Cruse

CRUSE kroos:

A small earthen vessel or flask, usually for holding liquids: tsappachath; as water, 1 Samuel 26:11,12,16; 1 Kings 19:6; it being porous, the liquid is kept cool; also for holding oil, as in 1Ki l7:12,14,16.

In 1 Kings 14:3 ("a cruse of honey") the word baqbuq, would be better rendered "bottle," doubtless deriving its name from the gurgling sound of issuing liquids. In 2 Kings 2:20 tselochith, is not a jar or flask, but a dish, or platter, for salt or other substances.

In the New Testament a small jar or vial, alabastron, "alabaster cruse" or flask, for holding ointment; not "box" as in the King James Version (Matthew 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37; compare 1 Samuel 10:1; 2 Kings 9:1,3, where "box" in the King James Version is used for "vial" the Revised Version (British and American)).

Edward Bagby Pollard

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'CRUSE'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.