Topical Bible: Women: Spun

◄ Women: Spun ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, spinning was a common and essential task performed by women, reflecting their industriousness and vital role in the household economy. The act of spinning involved the creation of thread or yarn from raw materials such as wool or flax, which would then be used to weave fabric for clothing and other textiles. This skill was not only practical but also held cultural and spiritual significance within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament References

The Bible provides several references to women engaging in spinning, highlighting its importance in ancient society. In Proverbs 31, the virtuous woman is described as one who "seeks wool and flax and works with willing hands" (Proverbs 31:13). This passage underscores the diligence and industrious nature of a godly woman, who contributes to her household through her skill in spinning and weaving.

In Exodus 35, the construction of the Tabernacle involved the contributions of skilled women who spun materials for the sacred space. "All the skilled women spun with their hands and brought what they had spun—blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and fine linen" (Exodus 35:25). This act of spinning for the Tabernacle was not merely a domestic chore but a sacred offering, demonstrating the women's devotion and craftsmanship in service to God.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Spinning was a task that required patience, skill, and dedication, qualities that were esteemed in biblical times. The ability to spin and weave was often passed down from mother to daughter, ensuring the continuation of this essential craft. The process of transforming raw materials into usable fabric can be seen as a metaphor for the transformative power of faith and the nurturing role of women in both the family and the community.

The imagery of spinning and weaving is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe God's creative power and providence. In Psalm 139:13, the psalmist declares, "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb" . This verse evokes the image of God as a divine weaver, intricately crafting each human life with care and purpose.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention women spinning, the cultural context of the time suggests that the practice continued to be a common and necessary part of daily life. The parables and teachings of Jesus often drew upon familiar aspects of everyday life, including domestic tasks, to convey spiritual truths. The diligence and faithfulness required in spinning can be seen as parallel to the virtues of perseverance and faithfulness encouraged in the Christian life.

Conclusion

The act of spinning, as performed by women in biblical times, was a vital and respected skill that contributed to the well-being of the family and the community. It served as a symbol of industriousness, devotion, and the nurturing role of women, both in the domestic sphere and in their spiritual contributions to the faith community. Through their work, women not only provided for their households but also participated in the broader narrative of God's creative and sustaining work in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 35:25,26
And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:19
Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
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Proverbs 31:19-24
She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2351. thorubos -- an uproar
... tumult; trouble (accompanied by ) that throws things into disorder; (figuratively)
emotions spun "out of ... [Professional mourners (generally women) are still ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2351.htm - 7k

Library

Bezaleel and Aholiab.
... Some worked in gold and silver, others in brass and wood; wise women spun cloth
of blue, purple and scarlet, and fine linen; precious stones were set for the ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/bezaleel and aholiab.htm

Introduction. Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,
... Modesty in Apparel Becoming to Women,. ... [86] Come, now; if from the beginning of the
world [87] the Milesians sheared sheep, and the Serians [88] spun trees, and ...
/.../on the apparel of women/chapter i introduction modesty in apparel.htm

Who was Nicholas?
... crippled and feeble ones were employed in any little work for which they had the
strength, the men copied books and taught children, the women wove or spun. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter iv who was nicholas.htm

The Three Fates
... Boys and girls in ancient Greece believed that there were three fates, in the form
of three women seated above the clouds, who spun the thread of everyone's ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the three fates.htm

An Old Subscription List
... And every man with whom was found' so-and-so 'brought it'; 'And all the women did
spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun'; 'And the rulers ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an old subscription list.htm

The Angel in the Tomb
... the appearance of the angel, the portion of his message to the women which we ... and
attitude of these superhuman persons, and contradictions may be spun, if one ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the angel in the tomb.htm

Life in the Villages
... I saw the women's activities, and how they picked the cotton in the fields, spun
and carded it, then wove it into strong cloth on the loom made for them by ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter v life in the.htm

That More Might be Given and Gotten.
... And worse yet there were no women of the sort to train and shape a man ... song of praise
reveals the fineness to which the texture of her nature had been spun. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/that more might be given.htm

The Ark among the Flags
... If Christian women knew their obligations and their power, and lived up to them
as ... all these and a hundred more trivial and unrelated things are spun into the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the ark among the flags.htm

Letter cxxviii. To Gaudentius.
... Pacatula, I have in a moment drawn upon myself the hostility of many women who are ...
the well-known epitaph on a Roman matron: "She stayed at home and spun wool ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxviii to gaudentius.htm