In biblical times, sheets were an essential part of daily life, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The term "sheets" in the Bible often refers to linen cloths used for various purposes, including clothing, bedding, and ceremonial uses. The use of sheets is mentioned in several contexts throughout the Scriptures, highlighting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture.

Materials and Uses

Sheets in biblical times were typically made from linen, a fabric derived from the flax plant. Linen was highly valued for its durability and comfort, making it a preferred material for garments and household items. The process of making linen was labor-intensive, involving the harvesting, retting, and weaving of flax fibers. This made linen sheets a valuable commodity.

In the context of bedding, sheets were used to cover and protect mattresses or sleeping areas. They provided comfort and warmth, especially in the cooler nights of the region. Sheets were also used as garments, such as the linen ephod worn by priests (1 Samuel 2:18) and the fine linen garments worn by the wealthy (Proverbs 31:22).

Symbolic Significance

Sheets and linen cloths held symbolic significance in the Bible, often representing purity and righteousness. In Revelation 19:8, the fine linen worn by the bride of Christ is described as "the righteous acts of the saints." This imagery underscores the association of linen with holiness and moral purity.

The use of linen sheets in religious ceremonies further emphasizes their symbolic importance. The priests in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple were required to wear linen garments as they performed their duties (Exodus 28:39-42). This requirement underscored the need for purity and sanctity in the service of God.

Biblical References

One notable reference to sheets in the Bible is found in the account of Jesus' burial. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea requested Jesus' body from Pilate and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth before placing it in the tomb (Matthew 27:59, Mark 15:46, Luke 23:53). This act of wrapping Jesus in linen sheets was in accordance with Jewish burial customs and highlighted the respect and care given to His body.

Another reference is found in Acts 10:11, where Peter sees a vision of a sheet being lowered from heaven, containing all kinds of animals. This vision symbolized the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community and the breaking down of traditional Jewish dietary laws.

Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the Bible, sheets and linen cloths were not only practical items but also indicators of social status. The possession of fine linen sheets was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Proverbs 31:22 describes the virtuous woman as making coverings for her bed and clothing herself in fine linen and purple, indicating her industriousness and the prosperity of her household.

Overall, sheets in the Bible serve as a reminder of the daily life and customs of ancient peoples, as well as the deeper spiritual truths conveyed through their symbolic use.6341b. pach -- a plate (of metal)
... a plate (of metal). Transliteration: pach Short Definition: sheets. Word Origin
from the same as pach Definition a plate (of metal) NASB Word Usage sheets (2). ...
/hebrew/6341b.htm - 5k

7554. raqa -- to beat, stamp, beat out, spread out
... A primitive root; to pound the earth (as a sign of passion); by analogy to expand
(by hammering); by implication, to overlay (with thin sheets of metal) -- beat ...
/hebrew/7554.htm - 6k

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... There are 480 sheets in a Russian ream, and I suppose that our book will consist
of seven parts, each containing about the same number of sheets as the printed ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 10.htm

To J. Tarn, Esq.
... In respect to the 75 roubles charged for the reprinting of three sheets
of St. Matthew, I beg leave to observe, that after several ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... six ounces weight each, which form the spaces between the lines, I ordered 120 pounds
weight of those at a rouble a pound, being barely enough for three sheets ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 12.htm

The Messenger
... The next day Mentu was bending over fresh sheets of papyrus, and when his son
entered and stood beside him he raised his head defiantly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iii the messenger.htm

To J. Tarn, Esq.
... The last account which I had the honour of transmitting to you detailed expenses
in the editing of the Mandchou Testament as far as the first two sheets of St. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq 2.htm

To J. Tarn, Esq.
... In the first volume of the Epistles there are forty-three sheets, and in the second
there will be nearly the same number; these two volumes in thickness will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/to j tarn esq 3.htm

Letter Lxxxiii. From Pammachius and Oceanus.
... A reverend brother has brought to us sheets containing a certain person's translation
into Latin of a treatise by Origen"entitled peri archon. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxxxiii from pammachius and.htm

Letter I.
... Having with difficulty obtained a little leisure, I have been able to recover from
bodily fatigue on my return from Armenia, and to collect the sheets of my ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter i.htm

Epistle Xlix. To Leander, Bishop.
... Some sheets indeed of the third and fourth parts of that work I have not sent to
thy Charity, having already given those sheets only of the said parts to ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlix to leander bishop.htm

To the Rev. J. Jowett
... Fourthly, we promise during the interval of a certain period to supply
at the rate of three sheets per week. SCHULTZ & BENEZE.'. ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev j jowett 9.htm

Sheets (4 Occurrences)
...Sheets (4 Occurrences). ... Judges 14:13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall
ye give me thirty sheets and thirty change of garments. ...
/s/sheets.htm - 7k

Sheet (9 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) The space in the forward or the after part of a boat where there
are no rowers; as, fore sheets; stern sheets. 12. (vt) To ...
/s/sheet.htm - 10k

Lead (192 Occurrences)
... It is both malleable and ductile, though with little tenacity, and is used for
tubes, sheets, bullets, etc. Its specific gravity is 11.37. ...
/l/lead.htm - 42k

Book (211 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A collection of sheets of paper, or similar material, blank, written, or
printed, bound together; commonly, many folded and bound sheets containing ...
/b/book.htm - 101k

Token (24 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) Ten and a half quires, or, commonly, 250 sheets, of paper printed on both
sides; also, in some cases, the same number of sheets printed on one side, or ...
/t/token.htm - 16k

Raise (175 Occurrences)
... Sandy Hook light. 19. (vt) To let go; as in the command, Raise tacks and
sheets, ie, Let go tacks and sheets. 20. (vt) To create ...
/r/raise.htm - 40k

Propose (8 Occurrences)
... propose a riddle to you: if ye can certainly declare it me within the seven days
of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty ...
/p/propose.htm - 9k

Scroll (70 Occurrences)
... the heavens are a series of written tablets or to the rabbinic saying that "if all
the oceans were ink, all reeds pens, the heavens and earth sheets to write ...
/s/scroll.htm - 32k

Roll (57 Occurrences)
... the heavens are a series of written tablets or to the rabbinic saying that "if all
the oceans were ink, all reeds pens, the heavens and earth sheets to write ...
/r/roll.htm - 33k

Text (5 Occurrences)
... of 48 lines each. The pages measure 15 X 13 1/2 in., and the leaves are arranged
in quaternions of four sheets. The open sheet exposing ...
/t/text.htm - 73k

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