In the context of biblical literature, the concept of a "plaything" is not directly addressed with a specific term equivalent to modern usage. However, the Bible does provide insights into the nature of play, leisure, and the use of objects for amusement, particularly in the context of children and cultural practices.

Children and Play:

The Bible acknowledges the innocence and joy of children, which can be associated with play. In Zechariah 8:5, the prophet envisions a restored Jerusalem where "the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there." This imagery highlights the natural and joyful aspect of play among children, reflecting a time of peace and prosperity.

Cultural Practices:

In ancient times, play and leisure activities were often intertwined with cultural and religious practices. For instance, in Judges 16:25, during the account of Samson, the Philistines call for Samson to entertain them, saying, "Call for Samson, that he may amuse us." Here, the term "amuse" suggests a form of play or entertainment, albeit in a context of mockery and derision.

Objects and Idolatry:

While not directly related to playthings as toys, the Bible frequently warns against the use of objects for idolatrous purposes. In Isaiah 44:9-20, the prophet criticizes the making of idols, which are crafted objects that people foolishly worship. Although these are not playthings, the passage underscores the biblical caution against attributing undue significance to man-made objects.

Wisdom Literature:

The Book of Ecclesiastes offers a perspective on the pursuit of pleasure and amusement. Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 states, "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good!' But it proved to be futile. I said of laughter, 'It is folly,' and of pleasure, 'What does it accomplish?'" This reflection suggests a deeper consideration of the purpose and value of leisure and amusement, urging a focus on what is ultimately meaningful.

Moral and Spiritual Implications:

The Bible encourages believers to engage in activities that are edifying and align with godly principles. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul advises, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This principle can be extended to the use of playthings and leisure activities, emphasizing that all actions should honor God and reflect Christian values.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly discuss playthings as understood today, it provides guidance on the nature of play, the use of objects, and the pursuit of pleasure, all within the framework of a life dedicated to God.(n.) A thing to play with; a toy; anything that serves to amuse.

In the Course of this Crude Study we Shall have to Touch on what ...
... It is surely quite clear that this modern notion that woman is a mere "pretty clinging
parasite," "a plaything," etc., arose through the somber contemplation ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 8 in the course.htm

The Holy Soul a More Excellent Temple than any Edifice Built by ...
... It were indeed ridiculous, as the philosophers themselves say, for man, the plaything
[3545] of God, to make God, and for God to be the plaything [3546] of art ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter v the holy soul a.htm

Accession of Cyrus to the Throne.
... When the imaginary danger has passed away, he seeks amusement in making the same
grandchild his plaything, and overwhelms him with favors bestowed solely for ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter v accession of cyrus.htm

Plato's Inconsistency He Supposes the Soul Self-Existent, yet ...
... lion, no doubt, will forget his ferocity, if surrounded by the softening influence
of training; he may become, with his beautiful mane, the plaything of some ...
/.../a treatise on the soul/chapter xxiv platos inconsistency he supposes.htm

Vain Toil
... to look after; men must live; we have no time to think about religion; I have built
a new mill that occupies my thoughts; I have found a new plaything, and I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/vain toil.htm

Portrait of a Matron
... Israel. It would have been impossible in Eastern countries, where she was
regarded only as a plaything and a better sort of slave. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/portrait of a matron.htm

To the Prefect Eutrechius.
... life in a monastery, who has never troubled a tribunal, nor yet on any single occasion
been prosecuted by any man, is treated as a mere plaything of calumny ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/lxxx to the prefect eutrechius.htm

In this Diagram were Described Ten Circles, Distinct from Each ...
... was called "Leviathan." [4413] This Leviathan, the Jewish Scriptures say, whatever
they mean by the expression, was created by God for a plaything; [4414] for ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxv in this diagram.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... Fire, when it is at its most furious pitch, is but a plaything compared with hell
fire; yea, when it consumes a city; when it runs down the red lips of a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

The Portrait of the Bride
... We are in a condition in which it becomes shall drop the toys of earth as easily
and naturally as a child will some trinket or plaything, when it stretches out ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the portrait of the bride.htm

Plaything (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Plaything (1 Occurrence). Psalms 104:26 There go the ships;
there is that great beast, which you have made as a plaything. (BBE). ...
/p/plaything.htm - 6k

Trick (11 Occurrences)
... players. 7. (n.) A turn; specifically, the spell of a sailor at the helm, --
usually two hours. 8. (n.) A toy; a trifle; a plaything. 9 ...
/t/trick.htm - 10k

Marble (5 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A little ball of marble, or of some other hard substance, used as a plaything
by children; or, in the plural, a child's game played with marbles. ...
/m/marble.htm - 13k

Plaza (1 Occurrence)

/p/plaza.htm - 6k

Plays (4 Occurrences)

/p/plays.htm - 7k

Coral (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A piece of coral, usually fitted with small bells and other appurtenances,
used by children as a plaything. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CORAL. ...
/c/coral.htm - 12k

Sport (99 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) That with which one plays, or which is driven about in play; a toy;
a plaything; an object of mockery. 4. (n.) Play; idle jingle. ...
/s/sport.htm - 35k

Plaything: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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