Scissors, as a specific tool, are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the concept of cutting implements is present throughout the Scriptures, often in the form of shears or knives. These tools were essential in ancient times for various tasks, including shearing sheep, cutting hair, and crafting garments.

Historical Context

In biblical times, cutting tools were primarily made from bronze or iron. The development of metalworking allowed for the creation of more efficient and durable implements. While the Bible does not explicitly mention scissors, it does refer to shearing tools used in the context of sheep shearing, a common practice in ancient Israel. For example, in 1 Samuel 25:4, David hears that Nabal is shearing his sheep, indicating the use of shearing tools: "While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep."

Symbolic and Practical Uses

1. Sheep Shearing: The process of shearing sheep is mentioned several times in the Bible, symbolizing both prosperity and the provision of resources. In Genesis 38:12-13, Judah goes to his sheep shearers at Timnah, a time often associated with festivity and celebration. The act of shearing was a significant agricultural event, reflecting the wealth and productivity of a household.

2. Hair Cutting: Although scissors as we know them were not used, cutting hair was a significant act in biblical narratives. In Judges 16:19, Delilah cuts Samson's hair, leading to his loss of strength: "And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him." This act of cutting hair was symbolic of a covenant broken and the loss of divine favor.

3. Craftsmanship and Garment Making: The creation of garments and other crafted items would have required cutting tools. The skilled work of artisans in the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 35-36, implies the use of various tools for cutting and shaping materials, although specific tools like scissors are not named.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The act of cutting, whether it be hair, cloth, or wool, often carried cultural and religious significance. In some instances, cutting was associated with purification or consecration. For example, the Nazirite vow included not cutting one's hair as a sign of dedication to God (Numbers 6:5). Conversely, the cutting of hair could symbolize mourning or repentance, as seen in Job 1:20: "Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention scissors, the concept of cutting tools is woven throughout its narratives, reflecting both practical and symbolic dimensions. These tools were integral to daily life and held deeper meanings in the context of biblical events and teachings.(n. pl.) A cutting instrument resembling shears, but smaller, consisting of two cutting blades with handles, movable on a pin in the center, by which they are held together. Often called a pair of scissors.

The Design and Unity of Luke's History
... and individuality, shown in numberless ways, make it clear that the author was no
clipper-up of fragments from other writers, no mere scissors-and-paste editor ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 2 the design and.htm

The Builders
... occasion when I supplied a bandage to bind a wound on the finger of a workman who
had met with a slight accident, as I turned to take up my scissors, the head ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xv the builders.htm

Changed Conditions
... Should he make an effort to do so, the soldiers guarding the gates speedily
removed the appendage with a pair of large scissors. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

Epistle xxx. To Constantina Augusta.
... memory, as has been handed down from our forefathers, that, certain Greeks being
in doubt about such relics, the aforesaid pontiff took scissors and cut this ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxx to constantina augusta.htm

The Burning of Hus.
... his hair. Some clamoured for a razor, others were all for scissors. "See ... their
blasphemy.". At last the scissors won the victory. His ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter ii the burning of.htm

Blessed and Tragic Unconsciousness
... trained eyes, grotesque, it looks, yet there was a reality in it; and when the man
was faithless to his vow, and allowed the crafty harlot's scissors to shear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/blessed and tragic unconsciousness.htm

Here, it May be Said, My Book Ends Just Where it Ought to Begin. . ...
... Those great scissors of science that would snip off the curls of the poor little
school children are ceaselessly snapping closer and closer to cut off all the ...
/.../chesterton/whats wrong with the world/chapter 46 here it may.htm

Notes
... grave. 16 Sister Emmerich said that the shape of these pincers reminded
her of the scissors with which Samson's hair was cut off. ...
/.../emmerich/the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/notes.htm

Princely Service.
... The little pet had found a small piece of wood, and had bored a hole in it with
her scissors, in which she had inserted a peg, and on the top had hung half a ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

His Journey to Rome, Venice, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land
... and that of the left. He came a second time, and gave his scissors to the guards
to allow him to enter. Afterward when at the monastery ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter iv his journey to.htm

Scissors (5 Occurrences)
... they are held together. Often called a pair of scissors. Multi-Version
Concordance Scissors (5 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:50 ...
/s/scissors.htm - 8k

Fire-trays (6 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 And the cups and the scissors and the basins and the spoons and the
fire-trays, all of gold; and the pins on which the doors were turned, the ...
/f/fire-trays.htm - 8k

Spades (9 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 25:14 And the pots and the spades and the scissors for the lights and the
spoons, and all the brass vessels used in the Lord's house, they took away. ...
/s/spades.htm - 9k

Scoff (18 Occurrences)

/s/scoff.htm - 12k

Lights (71 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 25:14 And the pots and the spades and the scissors for the lights and the
spoons, and all the brass vessels used in the Lord's house, they took away. ...
/l/lights.htm - 27k

Grinder (1 Occurrence)
... It makes a noise like a scissors grinder, to which the name alludes. Int. Standard
Bible Encyclopedia. GRINDER. grin'-der. See MILL. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/g/grinder.htm - 7k

Wind-instruments (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 12:13 But the money was not used for making silver cups or scissors or basins
or wind-instruments or any vessels of gold or silver for the house of the ...
/w/wind-instruments.htm - 7k

Pair (18 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) A single thing, composed of two pieces fitted to each other and used together;
as, a pair of scissors; a pair of tongs; a pair of bellows. ...
/p/pair.htm - 14k

Pins (12 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 7:50 And the cups and the scissors and the basins and the spoons and the
fire-trays, all of gold; and the pins on which the doors were turned, the ...
/p/pins.htm - 10k

Clip (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To embrace, hence; to encompass. 2. (vt) To cut off; as with shears or scissors;
as, to clip the hair; to clip coin. 3. (vt) To curtail; to cut short. ...
/c/clip.htm - 7k

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