ROPE

ISBE

rop: Used in the Old Testament for chebhel, "that which binds" ( 2Sa 17:13 , etc.), and for `abhoth, "that which is woven" ( Jud 15:13 , etc.). In neither word is any specified thickness or strength connoted, and chebhel is translated equally well by "line" ( 2Sa 8:2 , etc.) or "cord" ( Jos 2:15 , etc.), and `abhoth by "cord" ( Ps 118:27 , etc.), as best suits the context. Similarly in the New Testament the word schoinion, literally, "made of rushes" can mean the rope by which a boat is fastened ( Ac 27:32 ) or small cords suitable for a whip ( Joh 2:15 ). The usual material for ropes was certainly flax (hemp), but the Egyptians, and so possibly the Hebrews, at times made ropes of leathern thongs. See CORD; LINE; SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2. Burton Scott Easton