Tear Bottle
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Tear Bottle in the Bible?
The tear bottle is a small vessel used in ancient Jewish funerary rites, containing oil or other substances to be poured on the deceased's face as a symbol of mourning and respect.
SIGNIFICANCE
This artifact provides insight into the cultural practices and customs of ancient Judaism during times of bereavement, helping readers understand the physical expressions of grief and honor for the dead described in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Tear Bottle were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tear Bottle in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tear Bottle clarify?
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
"Tear Bottle." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tear-bottle/