In biblical times, vases were commonly used household items, often crafted from clay, metal, or stone. These vessels served various purposes, including storage, ceremonial use, and as decorative items. While the Bible does not frequently mention vases explicitly, the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East provides insight into their significance and use.

Materials and Craftsmanship

Vases in biblical times were typically made from materials readily available in the region. Clay was the most common material due to its abundance and ease of shaping. Jeremiah 18:3-4 provides a vivid illustration of the potter's craft: "So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. But the vessel he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hand; so the potter formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best to him." This passage highlights the skill involved in pottery and the symbolic nature of the potter's work in shaping and reshaping vessels.

Metal vases, though less common, were also used, particularly among wealthier individuals or for religious purposes. Gold, silver, and bronze were materials used for more ornate and durable vases. The use of metal vases is implied in passages describing the wealth and splendor of Solomon's temple, where various metal vessels were part of the temple furnishings (1 Kings 7:45-50).

Symbolism and Usage

Vases and other vessels often carried symbolic meanings in Scripture. They were sometimes used metaphorically to represent people or nations. In Isaiah 64:8 , the prophet declares, "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand." This metaphor emphasizes God's sovereignty and creative power in shaping His people.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of vessels to convey spiritual truths. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21 , he writes, "A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work." Here, Paul encourages believers to pursue holiness and be vessels of honor for God's purposes.

Cultural and Religious Context

Vases also played a role in religious rituals and offerings. In the tabernacle and later in the temple, various vessels were used for the preparation and presentation of offerings. Exodus 25:29 describes the making of utensils for the table of showbread: "You are also to make its plates and dishes, as well as its pitchers and bowls, with which to pour out drink offerings. Make them of pure gold." These vessels were integral to the worship practices of the Israelites, signifying purity and dedication to God.

In the broader cultural context, vases were often used in domestic settings for storing water, oil, and other essentials. The account of the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7 illustrates the practical use of vessels in daily life. The prophet Elisha instructs the widow to gather empty vessels to hold the miraculous supply of oil, demonstrating God's provision and the importance of vessels in everyday activities.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have unearthed numerous vases from ancient Israel and surrounding regions, providing valuable insights into their design, function, and significance. These findings reveal a variety of shapes and sizes, from small perfume bottles to large storage jars. The intricate designs and decorations on some vases reflect the artistic skill and cultural influences of the time.

In summary, while the Bible does not frequently mention vases directly, their presence and symbolism are woven throughout the scriptural narrative. Vases served practical, ceremonial, and symbolic roles, reflecting the culture and religious practices of the ancient Near East.1. (n.) A vessel adapted for various domestic purposes, and anciently for sacrificial uses; especially, a vessel of antique or elegant pattern used for ornament; as, a porcelain vase; a gold vase; a Grecian vase. See Illust. of Portland vase, under Portland.

2. (n.) A vessel similar to that described in the first definition above, or the representation of one in a solid block of stone, or the like, used for an ornament, as on a terrace or in a garden.

3. (n.) The body, or naked ground, of the Corinthian and Composite capital; -- called also tambour, and drum.

4. (n.) The calyx of a plant.

4713. stamnos -- an earthen jar (for racking off wine)
... jar (for racking off wine). Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: stamnos
Phonetic Spelling: (stam'-nos) Short Definition: a jar or vase Definition: a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4713.htm - 6k

2124. eulabeia -- caution
... 2124 ("godly respect") is illustrated by a person carrying a Persian vase across
the room -- which will always be in a "devout" (respectful) fashion! ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2124.htm - 7k

211. alabastron -- a box of alabaster
... Neuter of alabastros (of uncertain derivation), the name of a stone; properly, an
"alabaster" box, ie (by extension) a perfume vase (of any material ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/211.htm - 6k

6803. tsintseneth -- a jar
... pot. From the same as tsen; a vase (probably a vial tapering at the top) -- pot.
see HEBREW tsen. 6802, 6803. tsintseneth. 6804 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6803.htm - 6k

