What does the Bible say about bottles?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents bottles as ordinary vessels that serve human needs, while also using them to picture God’s providence, judgment, and the believer’s frailty. In Genesis 21:14-19, God sees Hagar and Ishmael in their distress when their water is gone and mercifully provides a well, showing that our help ultimately comes from him. Judges 4:19 and 1 Samuel 16:20 mention bottles in acts of hospitality and provision. Jeremiah 19:1 uses a potter’s flask to symbolize Jerusalem’s coming judgment for persistent sin. Psalm 119:83 compares the afflicted psalmist to a smoke-dried bottle, yet he continues to remember God’s statutes. Even in weakness, God faithfully sustains his people and calls them to trust and obey him.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- First mention of, in Scripture Genesis 21:14
- Ancients often drank from Habakkuk 2:15
- Used for holding
- Water Genesis 21:14; Genesis 21:15; Genesis 21:19
- Milk Judges 4:19
- Wine 1 Samuel 1:24; 1 Samuel 16:20
- Some, made of earthenware Jeremiah 19:1
- Made of skins
- Shrivelled and dried by smoke Psalms 119:83
- Marred by age and use Joshua 9:14; Joshua 9:13
- When old, unfit for holding new wine Matthew 9:17; Mark 2:22
- Sometimes probably of large dimensions 1 Samuel 25:18; 2 Samuel 16:1
- Illustrative
- Of the clouds Job 38:37
- Of God’s remembrance Psalms 56:8
- Of sinners ripe for judgment Jeremiah 13:12-14
- (Dried up,) of the afflicted Psalms 119:83
- (Ready to burst,) of the impatient Job 32:19
- (Broken,) of severe judgments Isaiah 30:14; Jeremiah 19:10; Jeremiah 48:12
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about bottles and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about bottles