Napkin
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Napkin in the Bible?
The napkin is a linen cloth mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Parable of the Talents (Luke 19:20) where it serves as a container for money, and in the Gospel of John (11:44; 20:7) where it is depicted as the cloth that covered the face of Jesus during burial.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical nature of the napkin clarifies the practical details of the Parable of the Talents, illustrating how the servant concealed his lack of investment, and provides historical context for the burial customs described in the resurrection narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Napkin in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Napkin clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.