Distaff
Artifactsâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
The Hebrew term 'dis'-taf appears in Proverbs 31:19, describing the hand holding the raw material during the spinning process. Textual criticism indicates that the Revised Version likely swapped the English translations of 'distaff' and 'spindle' relative to the original Hebrew usage.
What is the meaning of Distaff in the Bible?
The Hebrew term 'dis'-taf appears in Proverbs 31:19, describing the hand holding the raw material during the spinning process. Textual criticism indicates that the Revised Version likely swapped the English translations of 'distaff' and 'spindle' relative to the original Hebrew usage.
SIGNIFICANCE
Clarifying the distinction between the distaff (holding fibers) and the spindle (twisting fibers) provides accurate insight into the daily labor and economic contributions of women described in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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- What cultural or historical assumption does Distaff clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.