Bible Dictionary
BUNDLE
A bundle is a group of things tied or gathered together. The Bible also uses the image figuratively of being bound in the “bundle of the living,” signifying safety and preservation under God’s care.
Definition
A bundle is a group of objects tied, grasped, or gathered together. The term may describe tied possessions, gathered grain, or a multitude, and it can be used literally or metaphorically.
Biblical Usage
The “bundle of life” in 1 Samuel 25:29 signifies the soul of David bound among the living in God’s care, an assurance of safety. Matthew uses bundles for gathered tares prepared for burning.
Historical Background
The metaphor draws on the custom of binding precious things together in bundles. The underlying words include ideas of binding, grasping, tying, and gathering.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>bun'-d'-l: Represents in English Versions of the Bible the words tseror, from a verb meaning "cramp" "bind," etc. (Ge 42:35; 1Sa 25:29; So 1:13); tsebheth, from a verb probably meaning "to grasp" (Ru 2:16); and deseme, from deo, "to tie up," "bind," hence, literally "bundle," just as the English word is derived from "bind" (Mt 13:30); and plethos, properly "multitude." The custom of binding up precious things in bundles (compare So 1:13) is the basis of the very interesting metaphor in 1Sa 25:29: "The soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with Yahweh thy God," or perhaps better, "in the bundle of the living in the care of Yahweh"--an assurance of perfect safety.</p><p>J. R. Van Pelt</p>