Strewing, in biblical contexts, refers to the act of scattering or spreading items, often as a form of honor, celebration, or preparation. This practice is seen in various passages throughout the Bible, where it holds both literal and symbolic significance.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, strewing is often associated with the preparation of spaces for significant events or as part of ritualistic practices. For example, in the construction and dedication of sacred spaces, materials might be strewn to prepare the ground or altar. While specific instances of the term "strewing" may not be explicitly mentioned, the concept is inherent in the preparation and sanctification processes described in the Pentateuch and historical books.

New Testament References

One of the most notable instances of strewing in the New Testament occurs during Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In Matthew 21:8 , it is recorded, "A massive crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road." This act of strewing cloaks and branches was a gesture of honor and reverence, acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and King. The crowd's actions fulfilled the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus' royal and messianic identity.

Symbolic Significance

Strewing in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings beyond the physical act. It can represent the preparation of the heart and spirit to receive God's presence or blessing. In the triumphal entry, the strewing of cloaks and branches signifies the people's readiness to accept Jesus as their Savior, albeit with varying degrees of understanding and expectation.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, strewing was a common practice during royal processions and significant public events. It was a way to honor dignitaries and create a festive atmosphere. The biblical accounts reflect this cultural practice, emphasizing the communal and celebratory aspects of strewing.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, strewing can be seen as an act of worship and submission. It involves laying down one's possessions or symbols of status, as seen in the laying of cloaks, to acknowledge the sovereignty and authority of God. This act of humility and reverence is a recurring theme in Scripture, where believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for God's work and presence.

In summary, strewing in the Bible is a multifaceted practice that encompasses physical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a powerful symbol of honor, preparation, and worship, reflecting the deeper truths of faith and devotion found throughout Scripture.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Strew.

2. (n.) The act of scattering or spreading.

3. (n.) Anything that is, or may be, strewed; -- used chiefly in the plural.

Set at Liberty.
... plate; laughter and mirth echoing through the vaulted roof from the splendid company
that lay, after the Eastern mode, on sumptuous couches, strewing the floor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xiv set at liberty.htm

Repentance More Competent to Heathens than to Christians.
... It is enough for me that even John, when "strewing the Lord's ways," [814] was the
herald of repentance no less to such as were on military service and to ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter x repentance more competent to.htm

Personal Notes: Relics Nearby that the Three Kings had Given to ...
... from escaping. I sometimes saw them strewing leaves under the trees, and
I saw little boxes hanging from their branches. Out of ...
/.../the life of the blessed virgin mary/xv personal notes relics nearby.htm

Christ and the Unstable.
... And the Saviour knew this disposition, even when they were all strewing palms before
Him and greeting Him as the Deliverer; we can trace this sting in His ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/v christ and the unstable.htm

Something to Do.
... O pilgrim on life's journey, what are you leaving along the way to show in
after-years that you have passed along? Is it flowers you are strewing? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/something to do.htm

Annas and Caiaphas, Summas and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi...
... didst send me into Jerusalem to Alexander, I saw him sitting upon an ass, and the
children of the Hebrews breaking branches from the trees, strewing them in ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 1 annas and caiaphas.htm

Chapter: 4:21-25 Lamp and Stand
... Yet another caution follows. If the seed be the Word, there is sore danger from
false teaching; from strewing the ground with adulterated grain. St. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 21-25 lamp and stand.htm

And the Manner of his Entry into Jerusalem, which was the Capital ...
... For, sitting. on an ass's colt, so He entered into Jerusalem, the multitudes
strewing and putting down for Him their garments. And ...
/.../the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 65 and the manner.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Such were the neglect of their apparel; the laying aside those ornaments which they
were accustomed to wear; the putting on mourning; the strewing ashes upon ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... From some, on slight provocation, broadsides of cannon have been fired on my heedless
inhabitants, strewing the deep with the dead and the dying. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

Strewing (2 Occurrences)
...Strewing (2 Occurrences). ... Mark 11:8 and many strewed their clothes on the way, and
others cut down branches from the trees and went on strewing them on the way. ...
/s/strewing.htm - 7k

Strewed (8 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:8 But a very great crowd strewed their own garments on the way, and others
kept cutting down branches from the trees and strewing them on the way. ...
/s/strewed.htm - 8k

Scattering (18 Occurrences)
... scattering votes. 3. (n.) Act of strewing about; something scattered.
Multi-Version Concordance Scattering (18 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/s/scattering.htm - 11k

Sow (61 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To scatter, as seed, upon the earth; to plant by strewing; as, to sow
wheat. Also used figuratively: To spread abroad; to propagate. ...
/s/sow.htm - 26k

Streweth (1 Occurrence)

/s/streweth.htm - 6k

Strewn (4 Occurrences)

/s/strewn.htm - 7k

Cutting (178 Occurrences)
... Matthew 21:8 But a very great crowd strewed their own garments on the way, and others
kept cutting down branches from the trees and strewing them on the way. ...
/c/cutting.htm - 46k

Clothes (208 Occurrences)
... Mark 11:8 and many strewed their clothes on the way, and others cut down branches
from the trees and went on strewing them on the way. (DBY). ...
/c/clothes.htm - 37k

Elisha (70 Occurrences)
... He suspects an ambuscade, but is persuaded to send a few men to reconnoiter. They
find the camp deserted and treasures strewing the path right to the Jordan. ...
/e/elisha.htm - 61k

What is Palm Sunday? | GotQuestions.org

Strewing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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