5035. nebel -- a skin bottle, skin, jar, pitcher
... Or nebel {nay'-bel}; from nabel; a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty);
hence, a vase (as similar in shape when full); also a lyre (as having a ...
/hebrew/5035.htm - 5k

Of the Unique Vase of Oil Thrown Away by Abbot John at his ...
... Prolegomena. Chapter XXV. Of the unique vase of oil thrown away by Abbot
John at his senior's command. Thus the youth, trained up ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxv of the unique.htm

Of a Holy Brother to whom the Mother of Christ Appeared when He ...
... human race from perishing; I cannot endure such sweetness." But the compassionate
Mother of God continued to give him the ointment, until the vase was emptied. ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xlvii of a holy.htm

The Holy Spirit is Given by God Alone, yet not Wholly to Each ...
... For as ointment closed up in a vase keeps in its perfume, so long as it is confined
in the narrow space of that vase, though it cannot reach many, it yet ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii the holy spirit.htm

The Handwriting Blotted Out
... It is possible to crack a costly vase so finely that it cannot be noticed by the
observer; but let this be done again and again in different directions, and ...
/.../moody/weighed and wanting/the handwriting blotted out.htm

Adam not Innocent, but Holy.
... complete. Saying that an earthen vessel must be as whole and sound as a porcelain
vase does not mean that it must become like that vase. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/x adam not innocent but.htm

Meditation viii. Institution of the Holy Eucharist.
... loaves from beneath the linen with which they were covered and placed them before
him on the board; then he took out of the chalice a smaller vase, and ranged ...
/.../meditation viii institution of the.htm

Of the Concord Between Matthew, Mark, and John in their Notices of ...
... may possibly be found absurd and artful enough to argue, that because Mark states
that the ointment was poured out only after the alabaster vase was broken ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxxix of the concord between.htm

While the Foregoing Scene was Taking Place at the Vatican...
... "I wonder," thought the girl now, as she stepped lightly from one corner of her
studio to the other, rearranging a vase here"a bust there"and imparting to ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxix while the foregoing scene.htm

Last Week of Jesus.
... Mary, in order to give to the event a more festive appearance, entered during dinner,
bearing a vase of perfume which she poured upon the feet of Jesus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxiii last week of.htm

Consecration: what is It?
... thing! A little child was one day playing with a very valuable vase, when
he put his hand into it and could not withdraw it. His ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xii consecration what is.htm

Vase (3 Occurrences)
... domestic purposes, and anciently for sacrificial uses; especially, a vessel of antique
or elegant pattern used for ornament; as, a porcelain vase; a gold vase...
/v/vase.htm - 8k

Glass (12 Occurrences)
... The oldest dated bottle, or vase, is one bearing the name of Thothmes III,
1500 or more BC, and numerous examples occur of later date. ...
/g/glass.htm - 21k

Pendant (1 Occurrence)
... decorative features. 3. (n.) One of a pair; a counterpart; as, one vase
is the pendant to the other vase. 4. (n.) A pendulum. 5. (n ...
/p/pendant.htm - 8k

Various (52 Occurrences)

/v/various.htm - 22k

Vashni (1 Occurrence)

/v/vashni.htm - 7k

Urn (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A vessel of various forms, usually a vase furnished with a foot or pedestal,
employed for different purposes, as for holding liquids, for ornamental ...
/u/urn.htm - 7k

Originate (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in a fragile vase of clay, in order
that the surpassing greatness of the power may be seen to belong to God, and ...
/o/originate.htm - 8k

Lined (6 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 9:4 This had a censer of gold, and the ark of the Covenant lined with gold
and completely covered with gold, and in it were a gold vase which held the ...
/l/lined.htm - 8k

Flaw (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A crack or breach; a gap or fissure; a defect
of continuity or cohesion; as, a flaw in a knife or a vase. ...
/f/flaw.htm - 7k

What is chivalry? Does the Bible instruct men to be chivalrous? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that we are God's workmanship in Ephesians 2:10? | GotQuestions.org

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Vase: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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