Meaning
Rope 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.
See CORD, LINE, SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2.
Burton Scott Easton
