In the context of biblical times, the concept of "pens" as we understand them today did not exist. However, writing instruments and methods of recording information were present and hold significance in the biblical narrative. The ancient world utilized various tools for writing, including styluses for inscribing on clay tablets, and later, reed pens for writing on papyrus and parchment.

Writing Instruments in the Bible

The Bible does not explicitly mention "pens" as a tool, but it does reference writing and the instruments used for it. In Jeremiah 36:18, the scribe Baruch is described as using ink to write on a scroll: "Baruch answered, 'He dictated all these words to me, and I wrote them in ink on the scroll.'" This indicates the use of ink, which would have been applied with a reed pen or similar instrument.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel and surrounding cultures, writing was a skill often associated with scribes, who were responsible for recording important documents, religious texts, and legal decrees. The use of reed pens, made from the hollow stems of plants, was common in Egypt and the Near East. These pens were dipped in ink made from soot or other natural substances mixed with water and gum.

Symbolism and Significance

Writing in the Bible often symbolizes permanence and authority. The act of writing God's laws on tablets, as seen in Exodus 31:18, where God gives Moses the tablets of stone inscribed by His own finger, underscores the divine authority and unchanging nature of His commandments. Similarly, in Habakkuk 2:2, the Lord instructs the prophet, "Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a herald may run with it." This emphasizes the importance of recording divine revelation for future generations.

The Role of Scribes

Scribes played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of biblical texts. They were skilled in the art of writing and were responsible for copying manuscripts with great care. The meticulous work of scribes ensured the accuracy and consistency of Scripture over centuries. Ezra, a priest and scribe, is noted for his dedication to studying and teaching the Law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10).

Metaphorical Use

The Bible also uses the concept of writing metaphorically to convey spiritual truths. In 2 Corinthians 3:3, Paul writes, "You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." Here, the imagery of writing is used to describe the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention "pens" as we know them today, the practice of writing and the tools associated with it are integral to the biblical narrative. Writing served as a means of preserving God's word, conveying His commandments, and symbolizing His eternal truths. The role of scribes and the metaphorical use of writing further highlight the significance of this practice in the spiritual and cultural life of ancient Israel.(n.) pl. of Penny.723a. urvah -- a manger, crib
... Word Origin from arah, see uryah Definition a manger, crib NASB Word Usage pens
(1), sheepfolds (1), stalls (2). 723, 723a. urvah. 723b . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/723a.htm - 5k

On the End of Man
... it to write. Although pens differ in size, shape, etc., they have all
one general form which is essential to them. So, although ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 1 on the end.htm

A Tricky Ox
... And for that reason they are very timid and hard to get close to. So it is
difficult to get them near the pens where they want them. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a tricky ox.htm

Of the Number and Character of the Deeds done by Pagans against ...
... him into filthy sewers, and, when they had dragged him out again, delivered him
to a crowd of lads whom they charged to prick him without mercy with their pens ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter iii of the number and.htm

The Method of the New Theology, and Some of Its Applications
... To be negative, to oppose or denounce time-honoured doctrines is poor work"poor
work which unfortunately many minds and pens and pulpits are continually ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/the method of the new.htm

Life of Bunyan
... After the pleasant sketches of pens so graceful as Southey's and Montgomery's; after
the elaborate biography of Mr Philip, whose researches have left few ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

Foreword.
... While abler pens are meeting and answering the questions raised by destructive critics,
something may be said that will clear away the fog produced by them and ...
/.../wishard/concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/foreword.htm

Fragment I.
... cap. vi.; and compare, --. "And of those demons that are found. In fire,
air, flood, or under ground," etc. Milton, Pens., line 93.]. ...
/.../justin/fragments from the lost writings of justin/fragment i.htm

Introduction. The Need of the Day.
... God is raising up writers and editors from whose pens pour melted truths, to the
edification and blessing of thousands. THE PURPOSE OF THIS BOOK. ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/introduction the need of the.htm

Shepherd Life in the Orient.
... The folds or sheep pens, it must be observed, into which the sheep are gathered
for rest or protection are not roofed over or walled in like a house. ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/ii shepherd life in the.htm

Foreword
... FOREWORD. A great deal of material has come from the pens of various writers
on boy life in the last few years. Quite a little, also ...
//christianbookshelf.org/alexander/the boy and the sunday school/foreword.htm

Pens (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Pens (8 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 24:3 He came to the sheep
pens by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. ...
/p/pens.htm - 8k

Pen (16 Occurrences)
... This whole scene can best be explained if we consider that Baruch and the
king's scribes were in the habit of using reed pens. These ...
/p/pen.htm - 14k

Knife (10 Occurrences)
... sacrifice (Ezra 1:9). (5.) Smaller knives (Hebrews ta'ar, Jeremiah 36:26)
were used for sharpening pens. The pruning-knives mentioned ...
/k/knife.htm - 13k

Geruth (1 Occurrence)
... But probably with Josephus we should read gidhroth, "hurdles" or "sheep pens" (Ant.,
X, ix, 5). Multi-Version Concordance Geruth (1 Occurrence). ...
/g/geruth.htm - 7k

Geruth Chimham
... But probably with Josephus we should read gidhroth, "hurdles" or "sheep pens" (Ant.,
X, ix, 5). Geruth, Geruth Chimham. Geruth-chimham . Reference Bible.
/g/geruth%20chimham.htm - 6k

Gross (12 Occurrences)
... 9. (sing. & pl.) The number of twelve dozen; twelve times twelve; as, a gross of
bottles; ten gross of pens. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GROSS. ...
/g/gross.htm - 11k

Innermost (22 Occurrences)
... NAS). 1 Samuel 24:3 He came to the sheep pens by the way, where there was
a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David ...
/i/innermost.htm - 13k

Fathers (572 Occurrences)
... APOSTOLIC FATHERS. An appellation usually given to the writers of the 1st century
who employed their pens in the cause of Christianity. ...
/f/fathers.htm - 39k

Relieve (14 Occurrences)
... NIV). 1 Samuel 24:3 He came to the sheep pens by the way, where there was
a cave; and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David ...
/r/relieve.htm - 11k

Printed (2 Occurrences)
... print, prin'-ting, prin'-ted: Printing is the art of multiplying records-the "art
of writing with many pens" (Jewish Encyclopedia, XII, 295), or wholesale ...
/p/printed.htm - 13k

Should a Christian play multi-player fantasy games like Dungeons and Dragons? | GotQuestions.org

Why should I believe the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible mean when it refers to a sound mind? | GotQuestions.org

Pens: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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