Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Cultural Context:Swaddling refers to the practice of wrapping an infant in cloths or bands to restrict movement and provide warmth and security. This ancient custom is mentioned in the Bible and was a common practice in the Near Eastern cultures during biblical times. Swaddling was believed to protect the child and promote proper growth and development. Biblical References: The most notable biblical reference to swaddling is found in the account of the birth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded that Mary, the mother of Jesus, swaddled Him shortly after His birth. Luke 2:7 states, "And she gave birth to her firstborn Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." This act of swaddling Jesus is significant as it highlights the humble circumstances of His birth. Despite being the Son of God, Jesus was born in a lowly setting and cared for in the same manner as any other infant of the time. The use of swaddling cloths underscores the humanity and vulnerability of the newborn Christ. Symbolism and Theological Significance: Swaddling in the biblical narrative carries symbolic meaning. It represents the incarnation of Jesus, God taking on human flesh and entering the world in a humble and vulnerable state. The swaddling cloths serve as a reminder of His identification with humanity, experiencing the same conditions and limitations as any other human being. Furthermore, the mention of swaddling cloths in the nativity account emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's humble beginnings. The prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of a child who would be called "Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14), meaning "God with us," signifying God's presence among His people in a tangible and relatable form. Historical and Practical Aspects: In ancient times, swaddling was a practical measure to ensure the well-being of newborns. The cloths used for swaddling were typically strips of linen or wool, wrapped snugly around the infant's body. This practice was believed to mimic the secure environment of the womb, providing comfort and reducing the risk of injury. Swaddling also had hygienic benefits, as it helped keep the infant clean and protected from the elements. The practice was widespread across various cultures and continued for centuries, with variations in technique and materials used. Conclusion: The biblical mention of swaddling, particularly in the context of Jesus' birth, serves as a profound illustration of God's humility and love for humanity. It reflects the divine plan of salvation, where the Savior of the world entered into human history in the most unassuming manner, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) Anything used to swaddle with, as a cloth or band; a swaddling band.2. (v. t.) To bind as with a bandage; to bind or warp tightly with clothes; to swathe; -- used esp. of infants; as, to swaddle a baby. 3. (v. t.) To beat; to cudgel. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SWADDLE; SWADDLING-BANDswod'-'-l, swod'-ling-band (verb chathal, "enwrap," "swaddle" (Ezekiel 16:4), noun chathullah, "swaddling-band" (Job 38:9); verb sparganoo, "to wrap in swaddling clothes" (Luke 2:7, 12), noun spargana (pl.), "swaddling clothes" (The Wisdom of Solomon 7:4). the King James Version also has "swaddle" (Lamentations 2:22) for Taphach, literally, "to extend." But the word means "to carry on the outstretched palms of the hands" (compare Tippuchim, "dandled in the hands," Lamentations 2:20), whence RV's "to dandle"): "To swaddle" and "to swathe" are really the same word, both forms going back to an AS form swethel, "a bandage," but "swaddle" has become the technical term for the wrapping of an infant in the Orient or elsewhere. The oriental swaddling-clothes consist of a square of cloth and two or more bandages. The child is laid on the cloth diagonally and the corners are folded over the feet and body and under the head, the bandages then being tied so as to hold the cloth in position. This device forms the clothing of the child until it is about a year old, and its omission (Ezekiel 16:4) would be a token that the child had been abandoned. The mention of darkness as a "swaddling-band" at the birth of the sea (Job 38:9) is only a poetic way of saying that the sea, at its creation, was covered with clouds and darkness, and to find any idea of restraint involved is fanciful. Strong's Hebrew 2946. taphach -- to extend, spread... root Definition to extend, spread NASB Word Usage bore (1), spread (1). span, swaddle. ... From tephach, from dandling on the palms -- span, swaddle. ... /hebrew/2946.htm - 6k 2853. chathal -- perhaps entwine, enwrap Library O Dear Little Children Mortification Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Thesaurus Swaddle... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Anything used to swaddle with, as a cloth or band; a swaddling band. ... of infants; as, to swaddle a baby. ... /s/swaddle.htm - 8k Swaddlingband (1 Occurrence) Swaddling-band (1 Occurrence) Sustenance (11 Occurrences) Swaddled (2 Occurrences) Swaddling (3 Occurrences) Resources Swaddle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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