.htm

Paulinus Also Preached the Word to the Province of Lindsey...
... of his nation, that in several places where he had seen clear springs near the highways,
he caused stakes to be fixed, with copper drinking-vessels hanging on ...
/.../bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xvi paulinus also preached.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter, Timothy, Dionysius the Presbyter.
... Also they assign to It crowns [16] and seats, and drinking vessels and bowls, and
certain other things mystical, concerning which, in our Symbolic Theology, we ...
/.../dionysius/dionysis on divine names/caput i to my fellow.htm

The Life of Paulus the First Hermit.
... nakedness ever lack? Your drinking vessels are of precious stones; he satisfied
his thirst with the hollow of his hand. Your tunics ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of paulus the.htm

A Discourse
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Northern Mountains
... They carry great urn-shaped fruits, big enough to serve for drinking-vessels, each
kindly provided with a round wooden cover, which becomes loose and lets out ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Drinking-vessels (1 Occurrence)
Drinking-vessels. Drinking-trough, Drinking-vessels. Drinking-water .
Multi-Version Concordance Drinking-vessels (1 Occurrence). ...
/d/drinking-vessels.htm - 6k

Goblets (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/g/goblets.htm - 10k

Considered (80 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/c/considered.htm - 29k

Articles (78 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/a/articles.htm - 30k

Forest (67 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/f/forest.htm - 37k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

Drinking (114 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/d/drinking.htm - 38k

Valuable (17 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 All king Solomon's drinkingvessels were of gold, and all the vessels
of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver ...
/v/valuable.htm - 11k

Woods (37 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 And all King Solomon's drinking-vessels were of gold, and all the
vessels of the house of the Woods of Lebanon were of the best gold; not one was ...
/w/woods.htm - 18k

Refined (26 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 10:21 And all the drinkingvessels of king Solomon 'are' of gold, and all
the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon 'are' of refined gold ...
/r/refined.htm - 14k

Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Belshazzar? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of the Medo-Persian Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus