A writing-tablet in biblical times was a portable surface used for writing, often made of wood and coated with wax. These tablets were commonly used for taking notes, recording transactions, or composing letters. The use of writing-tablets is mentioned in several biblical contexts, reflecting their importance in communication and record-keeping in the ancient world.

In the New Testament, the writing-tablet is notably mentioned in the account of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. After being struck mute for his disbelief in the angel Gabriel's message, Zechariah used a writing-tablet to communicate. In Luke 1:63 , it is recorded, "He asked for a tablet and wrote, 'His name is John.' And they were all amazed." This incident highlights the practical use of writing-tablets for conveying important information when verbal communication was not possible.

The use of writing-tablets can also be inferred from other biblical passages that discuss writing and record-keeping. For instance, in the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah is instructed to write on a tablet in Isaiah 30:8 : "Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness." Although the specific type of tablet is not detailed, the reference underscores the significance of written records as a means of preserving divine messages.

Writing-tablets were typically small and portable, making them convenient for personal use. They were often made of wood with a recessed surface filled with wax, allowing for easy inscription with a stylus. The wax could be smoothed over and reused, making these tablets a practical tool for temporary notes or drafts.

In the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East and Greco-Roman world, writing-tablets were a common tool among scribes, merchants, and officials. They facilitated the administration of daily affairs, education, and the dissemination of information. The presence of writing-tablets in biblical narratives reflects the integration of contemporary writing practices into the lives of biblical figures.

The use of writing-tablets in the Bible illustrates the value placed on written communication and the preservation of important messages. Whether for divine instruction, personal communication, or legal documentation, writing-tablets served as a vital medium for recording and conveying information in the biblical era.4093. pinakidion -- a writing tablet
... a writing tablet. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: pinakidion Phonetic
Spelling: (pin-ak-id'-ee-on) Short Definition: a tablet for writing ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4093.htm - 6k

D. The Birth of John, and the "Benedictus. " Ch. 1:57-80
... of thy kindred that is called by this name.62 And they made signs to his father,
what he would have him called.63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/d the birth of john.htm

The visitation
... Zechariah had his little writing-tablet with him, but it had grown too dark for
writing, and I saw that Mary, by the interior bidding of the Holy Ghost, told ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... none of his kindred being known by that name"they appealed to his father, who with
trembling hand inscribed on the wax of the writing tablet the verdict ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

Colossians i. 21, 22
... tablet, having written for them, as it were, certain words (Exodus 32:19.); just
as a schoolmaster would do, who having taken up the writing tablet, and found ...
/.../homily iv colossians i 21.htm

Of the Voice John the Baptist Is.
... to pass, because thou hast not believed my words, which shall be fulfilled in their
season." And afterwards when he had "asked for a writing tablet and written ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/10 of the voice john.htm

The Birth and Early Life of John the Baptist.
... this seems to indicate that Zacharias was deaf as well as dumb] to his father, what
he would have him called.63 And he asked for a writing tablet [tablets were ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/viii the birth and early.htm

The Birth of John the Baptist.
... And they made signs to his father, what he would have him called. And he asked
for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the birth of john the.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 3. <. ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
Lectures of S. Cyril of Jerusalem. <. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Writing-tablet (1 Occurrence)
Writing-tablet. Writing-table, Writing-tablet. Written .
Multi-Version Concordance Writing-tablet (1 Occurrence). Luke ...
/w/writing-tablet.htm - 6k

Writing-table (1 Occurrence)
Writing-table. Writings, Writing-table. Writing-tablet . ... Luke 1:63 So he asked
for a writing-tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. ...
/w/writing-table.htm - 6k

Table (125 Occurrences)
... TABLE. "Table" is derived from the Latin tabula, meaning primarily "a board," but
with a great variety of other significances, of which "writing-tablet" is the ...
/t/table.htm - 62k

Zacharias (11 Occurrences)
... Nine months passed away, and Elisabeth's child was born, and when in answer to their
inquiry Zacharias wrote on a "writingtablet," "His name is John," his ...
/z/zacharias.htm - 15k

Wondered (45 Occurrences)
... meant. (WEY NIV). Luke 1:63 So he asked for a writing-tablet, and wrote,
"His name is John." And they all wondered. (WEY DBY WBS). ...
/w/wondered.htm - 19k

Wrote (74 Occurrences)
... Luke 1:63 He asked for a writingtablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They
all marveled. (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/wrote.htm - 30k

Follows (65 Occurrences)
... Holy Spirit. (See NAS). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writingtablet, and wrote,
"His name is John." They all marveled. (See NAS). Luke ...
/f/follows.htm - 25k

Everyone's (8 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Everyone's (8 Occurrences). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writing
tablet, and wrote, "His name is John." They all marveled. (See NIV). ...
/e/everyone's.htm - 8k

Marveled (31 Occurrences)
... the temple. (WEB WBS). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writingtablet, and wrote,
"His name is John." They all marveled. (WEB RSV). Luke ...
/m/marveled.htm - 14k

Astonishment (51 Occurrences)
... afraid. (WEB ASV NAS RSV). Luke 1:63 He asked for a writingtablet, and wrote,
"His name is John." They all marveled. (See NIV). Luke ...
/a/astonishment.htm - 24k

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