In biblical literature, the term "strands" is not directly mentioned; however, the concept of strands can be explored through various scriptural references to threads, cords, and the weaving of materials. These elements often carry symbolic meanings and are used in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the Bible.

Symbolism and Usage

1. Weaving and Craftsmanship: The Bible frequently references weaving and the use of threads or strands in the context of craftsmanship. In Exodus 35:25, the skilled women who spun yarn with their hands are mentioned: "Every skilled woman spun with her hands and brought what she had spun—blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen." This highlights the importance of weaving in the construction of the Tabernacle, where strands of different colors were used to create the sacred garments and curtains.

2. Symbol of Unity and Strength: Strands, when woven together, form a stronger cord, symbolizing unity and strength. Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." This verse is often interpreted as a metaphor for the strength found in unity, whether in relationships, communities, or faith.

3. Hair as Strands: In the Bible, hair is sometimes described in terms of strands. For example, in the Song of Solomon 4:1, the beloved's hair is compared to a flock of goats: "How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how very beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats streaming down Mount Gilead." Here, the strands of hair symbolize beauty and grace.

4. Symbol of Consecration: The Nazirite vow, as described in Numbers 6, involves letting the hair grow uncut, symbolizing a person's consecration to God. The strands of hair become a visible sign of the vow and dedication to holiness.

5. Metaphorical Use: Strands can also be understood metaphorically in the context of life’s complexities and the interwoven nature of human experiences. The Bible often uses imagery of weaving to describe God's intricate involvement in creation and the lives of individuals. Psalm 139:13 reflects this: "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb."

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, weaving was a common and essential skill, particularly among women. The production of textiles was a significant part of daily life, and the ability to create strong, beautiful fabrics from strands of wool or flax was highly valued. The use of strands in weaving not only served practical purposes but also held religious significance, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests.

Theological Implications

The imagery of strands and weaving in the Bible underscores themes of divine craftsmanship, unity, and the interconnectedness of God's creation. It serves as a reminder of the strength found in community and the beauty of God's design in both the physical and spiritual realms. The metaphor of a "cord of three strands" is often used in Christian teachings to emphasize the importance of relationships centered around God, suggesting that just as strands woven together create a strong cord, so too does a life intertwined with faith and fellowship.8027. shalash -- to do a third time, divide into three parts
... ie Treble; but apparently used only as denominative from shalowsh, to be (causatively,
make) triplicate (by restoration, in portions, strands, days or years ...
/hebrew/8027.htm - 6k

Partial Weavings of the Strands.
... The Holy Spirit Partial Weavings of the Strands. Now it will help us, I am
sure, and make the truth stand out more clearly, to recall ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/partial weavings of the strands.htm

Chapter xxiv
... Here criticism claims to be able to detect two strands of narrative woven
into one, two strands which happen to diverge continually. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

Introduction
... of the Reformation. These three strands are indissolubly woven together
in this type of so-called spiritual Religion. It was an ...
/.../jones/spiritual reformers in the 16th and 17th centuries/introduction.htm

Quiet Talks with World Winners
... The Power That Never Fails. The Trinity of Service. Living on the Top Floor. Partial
Weavings of the Strands. Unbroken Connection Above. Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks with world winners/

Preface
... No Higher Critic is likely to trouble himself about disentangling the different
strands of authorship in our Introductions and Notes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/preface.htm

The Olivet Message.
... an intense white light shone full on the stranger-boat, bringing it to view so
distinctly that we could almost count the nail-heads, and the strands in her ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the olivet message.htm

Corinth
... Ultimately these two strands of eschatology were woven together, though scarcely
reconciled, in the elaborate fabric of the Catholic system of purgatory ...
/.../lake/landmarks in the history of early christianity/iv corinth.htm

Valentine Weigel and Nature Mysticism
... a mirror of the Universe. These views have a very ancient history and unite
many strands of historic thought. They came to light ...
/.../chapter viii valentine weigel and.htm

Jacob Boehme: his Life and Spirit
... There are many strands of thought woven together in his writings, and everything
he dealt with is given a {154} new aspect through the vivid insights which he ...
/.../chapter ix jacob boehme his.htm

He Careth for Thee.
... A strong cable made of many fine wires was stretched across the river and was used
to tow a heavy scow back and forth. One of the small strands was broken. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/he careth for thee.htm

Strands (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Strands (2 Occurrences). Exodus 39:3 They beat
the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work ...
/s/strands.htm - 6k

Weaving (4 Occurrences)
... of a darning needle which takes the place of the shuttle in the loom, other threads
are interlaced back and forth at right angles to the first set of strands. ...
/w/weaving.htm - 17k

Twist (5 Occurrences)
... 9. (vi) To be contorted; to writhe; to be distorted by torsion; to be united by
winding round each other; to be or become twisted; as, some strands will twist ...
/t/twist.htm - 10k

Yarn (37 Occurrences)
... manufacturing sewing thread, or the like. 2. (n.) One of the threads of which
the strands of a rope are composed. 3. (n.) A story told by ...
/y/yarn.htm - 18k

Locks (29 Occurrences)
... machlaphah when speaking of the "seven locks" of Samson (Judges 16:13, 19), which
really represent the plaited (etymologically, "interwoven") strands of hair ...
/l/locks.htm - 18k

Lay (524 Occurrences)
... 27. (vt) To put the strands of (a rope, a cable, etc.) in their proper places
and twist or unite them; as, to lay a cable or rope. 28. ...
/l/lay.htm - 41k

Worm (22 Occurrences)
... 19. (n.) To wind rope, yarn, or other material, spirally round, between the strands
of, as a cable; to wind with spun yarn, as a small rope. Int. ...
/w/worm.htm - 21k

Top (880 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A plug, or conical block of wood, with longitudinal grooves on its surface,
in which the strands of the rope slide in the process of twisting. ...
/t/top.htm - 8k

Twine (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A strong thread composed of two or three smaller threads or strands twisted
together, and used for various purposes, as for binding small parcels ...
/t/twine.htm - 8k

Rope (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A large, stout cord, usually one not less than
an inch in circumference, made of strands twisted or braided together. ...
/r/rope.htm - 11k

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