Bible Dictionary
Roll
A roll was the usual form of an ancient book, made from a long sheet of papyrus or parchment wound around a stick. Biblical scrolls were commonly written in columns and unrolled for reading.
Definition
A roll was the usual form of an ancient book. It consisted of a long strip of papyrus or parchment wound around a stick or cylinder and was unrolled for reading. Writing was generally arranged in columns and commonly appeared on one side.
Biblical Usage
The biblical word refers to a scroll or manuscript in passages concerning written volumes, prophetic books, and the scroll opened for reading. A roll could also be described as written “within and without.”
Historical Background
The Greek term translated “roll” or “volume” originally referred to the head or top of the stick on which a manuscript was rolled, and then came to denote the manuscript itself. In one passage, “rolls” is rendered “archives.”
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The common form of ancient books. The Hebrew word rendered “roll” or “volume” is meghillah, found in Ezra 6:2; Ps. 40:7; Jer. 36:2, 6, 23, 28, 29; Ezek. 2:9; 3:1-3; Zech. 5:1, 2. “Rolls” (Chald. pl. of sephar, corresponding to Heb. sepher) in Ezra 6:1 is rendered in the Revised Version “archives.” In the New Testament the word “volume” (Heb. 10:7; R.V., “roll”) occurs as the rendering of the Greek kephalis, meaning the head or top of the stick or cylinder on which the manuscript was rolled, and hence the manuscript itself. (See BOOK.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
A book in ancient times consisted of a single long strip of paper or parchment, which was usually kept rolled upon a stick, and was unrolled when a person wished to read it. The roll was usually written on one side only, and hence the particular notice of one that was “written within and without.” (Ezekiel 2:10) The writing was arranged in columns.