Bible Dictionary
ROPE
A rope is a cord made of bound, woven, or twisted material. Biblical words translated rope may also mean line or cord, depending on the context.
Definition
A rope is something that binds or is woven, usually a cord made from bound or twisted material. Biblical terms translated “rope” can also mean line or cord, and they do not by themselves specify a particular thickness or strength.
Biblical Usage
Ropes or cords are used for such purposes as lowering someone, binding, fastening a boat, and making small cords suitable for a whip. The context determines whether “rope,” “line,” or “cord” is most appropriate.
Historical Background
Flax or hemp was the usual rope material. Egyptians, and possibly Hebrews, also sometimes made ropes from leather thongs.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>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.</p><p>See CORD; LINE; SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2.</p><p>Burton Scott Easton</p>