Sawing, as a method of cutting or dividing materials, is referenced in the Bible in both literal and metaphorical contexts. The act of sawing involves the use of a saw, a tool with a serrated edge, to cut through various materials, typically wood. In biblical times, sawing was a common practice in carpentry and construction, reflecting the everyday life and labor of ancient societies.

Biblical References:

1. Literal Use:
· The Bible provides a vivid account of sawing in the context of punishment and martyrdom. In Hebrews 11:37, the author recounts the sufferings of the faithful, stating, "They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated." This passage highlights the extreme persecution faced by some prophets and righteous individuals, with sawing being a method of execution.

2. Metaphorical Use:
· While the literal act of sawing is not frequently mentioned, the concept can be metaphorically associated with division and separation. The act of cutting or dividing can symbolize the separation of good from evil or the righteous from the unrighteous, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Israel, sawing was an essential skill for carpenters and builders. Woodworking was a significant trade, and the saw was a crucial tool for constructing homes, crafting furniture, and building religious structures. The use of saws in construction is implied in the detailed descriptions of the building of the Temple and other structures, although the tool itself is not explicitly mentioned in these contexts.

Theological Implications:

The reference to sawing in Hebrews 11:37 serves as a testament to the faith and endurance of the prophets and martyrs who suffered for their beliefs. It underscores the trials faced by those who remained steadfast in their faith, even unto death. This passage is often cited to inspire believers to persevere in the face of persecution and to remain faithful to God's promises.

Symbolism:

Sawing, as a form of execution, symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and the cost of discipleship. It serves as a reminder of the trials that may accompany a life of faith and the call to remain unwavering in one's commitment to God. The imagery of being "sawed in two" evokes a sense of complete and total surrender to God's will, even in the face of extreme adversity.

In summary, while the act of sawing is not extensively detailed in the Bible, its mention in the context of martyrdom provides a powerful image of faith and endurance. The historical use of saws in construction and craftsmanship reflects the daily life of ancient peoples, while the metaphorical implications of division and separation resonate with broader biblical themes.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Saw.SAWING ASUNDER

so'-ing a-sun'-der.

See PUNISHMENTS.

5130. nuph -- to move to and fro, wave, sprinkle
... Vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications
(including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinadoing, sawing, waving, etc ...
/hebrew/5130.htm - 6k

Whether Faith is in the Intellect as Its Subject
... principles. For one cannot saw well unless one knows the art of sawing,
and unless the saw is also well adapted for sawing. Further ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article two whether faith is.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... were not martyrs, but enemies of Israel, and it is quite possible that the expression
means no more than that they were put to the servile work of sawing timber ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

How Brother Juniper, in Order to be Despised, Played at See-Saw
... saw with the other. Meanwhile the people came up and marvelled much at Brother
Juniper's see-sawing. Nevertheless they saluted him ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ix how brother juniper.htm

Whether Faith Resides in the Intellect?
... these principles must be perfect: for it is not possible for a thing to be sawn
well, unless the sawyer possess the art, and the saw be well fitted for sawing. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether faith resides in the.htm

The Fruits of the Spirit.
... a morality and a civilization without The Spirit of God, are unconsciously throwing
down the ladder by which they themselves have climbed, and sawing off the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon vi the fruits of.htm

Starting a Newspaper. An Experience of Mr. John Jones.
... And if you will take the advice of one who knows a good deal more about the business
than you do, you will go to wood-sawing in preference to starting a ...
/.../arthur/words for the wise/starting a newspaper an experience.htm

Religious and Social State.
... and sweet washing balls." The sawing' or cutting asunder' of v.35 was a Babylonian
punishment, as is shewn in ii.5 and iii.29 of the canonical book. ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm

The Circumcision of Jesus
... Jesus was born. In front of this place there stood sometimes a high stand
like a sawing-trestle, with a little box on it. They often ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm

The Riot at Philippi
... resolution. Some things are best done slowly; some things best quickly. One
swift blow makes a cleaner fracture than filing or sawing. The ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the riot at philippi.htm

Watching for the King
... The cruel punishment of sawing asunder, which, tradition says, was suffered
by Isaiah and was not unfamiliar in old times, is his. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/watching for the king.htm

Sawing
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Saw. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. SAWING ASUNDER. so'-ing a-sun'-der. See PUNISHMENTS. ...
/s/sawing.htm - 6k

Sawest (20 Occurrences)

/s/sawest.htm - 12k

Log (12 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A Hebrew measure of liquids, containing 2.37 gills. 2. (n.) A bulky
piece of wood which has not been shaped by hewing or sawing. ...
/l/log.htm - 11k

Tools (3 Occurrences)
... sand. But sawing stone was a very laborious process, and this was one reason
why the ancients preferred stone in large blocks. These ...
/t/tools.htm - 14k

Deal (170 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) The division of a piece of timber made by sawing; a board or plank;
particularly, a board or plank of fir or pine above seven inches in width, and ...
/d/deal.htm - 40k

Asunder (37 Occurrences)
...SAWING ASUNDER. so'-ing a-sun'-der. See PUNISHMENTS. Multi-Version Concordance
Asunder (37 Occurrences). Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they ...
/a/asunder.htm - 22k

Sawn (2 Occurrences)

/s/sawn.htm - 7k

Saw (6047 Occurrences)
... panel. 8. (vt) Also used figuratively; as, to saw the air. 9. (vi) To use
a saw; to practice sawing; as, a man saws well. 10. (vi ...
/s/saw.htm - 7k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... were either of foreign introduction or of an irregular kind, such as: (1) crucifixion
(which see); (2) drowning (Matthew 18:6 parallel); (3) sawing asunder or ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Sawing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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