Paddle
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Paddle in the Bible?
The Hebrew term yathedh refers to a digging tool or shovel, explicitly mandated in Deuteronomy 23:13 for burying human excrement during military campaigns to maintain camp hygiene.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific function of the yathedh illuminates the practical application of ritual purity laws in ancient Israel, demonstrating how physical sanitation was integrated into religious observance to ensure the community's holiness and divine favor.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Paddle were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Paddle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Paddle clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Deuteronomy 23:13
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Paddle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/paddle/