Knotting, as a practice and concept, is not explicitly detailed in the Bible; however, the imagery and symbolism of knots can be inferred from various scriptural references and cultural practices of biblical times. In ancient contexts, knots were often used for practical purposes such as binding, securing, and fastening, which can be seen as metaphors for spiritual and relational bonds.

Symbolism of Binding and Loosing

The concept of binding and loosing is significant in biblical teachings, particularly in the New Testament. In Matthew 16:19, Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" . This passage suggests a spiritual authority and responsibility, where binding can be seen as a form of knotting, symbolizing the power to establish or restrict spiritual truths and practices.

Covenantal Bonds

In the Old Testament, the idea of covenant is central, often symbolized by physical signs and rituals that could involve knotting or binding. For example, the covenant between God and Abraham involved the physical sign of circumcision (Genesis 17), which, while not a knot, represents a binding agreement. The imagery of a knot can be metaphorically applied to the strength and permanence of these divine covenants.

Marriage and Unity

The concept of knotting is also relevant in the context of marriage, often referred to as "tying the knot" in modern parlance. While the Bible does not use this exact phrase, the idea of two becoming one flesh (Genesis 2:24) reflects a binding union. This union is further emphasized in Ecclesiastes 4:12, which states, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" . This verse highlights the strength found in unity, akin to the strength of a well-tied knot.

Spiritual and Relational Bonds

Throughout Scripture, the importance of spiritual and relational bonds is evident. In Colossians 3:14, believers are encouraged to "put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity" . Here, love is described as a binding force, much like a knot that holds together the fabric of Christian community and fellowship.

Practical Uses of Knotting

In biblical times, knotting would have been a practical skill used in daily life, from securing tents to fastening garments. The Apostle Paul, a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), would have been familiar with the practical applications of knotting in his work. This practical aspect underscores the everyday relevance of knotting as a metaphor for the interconnectedness and interdependence of the Christian life.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly discuss knotting, the themes of binding, covenant, unity, and love provide a rich tapestry of symbolic meanings that can be associated with the concept of knotting. These themes underscore the importance of strong, enduring bonds in both spiritual and relational contexts.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Knot.4748. miqsheh -- (an artistic) hairdo
... well set hair. From qashah in the sense of knotting up round and hard; something
turned (rounded), ie A curl (of tresses) -- X well (set) hair. ...
/hebrew/4748.htm - 6k

And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ...
... tall woman. Then she put her hands behind her head, and gathered some of
her hair, and began weaving and knotting it together. When ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 4 and as she.htm

Words with a Freshly Honed Razor-Edge.
... the jaw locked; the tendrils of the purpose going down around and under the gray
granite of a man's will, and tying themselves there; and knotting the ties ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on prayer/words with a freshly honed.htm

The Elf
... Next day, in the sermon, there was something about the praise all creation offers
to God, and I saw Tangles knotting her hands together and going into the ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xx the elf.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... of white. [2979] It seems even to imply the peculiar symbolical mode of
knotting them at present in use. [2980] Further symbolic ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... As far as I can judge, it contained an exorcism against the "knotting of the tag,"
and the mention of this subject called up that of the marriage rites. ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

Knotting (3 Occurrences)
... (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Knot. Multi-Version Concordance Knotting (3 Occurrences). ... So
knotting two new cords round him they took him up from the rock. (BBE). ...
/k/knotting.htm - 7k

Know (8133 Occurrences)

/k/know.htm - 12k

Knotted (3 Occurrences)

/k/knotted.htm - 7k

Tightly (14 Occurrences)
... Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new thick cords, knotting them tightly round
him, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. ...
/t/tightly.htm - 10k

Threads (13 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new thick cords, knotting them tightly round
him, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. ...
/t/threads.htm - 10k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 Knotting his ass's cord to the vine, and his young ass to the best
vine; washing his robe in wine, and his clothing in the blood of grapes: (BBE). ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

Cords (80 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new thick cords, knotting them tightly round
him, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. ...
/c/cords.htm - 30k

Thick (129 Occurrences)
... (BBE YLT). Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new thick cords, knotting them tightly
round him, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. ...
/t/thick.htm - 38k

Secretly (104 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Judges 16:12 So Delilah took new thick cords, knotting them tightly round
him, and said to him, The Philistines are on you, Samson. ...
/s/secretly.htm - 37k

Best (252 Occurrences)
... Genesis 49:11 Knotting his ass's cord to the vine, and his young ass to the best
vine; washing his robe in wine, and his clothing in the blood of grapes: (BBE). ...
/b/best.htm - 36k

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