Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, a flask was a small container typically used for holding liquids such as oil, perfume, or wine. The term "flask" is often used interchangeably with "bottle" or "vial" in various translations of the Bible. These containers were usually made from materials like clay, glass, or alabaster, and they played a significant role in daily life and religious practices.Old Testament References In the Old Testament, flasks are mentioned in contexts that highlight their practical and ceremonial uses. For instance, in 1 Samuel 10:1, the prophet Samuel uses a flask of oil to anoint Saul as the first king of Israel: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" . This act of anointing with oil from a flask signifies the consecration and divine appointment of a leader, a practice that underscores the sacred use of such containers. New Testament References In the New Testament, flasks are most notably associated with the anointing of Jesus. In Mark 14:3, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume from an alabaster flask: "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head" . This act of devotion and worship is significant, as it prefigures Jesus' burial and highlights the use of flasks in acts of reverence and love. Symbolism and Significance Flasks in the Bible often symbolize the outpouring of something precious, whether it be oil, perfume, or wine. They are vessels of value, used in both mundane and sacred contexts. The anointing of individuals with oil from a flask signifies God's blessing, empowerment, and setting apart for a holy purpose. In the New Testament, the breaking of the alabaster flask by the woman in Bethany is a profound act of worship, demonstrating the pouring out of one's best for the sake of Christ. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern culture, flasks were essential household items. They were crafted with care and often sealed to preserve the contents. The materials used for making flasks varied depending on the purpose and the value of the contents. Alabaster, for instance, was a costly material, indicating the high value of the perfume it contained. The use of flasks in anointing rituals and hospitality reflects the customs and social practices of the time. Theological Implications The use of flasks in biblical narratives often carries theological implications. The anointing of kings and prophets with oil from a flask signifies God's choice and empowerment. In the New Testament, the act of anointing Jesus with perfume from a flask is a prophetic gesture, acknowledging His impending sacrifice and burial. These instances remind believers of the importance of consecration, worship, and the willingness to offer one's best to God. In summary, flasks in the Bible are more than mere containers; they are symbols of devotion, consecration, and the sacred. They serve as reminders of the importance of offering our best to God and recognizing His anointing and blessing in our lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A small bottle-shaped vessel for holding fluids; as, a flask of oil or wine.2. (n.) A narrow-necked vessel of metal or glass, used for various purposes; as of sheet metal, to carry gunpowder in; or of wrought iron, to contain quicksilver; or of glass, to heat water in, etc. 3. (n.) A bed in a gun carriage. 4. (n.) The wooden or iron frame which holds the sand, etc., forming the mold used in a foundry; it consists of two or more parts; viz., the cope or top; sometimes, the cheeks, or middle part; and the drag, or bottom part. When there are one or more cheeks, the flask is called a three part flask, four part flask, etc. Greek 30. aggeion -- a vessel ... a vessel. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: aggeion Phonetic Spelling: (ang-eye'-on) Short Definition: a vessel, flask, can Definition: a vessel ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/30.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 6378. pak -- a vial, flask... 6377, 6378. pak. 6379 . a vial, flask. Transliteration: pak Phonetic Spelling: (pak) Short Definition: flask. Word Origin from an ... /hebrew/6378.htm - 6k 610. asuk -- a flask 1228. baqbuq -- a flask 7161. qeren -- a horn Library Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ... The Woman which was a Sinner The End of Ahab's Selfish Family July the Thirtieth Sin as Poison The Release of Saint George. How Brother Giles was Miraculously Assisted in a Great Necessity ... How Pope Gregory ix, who had Doubted of the Stigmata of St Francis ... The Heathens Made Gods Like Themselves, Whence Springs all ... Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. How Samuel Found a Leader Thesaurus Flask (15 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A small bottle-shaped vessel for holding fluids; as, a flask of oil or wine. 2. (n.) A narrow-necked ... /f/flask.htm - 11k Cruse (11 Occurrences) Box (13 Occurrences) Cheek (9 Occurrences) Vial (12 Occurrences) Notorious (16 Occurrences) Learnt (12 Occurrences) Flasks (3 Occurrences) Flashings (5 Occurrences) Frame (33 Occurrences) Resources What is an alabaster box? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to kiss the son (Psalm 2:12)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it says that we will receive a new heart? | GotQuestions.org Flask: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Flask (15 Occurrences)Matthew 26:7 Luke 7:37 Genesis 21:14 Genesis 21:15 Genesis 21:19 1 Samuel 1:24 1 Samuel 10:1 1 Samuel 10:3 1 Samuel 16:20 2 Samuel 16:1 2 Kings 9:1 2 Kings 9:3 Jeremiah 19:1 Jeremiah 19:10 Habakkuk 2:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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